Tullamore set to become 'temporary intellectual capital of the world'
Mensa International, the world’s largest and most famous high IQ society, has announced an event to be held in Offaly in early May.
The society, which boasts a global community of approximately 150,000, is inviting people from the Midlands to attend a supervised Mensa IQ test at the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday, May 2, at 2pm.
The test will be the centrepiece of the Irish Mensa Annual Gathering, a social weekend where members from across the globe meet to share ideas and enjoy the local culture, and takes place in Tullamore for four days from May 1 to May 4.
Chairman of Irish Mensa Anthony Phelan said that, unlike a standard academic exam, the upcoming event will consist of two sets of puzzles and multiple-choice questions designed to measure raw mental agility rather than book-learning or school curriculum.
"Some of the world’s sharpest minds from Ireland, the UK, USA and Europe are set to converge on Tullamore," said Anthony. "While these international visitors will be exploring local landmarks like Birr Castle and Tullamore Dew Distillery, they are also issuing a unique invitation to the people of the Midlands to see if you have what it takes to join them."
Anthony said it's important to know that the event is open to anyone who believes they can achieve Mensa membership, and that the organisation is always keen to 'break the genius myth' often associated with it.
"There is a common misconception that Mensa is a closed shop for professors or rocket scientists. In reality, the society’s members in Ireland come from every imaginable walk of life from tradespeople and students to retirees and stay-at-home parents. The test isn't about what you learned in a classroom; it’s about how your brain solves problems and identifies patterns.
"For many, taking the test is a way to bypass traditional Irish modesty and finally answer a lifelong question of personal potential.
"Those who score within the top two per cent of the population will receive an invitation to join the society and gain access to a global network of over 140,000 members," he added.
The supervised test costs €40 and is open to anyone over the age of ten years and six months. While the official deadline for booking is three days before the event, organisers are urging the public to register immediately, as the remaining test seats are expected to book out in advance.
To book a place for the Tullamore IQ test, visit: https://mymensa.mensa.org.uk/iqtest/view/MSIQT