Walton Institute and Mulligans Pharmacy launch Waterford Greenway Mobile App
The augmented reality app will provide users with a unique experience of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Waterford Greenway.
Walton Institute, in conjunction with Mulligans Pharmacy, is proud to announce the launch of their latest innovation, the Waterford Greenway app.
The Waterford Greenway Augmented Reality (AR) app is a location based mobile application, which will help users to explore the 46 kilometers of car-free pathway stretching from historic Waterford City to the beautiful sea-side town of Dungarvan in west Co Waterford. The free app will provide users with a unique AR experience of the rich history and cultural heritage of the greenway including four main sites: Woodstown Viking site; The Fairy Forest; Kilmeadan Castle; and Waterford and Suir Valley Heritage Railway.
The team at Walton Institute identified the Waterford Greenway as an opportunity to explore a fun and educational experience. The app was developed by the Mobile Ecosystem and Pervasive Sensing (MEPS) team at the Mixed Reality Lab in Walton, with software developers and designers coming together to brainstorm and innovate the new software programme.
“We were delighted to work on the Greenway AR app, the team was very happy to be involved in a project so close to home. The Waterford Greenway is among the most beautiful areas in Ireland with a rich cultural heritage. We wanted to enhance the experience by highlighting its historical significance through augmented reality based around the Suir Valley Railway, the Viking settlements and more,” said Ryan McCloskey, Experienced Software Developer at Walton Institute.
The Greenway app project was funded by an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher in collaboration with Mulligans Pharmacy. The TSSG Technology Gateway at Walton Institute facilitates commercial projects through Innovation Vouchers, which provide limited companies across a variety of industries access to Walton’s expertise and knowledge.
Kat Mulligan of Mulligans Pharmacy explains how they got involved in the project: “At the heart of Waterford’s innovative ecosystem is Walton Institute in Waterford Institute of Technology. We were immediately impressed with the idea behind the app on first hearing about it and being in the healthcare industry it is lovely to be able to support something that encourages people to get out and about. Having the Greenway on our doorstep is such an advantage for all of us who live in the area and it is a fabulous facility to have for walking, biking or running, all important for mental health. With the introduction of the app, this makes the experience even more enjoyable for families with young children which is a huge positive in introducing them at a young age to exercise and the outdoors.”
