A new virtual reality project will see the history of Lough Neagh come to life in the Gateway Centre in Antrim.
This digital project at Antrim Lough Shore, in support of the Northern Ireland ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ campaign has a combined value of £227,000, which will be funded by Tourism NI’s Market Led Product Development Programme.
The digital experience will build on the eight metre tall sculpture, the Protector of the Lough which will be installed in the early part of this year. Inspired by Yeats’ ‘The Wanderings of Oisin’ the sculpture draws from stories of Irish mythology which include Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) and is a love song to the lough, the land and our heritage.
Other components of the Embrace the Giant Spirit project include bespoke virtual reality seasonal trails, taster sessions with local restaurants, festivals and guided tours.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said not only will the various projects be an exciting attraction for our residents and visitors, but the increase in visitor spend will be a huge benefit to our local businesses.
“Lough Neagh has a lot of history to tell and I am glad that we are extending the methods in how we can share the many stories of the lough with others,” he added.