Member Spotlight: VR contributing to Access for All

Lough Ree Access For All has launched a new Virtual Reality experience designed to make the heritage of Inchcleraun Island accessible to everyone. The initiative was officially unveiled in Lanesboro with Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and representatives from the Department of Public Expenditure in attendance.

Building on the charity’s mission to provide inclusive, wheelchair-accessible boat trips on Lough Ree, the new Inchcleraun VR Project allows visitors who cannot physically disembark onto the island to explore its monastic ruins through a 10‑minute immersive Virtual Reality tour. Using VR headsets, visitors can engage with the ancient stories of St Diarmaid and Queen Maeve and gain a deeper connection to the island’s rich history.

The experience was designed and delivered by Eirmersive member Emagine, who worked closely with the Lough Ree Access For All team to create a fully portable, waterproof XR solution suited to real-world conditions on the lake. By extending access beyond the physical journey and into the stories that define the landscape, the project ensures that more people can truly see, hear, and feel part of Lough Ree’s heritage.

Access to places matters, and access to the stories behind them matters just as much.

Emagine CEO Aaron Jay, at right, with the Lough Ree Access For All team (photo courtesy of Aaron Jay)