Heritage Centre offering full 360° experience of Lismore Castle
Entering through the curtains, decorated to look like the grand gates to Lismore Castle, visitors to Lismore Heritage Centre are given a virtual experience of Lismore Castle.
An iconic piece of the West Waterford town’s heritage, the castle opens its gardens to the public, however, the castle itself is a private residence with no public access.
Lismore Heritage Centre offers a complete 360° experience however to immerse yourself in the history of the town's castle and gives a glimpse of what’s hidden behind its doors using virtual reality
According to Mealla Fahey of Lismore Heritage Centre, the virtual reality experience is all created locally.
“The video is written by a local man, James Lenane, and acted by local actors. It’s essentially a 15-minute virtual reality experience of the history of the castle from Richard Boyle to Walter Raleigh. It brings you into the drawing room of the castle as it is today and gives a synopsis of the castle itself,” she said.
"It’s a private residence and the Cavendish family are often at home, but the local heritage centre is happy to tell the story of the Book of Lismore and the Bishop’s Crozier that were hidden in the walls of the castle for almost two centuries".
After the virtual reality experience, visitors can see some of the old costumes and wigs and take part in a dress-up and photograph experience for a memento of their visit.
On the exit from the centre, a wall is decorated with signatures and photos of guests who in the past visited Lismore Castle, including John F Kennedy, Prince (now King) Charles and Camilla, Fred and Adele Astaire and more.
Lismore Heritage Centre also offers a host of other services and activities such as Robert Boyle’s Escape Room in Virtual Reality. Those seeking an active stay or day out can also avail of guided walking tours through the Lismore Heritage Centre including a town tour, Lady Louisa’s Walk, Motte and Bailey Walk, St Declan’s Way Taster Walk and Towers Walk.
For more information, visit discoverlismore.com or call (058) 54975.