On behalf of Clean Coasts funding, Galway Atlantaquaria and MindSli? are delighted to announce a brand new series of seashore experiences in Salthill for World Ocean Day, June 8.
In just over twenty years Ireland has led in developing Ocean Literacy Standards for everyone, to understand how it can impact us, and how we can cause impacts too. However, while we have done very well on the education part of the ocean, we have yet to promote the wellbeing and inherent value of the ocean for our well being.
There is a really fantastic concept of CES that is cultural ecosystem services which are the intangible, non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including aesthetic, spiritual, and psychological benefits.
This means that essentially we can gain curiosity, compassion, and a calm centre just by observing the sea, seashore and its biodiversity.
But how?
In developing Mindful Steps By The Sea, MindSli? brings its signature approach to the shoreline – a set of structured reflective exercises, each grounded in psychology and designed to be completed individually, at your own pace. No prior experience is needed. The exercises do the guiding.
Mindful Steps By The Sea is a guided reflective shore journey made up of 10 short exercises inspired by psychology, reflective practice, and our relationship with the natural environment. Through the experience, participants come away with a clearer sense of where they stand on themes like change, belonging, and resilience, and small, concrete ways to carry those insights into everyday life. Just you, the coast, and a set of questions worth sitting with.
Garry Kendellen, Marketing at Galway Atlantaquaria said they are so grateful to Clean Coasts for funding these unique and bespoke experiences so the public can avail of some very interesting experiences on the shore.
“We are delighted to welcome this new opportunity and hope it will become a very successful model for bringing people together, and learning about the non material benefits we get from the sea”.
Inga Turcan of MindSli?, said modern life is busy and loud, and most of us don’t get many chances to simply think.
“MindSli? was built to change that – one small exercise at a time. We all have moments where we stop and ask: what actually matters to me right now? MindSli? exists to create space for exactly that. The coast, with all its rhythm and scale, does half the work already. We simply give that inspiring backdrop a little structure for your inner life.”
In short, participants move along the shore, exploring simple written prompts to reflect quietly on themes such as change, belonging, care, resilience, and balance.
Each exercise connects an observation of the coast with a personal reflection and a small, practical takeaway for everyday life.
After completing the exercises, participants return to the guide for a gentle interpretation, helping them make sense of the discovered patterns and insights.
The experience is calm, inclusive, and suitable for adults and children.
Participants will be asked to complete a Clean Coasts #2MinuteBeachClean during the experience.
This experience is funded by the Clean Coasts Grants, 2026.
MindSli? is a self-discovery experience using reflective exercises inspired by psychology and philosophy. You stay fully in control of your pace, depth, and comfort.
Monday World Ocean Day 8th of June at 7 pm
Adult Only Booking Link https://ecom.roller.app/nationalaquarium/mindfulstepsbytheshore/en/home
