The Croagh Patrick Immersive Experience, a new visitor attraction that enables people of every age and ability to experience the summit of Croagh Patrick, will be officially opened today at the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk, Westport.
It will be launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.
The project has been developed by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership through its social enterprise HeriTech Ventures CLG, in partnership with immersive technology specialists Sunovatech. It represents a significant six-figure investment in the refurbishment and opening of the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, the creation of the Immersive Experience, and the development of Ireland’s first all-season, all-weather, all-ability visitor attraction at the foot of Croagh Patrick. Award-winning writer, director and storyteller Seamus O’Rourke contributed to the creative interpretation and storytelling within the experience.
For the first time, people who can’t physically climb Croagh Patrick – because of age, disability, illness, limited mobility, fitness or weather – can still make the journey. A hyper-realistic virtual digital twin of the mountain lets them experience the emotional journey, summit and views over Clew Bay. The experience uses body tracking rather than handsets or gaming controllers, so a visitor’s own movement guides the story, making it intuitive for older visitors and those less familiar with technology.
The Tommy Marren Show is live this morning from the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk.