A NEW heritage trail which will lead visitors around locations associated with Easter Rising leader James Connolly will launch today.
Devised by Áras Uí Chonghaile, The James Connolly Visitor Centre, it will be the first Belfast Heritage Trail powered by Augmented Reality.
It is supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and will highlight prominent locations around Belfast associated with the renowned Republican and Trade Union leader during his time in the city more than 100 years ago.
The trail begins in Belfast City Hall before making its way through the city centre, taking in Custom House Square, Sailortown and the Docks area.
It continues past Speaker's Corner at Library Street, up along the Falls Road, past one of Belfast's last remaining restored working mills, before arriving at the award winning attraction, the James Connolly Visitor Centre.
The trail will be launched today by Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Paul Mullan, Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey and Belfast Mayor Kate Nicholl.
Eimear Hargey, Heritage Development Officer at Áras Uí Chonghaile said: "Despite the challenges raised by the global pandemic, we are thrilled to bring forward this ground breaking Heritage Trail, the first of its kind in Belfast to be powered by Augmented Reality.
"The free downloadable app from both iOS and Android App stores will allow for local citizens and visitors alike to uncover the hidden story of James Connolly in Belfast and present them with Belfasts' heritage at their fingertips.
"We’re delighted to partner with Féile an Phobail, Ireland’s biggest Community Arts festival, to offer a guided tour that will complement the Augmented Reality experience. "
Harry Connolly, director of west Belfast tourism promoter Fáilte Feirste Thiar, said it will "encourage visitors to neighbourhoods and communities as well as inviting them to explore Belfast's historical city centre".
For further information on the Heritage Trail, visit: www.arasuichonghaile.com/heritagetrail
