Dublin City Council has launched Ireland’s first ever augmented reality (AR) mapping feature, which allows users of the Dublin Discovery Trails app to open up a 3D map of Dublin on their device and allows them to explore the city in a new, innovative way. 

‘DiscovAR Dublin’ – a first for Ireland in utilising new open Google Maps technology to form an interactive 3D map – enables users to interact with the map to uncover the city’s landmarks, museums and attractions. They can also learn more about the history and significance of locations such as the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC (the Irish Emigration Museum) and 14 Henrietta Street.

The project is a collaboration between the Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin and Virgin Media Business alongside Peel X, who developed the feature for the Dublin Discovery Trails app. Launched in 2022, the app is a platform on which the Dublin local authorities can develop new immersive experiences combining the real-world history with smart technologies. Already there are unique experiences published including ‘Doors into Docklands’, in addition to heritage tours in Balbriggan and Castleknock. 

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, said thatthe user can ‘literally’ step into the city from anywhere in the world and explore Dublin in the palm of their hand. “Innovative technology will help further position Dublin as a world-class destination with this new experience,” he added.

Jamie Cudden, Smart City team leader with Dublin City Council, said,“Through our Smart Dublin programme, we’re always thinking about ways to embrace new technologies to enhance how people engage with our city. This app, through its immersive AR technology, is a new and fun way to explore the city’s culture and history and we see huge potential to expand this.”

Tourists and locals alike can use the app before they visit the city, or while they are in the city to assist them in learning more about Dublin and its extensive history, sights, monuments and streets across the capital city.