W5 AND PUFFIN ROCK LTD ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP
Date Posted: March 19, 2025
W5 has announced a unique new partnership with the creators of the hit children’s television show, Puffin Rock. This exciting news follows the recent announcement that Puffin Rock has secured a new broadcast deal with the BBC.
W5, Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the creators of the beloved children’s television series, Puffin Rock. This collaboration will bring a series of engaging events to W5, featuring the characters, locations, and habitats from the show, delighting young fans and their families.
Puffin Rock, narrated by Chris O’Dowd, follows the adventures of a young puffin named Oona and her baby brother Baba on a beautiful Irish island. The warm and gentle storytelling features pre-school themes including friendship, family and belonging alongside learning about the natural world.
The series is co-produced by the award-winning studios Cartoon Saloon and Dog Ears. It has garnered international acclaim and is currently being broadcast on BBC’s CBeebies and RTÉjr in Ireland.
Since its debut, Puffin Rock has achieved widespread recognition for its charming storytelling, stunning animation, and low stimulation approach. Alongside Chris O’Dowd, the show features the voices of children from across the island of Ireland, including many from Derry/Londonderry and Donegal. In 2023, the movie ‘Puffin Rock and the New Friends’, premiered to international acclaim and was the first animated film produced in Northern Ireland.
Unlike many fast-paced, high-energy children’s shows, Puffin Rock takes a low-stimulation approach to storytelling, making it an ideal choice for younger viewers, particularly those who benefit from calmer, more structured content. Rooted in nature and wildlife education, the series avoids fast cuts, excessive motion, and loud sound effects, instead opting for soft, lush animation and original orchestral music, which help create a soothing viewing experience that is engaging and relaxing.
Because of this unique blend of fun, education, and low-stimulation content, Puffin Rock has been embraced by educators and parents who are looking for screen time that is both enriching and relaxing. The show has also been recognised for its positive impact on early childhood development, reinforcing the value of storytelling as a tool for learning.
Victoria Denoon, Head of Experience at W5, said: “At W5, we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. Partnering with Puffin Rock is a perfect fit for our mission, as the show beautifully celebrates nature, adventure, and discovery, values that naturally align with what we aim to offer through our range of interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and educational science shows.”
The partnership will see W5 hosting activities that bring the enchanting world of Puffin Rock to life. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the show’s vibrant habitats, meet their favourite characters, and learn about the natural world in a fun and educational setting.
Victoria Denoon continued: “This partnership will allow visitors to step into the world of Oona, Baba, and their friends, bringing Puffin Rock to life. As a homegrown success story, Puffin Rock resonates with local audiences while captivating global viewers. We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Dog Ears and Cartoon Saloon to celebrate this achievement and can’t wait to welcome visitors to discover the wonders of Puffin Rock.”
Located in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, W5 is Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre, offering over 250 STEM-based exhibits, interactive workshops, and hands-on science shows, designed to inspire learners of all ages. Through this partnership, W5 will introduce Puffin Rock-themed events, activities, and experiences that will transport visitors into the show’s vibrant world.
Fionnuala Deane, Managing Director of Dog Ears, commented: “On behalf of Dog Ears and Cartoon Saloon, the producers of Puffin Rock, I want to say how excited we are about our new partnership with W5, as we are huge fans of their work and their approach to engaging with children. W5 is a unique science and discovery centre for kids across the island of Ireland, and their perfect balance of entertainment and education is something that reflects our own work on the show. For us, it is the perfect partnership to showcase Puffin Rock and create fresh and fun ways for kids to interact with our island.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Ireland Screen, added: “At Northern Ireland Screen, we are passionate about fostering homegrown talent and bringing local stories to global audiences. Dog Ears’ Puffin Rock is a shining example of the incredible animation work being produced here, and we are delighted to see this new partnership with W5 bringing the magic of the show to life in an interactive and educational way. This collaboration is a testament to the strength of our creative industries, and we look forward to seeing visitors from near and far engage with the world of Oona and Baba in such an inspiring setting.”
To be the first to hear about the latest news about this exciting new partnership and Puffin Rock events at W5, sign up for W5’s email mailing list here.
