Mayo nursing home residents enjoy virtual reality tour

The Office of Public Works (OPW) recently collaborated with St Attracta’s Residence, Charlestown, on a special initiative to mark National Arts in Nursing Home Day. Participants from St Attracta’s had the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets and experience a virtual tour of an OPW heritage site from the comfort of their armchair.

Residents had the opportunity to virtually experience sites including the Céide Fields, the Battle of the Boyne, Newgrange and Kilkenny Castle, bringing history to life in a unique and engaging way.

Global VAM, a Belmullet-based XR company that specialises in creating immersive experiences, worked closely with the OPW on the initiative at St Attracta’s. Brian Lavelle, Managing Director, was present to provide the Virtual Reminisce Activity headsets to the residents of St Attracta’s. Global VAM provides person-centred content for nursing home residents and offers a service throughout Ireland that allows those in care settings to engage in a virtual reality experience.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, said: "The OPW was delighted to collaborate with St Attracta’s Residence in Charlestown on this unique project. Through technology, residents were able to virtually visit some of our wonderful OPW heritage sites. This initiative, in recognition of National Arts in Nursing Home Day, is part of a broader programme of events taking place at OPW sites in May for the annual Bealtaine Festival. We hope that visitors take full advantage of the range of creative, engaging, and imaginative events on offer over the coming weeks at heritage sites around Ireland. 

"I am also delighted to announce that on Friday, May 23rd, all fee-paying heritage sites across Ireland will offer free admission to senior citizens, encouraging greater engagement with Ireland’s rich cultural and historical heritage."

General Manager at St Attracta’s Residence, Trina Donohue, welcomed the initiative, saying: "The visit to St Attracta’s Residence from the OPW and Global VAM was a resounding success. The residents enjoyed every part of their simulated visit to heritage sites while sitting in the comfort of their armchairs. This development in technology has amazing potential for those who are unable to travel as much as they did before and can really bring the world into their home. The Bealtaine Festival has placed a great emphasis on Art and Aging and this inclusion of technology is a fantastic step in ensuring residents don’t need to miss seeing the beautiful heritage sites Ireland has to offer”.