For the first time ever, visitors and locals in Dublin, Ireland, can immerse themselves in a series of discovery trails through augmented reality. The Dublin Discovery Trails app, developed by Peel X and funded by Failté Ireland and Dublin City Council, brings Dublin’s Docklands to life in a new and unique way. Dublin’s Docklands served as one of the world’s largest docks in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, in which countless ships entered and exited the port every day. This hub of trade and industry meant many people worked the docklands and interacted with one another daily.

© Dublin City Council

The first of many trails to come on the app, the Doors into Docklands trail offers three options for users to explore: the main route (about 2.5 miles long), an extended route (less than 3 miles long) and an accessible extended route (3.1 miles long). The GPS-enabled walking trail allows users to enjoy Dublin and its history at their own pace.

Live actor augmented reality characters provide a closer look at Dublin over the years, detailing interesting stories of life and work in Dublin’s Docklands throughout history. Captain Bligh shares his story of surveying Dublin Bay in the 19^thcentury, while Maggie Doyle details her life as a docker’s daughter.  In blending old with new, this new app brings visitors along some of the Docklands’ most-loved sites and attractions.

© Dublin City Council

Highlights include seeing Guinness barges sailing down the River Liffey and witnessing the Crimean Banquet, hosted in CHQ building. The app also delves into the story of the famine statues located on the river banks. Users can experience a 360-degree view of the Custom House fires of 1921, as well as port workers in the Diving Bell working at the bottom of the sea.

The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play.