“A Step Back in Time” – a new interactive way to view sites of interest

14th September 2018

PLEASE NOTE: This article is over 1 year old and may not contain the most up-to-date information.
Augmented App

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently launched a new Augmented Reality Application entitled “A Step Back in Time” to enhance visitors’ experience at a number of sites in the greater Enniskillen area of County Fermanagh.

The new app is a pilot project to test a “proof of concept” that augmented reality technology can be used to help visitors learn more about the built heritage of the region. The project has been funded through the Small Business Research Initiative competition administered by Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy.

Commenting on the initiative, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton said that:

“This Augmented Reality Application is an excellent first step to seeing what technologies are possible to impart information to visitors once in the region. I look forward to seeing the technology developed further to enhance the visitor experience of our natural and built heritage”.

Chief Digital Officer at Tourism NI, Dave Vincent, commented:

“We wanted to encourage tourism focussed innovation in Augmented Reality and find solutions to encourage our visitors to encounter new experiences, stay longer and spend more. It’s fantastic to see Fermanagh and Omagh District Council deliver an exciting new visitor experience around Fermanagh’s rich history and we’re looking forward to working with the tourism industry on further immersive technology projects across Northern Ireland.”

Iain Greenway, Director of Historic Environment Division, DfC said;

“We are delighted to be able to support local enterprise in developing this proof of concept app.  Utilising this kind of technology to help improve the visitor experience and bring better understanding on a range of sites and monuments, particularly those in more difficult to reach locations, is an exciting step forward.”

The application can be downloaded from the Apple App store and from Google Play and once downloaded the camera feature will come alive at each of the five sites which cover the following periods of history; Neolithic, Early Christian, Plantation, Lough Erne Boat Heritage and World War II.

Further information on the Augmented Reality Application is available from Enniskillen Visitor Information Centre or from the Tourism Development Section of Fermanagh Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777, textphone 028 82256216 or email: tourismdevelopment@fermanaghomagh.com.