This summer, explorers big and small are invited to discover Dinosaurs Survive! at W5, Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre.
It all began when strange portals appeared around the globe. At first, it was whispers, rumours of thunderous roars, enormous footprints, and sightings of creatures thought lost to time. But the evidence was overwhelming: dinosaurs had returned.
Scientists from the International Association for the Preservation of Dinosaurs (IAPD) confirmed the unbelievable. These portals had bridged our world with the prehistoric past, allowing dinosaurs to step into the present, confused, disoriented, but very real.
In response, the IAPD sprang into action, assembling a world-class team of palaeontologists and wildlife experts. Their goal? To protect the public and the dinosaurs. A cutting-edge facility was built at W5, complete with research labs, enclosures, hatcheries, and containment zones. What once seemed like science fiction had suddenly become a global mission.
And now, the doors are open. Step inside the IAPD Complex at W5 and come face-to-face with living, breathing dinosaurs in an awe-inspiring adventure for the whole family.
Dinosaurs Survive! is now open, running during weekends throughout June and daily during July and August. Hear the earth-shaking roars, and journey into a world where the prehistoric past collides with today.
Are you ready to meet the dinosaurs? The adventure of a lifetime awaits.
Step back in time in the Discovery Zone
Step into a world of towering dinosaur dioramas and jaw-dropping displays that set the scene for what’s to come.
Here, you’ll uncover incredible facts about the prehistoric world and meet the dinosaur species now safely housed by the IAPD. Find out where these magnificent creatures first appeared, how they were tracked, and the daring missions that brought them to their new home at W5.
Get Ready to Enter the IAPD Headquarters
Welcome to the IAPD HQ, where you’ll learn about their vital mission, how they captured the dinosaurs, and a few safety tips for getting close to some prehistoric beasts!
See real dinosaur eggs and, if you're lucky, watch one hatch before your eyes! You'll even meet one of our adorable baby dinosaurs as it takes its first look at this new modern world.
Be on the edge of your seat as the doors to the Holding Pen open, and you come face-to-face with a juvenile Tyrannosaurus or Dilophosaurus. Don’t let the word ‘juvenile’ fool you, these incredible creatures stand at over two metres tall and stretch nearly four metres long! With expert supervision, some brave visitors may even get the chance to step closer to these prehistoric wonders.
Take a deep breath… it’s time for the Carnivore Enclosure
Get ready, the ultimate thrill awaits! Venture into the Carnivore Enclosure, where you’ll come face-to-face with some of the most powerful predators ever to walk the Earth... AGAIN!
Stand in awe as the Carnotaurus, towering Spinosaurus, and the mighty Giganotosaurus emerge from the shadows. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even catch a glimpse of some Raptors.
Capture the moment with a Jurassic snapshot
Before you continue your journey through W5, be sure to capture the moment. Gather your family and strike your best dino pose for a memorable photo with one of our prehistoric stars.
Drop by the Gift Shop on the ground floor to see your photos. You can browse your snapshots, pick up copies to take home, and grab your Dinosaur photo booklet, filled with fun facts and activities.
The best part? This extraordinary experience is included with general admission to W5, but pre-booking is required for the IAPD Headquarters part of the experience in W5's Lecture Theatre.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your family and friends, and start planning your visit to W5.