Eleven tourist attractions in Dublin will get a share €1.8m in state funding, delivered through the Fáilte Ireland ‘Dublin’s Surprising Stories Grants Scheme’.
Successful applicants include Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the GAA Museum at Croke Park, The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC), Newbridge House & Farm and Clondalkin Round Tower.
The investments will be used for the improvement of physical interpretation such as foreign language provision, video, interpretive panels and interactive technology, and is also designed to encourage attractions to extend the opening hours.
Fáilte Ireland chief executive Paul Kelly said that tourists increasingly want a more interactive and accessible experience at Dublin’s tourist spots.
“Our Dublin’s Surprising Stories Grant Scheme is all about bringing the great stories of Dublin and its people to life in a way that creates a genuine interest and unforgettable experience for the visitor,” Kelly explained.
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“New emerging technology can break down language barriers and create new ways for visitors to enjoy history and heritage, and experience immersive, engaging and interactive experiences.”
The successful grant fund recipients are:
- Christ Church Cathedral €195,000
- Clondalkin Round Tower €51,000
- Croke Park GAA Museum €138,750
- Dublinia €200,000
- EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum €162,318
- Glasnevin Cemetery Museum €200,000
- Irish Whiskey Museum €200,000
- Newbridge House & Farm €107,625
- St Patrick's Cathedral €120,637
- The Custom House €200,000
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery €200,000
Bord Fáilte said the €200k taxpayer funding for the Irish Whiskey Museum on College Green will improve the interpretation at the entranceway to provide the impression that the alleyway is part of the customer journey, with characters from the Irish Whiskey world guiding visitors to the main museum.
AVs will be upgraded to 360-degree screens to offer an immersive experience for overseas visitors. Audio guides will be also updated alongside a shareable photo opportunity at the end of the tour to promote Dublin and the museum.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery is receiving €200k from taxpayers to develop an app primarily to enhance foreign language offerings through an audio guide. The company says overall visitor experience will be enhanced through the expansion and addition of multimedia content making the experience much more interactive and engaging for non-English speaking visitors. It will also include the redevelopment of the maturation space of the visitor centre to incorporate sensory and interactive elements.
Photo: Damien Devaney (left), Margaret McAuliffe and Jim Roche. (Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography)
