Antrim Lough Shore will be going digital as an exciting new virtual reality project will see the history of Lough Neagh come to life in the Gateway Centre.
This project, in support of the Northern Ireland ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ campaign, has a combined value of £227K, which will be funded by Tourism NI’s Market Led Product Development Programme.
The digital experience will build on a eight metre tall sculpture, the Protector of the Lough, which will be installed in the early part of this year.
Inspired by Yeats’s ‘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 commented:
“I am delighted that the Council are developing these marvellous plans for Antrim Lough Shore. Not only will the various projects be an exciting attraction for our residents and visitors, 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”.