Dinosaurs Survive!

This summer, embark on an extraordinary adventure at W5 with Dinosaurs Survive!

Experience the awe of coming face-to-face with dinosaurs — from gentle herbivores and newly hatched baby dinosaurs to energetic velociraptors and powerful carnivores.

This immersive, family-friendly adventure brings the magic of the Mesozoic Era to life, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore, discover, and get closer to these incredible creatures than ever before.

This experience will be available during weekends in June and daily during July* and August.

*Please note that W5 is closed on 12 July 2025.

A strange and unexplained phenomenon has seen Dinosaurs once again walk the earth. Here on the island of Ireland, there were over a dozen sightings in just the last six months. Expert animal handlers from the IAPD (International Association for the Preservation of Dinosaurs) were sent out into the field in retrieval teams to capture these prehistoric beasts quickly before they could do harm and return them to the IAPD complex at W5, where they can be looked after and studied.

We are finally at the stage where we can allow visitors to see what we have learned and how we have adapted to a world where Dinosaurs Survive!

Discovery Zone (Self-Guided Walkthrough)

Your first stop will be the Discovery Zone, where you will see traditional dinosaur diorama displays and learn about the prehistoric era.

IAPD Headquarters (Bookable Experience)

Then it’s on to the IAPD Headquarters, where you will watch a short film explaining the work we do here at the IAPD and supply you with important safety information to prepare you for your encounter with what can be potentially dangerous creatures. Your safety is always our highest priority.

Now, the fun begins. Join us as we unveil some incredible specimens from our hatchery. If you’re lucky, you might even witness a live egg hatching! But the real star of the show? Our adorable baby Dilophosaurus. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet her up close during a special appearance with our expert handler.

Excitement builds as we reach the point where we open the doors to the Holding Pen and give our visitors a unique opportunity to meet a juvenile Dilophosaurus or Tyrannosaurus. Don’t let the word juvenile fool you! Despite their young age, these beasts stand at an impressive 2m tall and 4m long. A few lucky visitors may be invited to get up close to these impressive creatures, but only if our handler is content that it is safe to do so on the day.

Carnivore Enclosure (Self-Guided Walkthrough)

Have you been wondering where the loud roars have been coming from? Finally, we will direct you to the Carnivore Enclosure. Here you will encounter some of our largest dinosaurs. One of our IAPD experts will be on hand to keep you safe and introduce you to the Carnotaurus, a Spinosaurus, the incredible Giganotosaurus and some Raptors (if you’re lucky, they can be hard to spot).

This experience is included with general admission, but pre-booking is required for the IAPD Headquarters part of the experience in W5's Lecture Theatre. Simply add this experience to your visit via the 'Upgrades' page on our online booking system.

The Discovery Zone and Carnivore Enclosure are self-guided walkthrough exhibits that can be visited anytime between 10am and 6pm. Visiting the IAPD Headquarters is an additional bookable experience available between 11am and 5pm.

Dinosaurs Survive! will be taking place throughout levels 4 and 5 of W5. To begin your adventure, head to level 5.

The experience is suitable for all ages. Younger children may find the experience a little frightening. Staff will be on hand to escort you out should you need to leave the experience.

May

• Saturday 31 May

June

• Saturdays: 7, 14, 21, 28 June
• Sundays: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 June

July & August

• Daily from Tuesday 1 July - 31 August*

*Please note that W5 is closed on 12 July 2025.

Dinosaurs Survive! will run at selected times from 10am-6pm. This experience is included with general admission, but pre-booking is required for the IAPD Headquarters part of the experience in W5's Lecture Theatre. This can be done via the ‘Upgrades’ page on our online booking system. Prebooking is essential.