It's been an important religious site for over a millennium and a half, but St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin has been firmly thrust into the technological era with the introduction of a new interactive Discovery Space for tourists and visitors.
Officially launched by Minister for Tourism Paschal Donohoe on Wednesday, the space, located in the building's south transept, features a large touchscreen table and iPads which offer pictures, audio and information on the cathedral's layout, history and heritage.
The initiative is designed to bring a more interactive and immersive element to the visitor experience.
More importantly, Canon Horace McKinley hopes it will see more people come through the front door, and that they will also stay for longer.
"Last year nearly half a million tourists and schoolchildren paid a visit to St Patrick's Cathedral, with an average visit lasting 23 minutes," said Canon McKinley, who welcomed the Minister in the absence of regular church dean Victor Stacey.
“We hope that this fantastic new interactive resource will make the cathedral even more accessible to those interested in our rich cultural heritage, encouraging them to stay longer and allowing them to learn in a more modern and interesting way.”
Stained glass windows
In an attempt to engage younger visitors, the Discovery Boxes - built using recycled wood from the cathedral’s disused pews - contain games which are complemented by a jigsaw of one of the stained glass windows and brass rubbings of some of the designs on the surrounding walls and pillars.
“As opposed to going around looking at plaques or following a plan, it allows for a much more in-depth experience for the visitor,” he added.
“I think it’s particularly attractive because we live in this age, particularly where a younger generation love interactive screens. This is a very contemporary and relevant model for the times we live in.”
The canon was keen to praise the work of St Patrick's own dedicated education officer Andrew Smith in helping to make the Discovery Space a reality, and its installation is the latest in a multi-phase initiative costing €250,000 which was co-funded by Fáilte Ireland.
Branding the addition as an “exceptional” facility, Mr Donohoe said the new interactive element helps bring the 800-year-old city centre building to life.
“In recent years surveys were conducted that indicated that while the building itself was a massive draw, visitors were keen to learn more about the history of the place and the role it has played in Dublin throughout the years.
“I have no doubt that these new facilities will see tourists and locals visiting St Patrick’s in even greater numbers across the remainder of the summer and in the years to come.”