Omagh is the first stop in the UK for a new virtual reality experience which tells the story of the Co Tyrone town.
StoryTrails is inviting Omagh residents and visitors to explore untold stories of the town through the free tour on July 1 and 2 and is part of the Unboxed Festival.
The tour can be accessed through a smartphone and starts off by exploring reasons that people have left the town through six decades of Omagh’s history, using local and national archive.
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The result is an insight into the changing fortunes of Omagh and its population told by ordinary people, from the closure of the railway to lack of employment opportunities.
Locals Kathy Dunphy and James McAnespie, from the present day, enthusiastically share their optimism for the future of the town during the tour.
The trail is narrated by well-known Omagh genealogist and tour guide, Vincent Brogan, and is available to download throughout 2022.
Vincent’s daughter Cat founder of the first ever Omagh Pride event, was one of just 50 emerging creatives around the UK to be selected to take part in the development of StoryTrails
Cat said working on the project has allowed her to learn more about her hometown.
“I grew up in Omagh, and my work on StoryTrails has given me an incredible opportunity to understand more about the town through the powerful stories of local characters.
“I hope others will enjoy diving into the lesser-known heritage of our town from July.”
Professor James Bennett, Director of StoryFutures and StoryTrails, said: “This is about getting people excited about where they live – helping them connect with stories of their town from the past and present through a new lens.
“New technologies like AR and VR can help build these connections and reignite people’s passion for the past.
“These technologies are for everyone – we want to find ways to engage people from all generations and spark a genuine celebration in each of our incredible locations.”
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