Launch of Google’s Virtual Street Tour – Dublin Rising 1916 – 2016

Posted on: January 19, 2016

Launch of Google’s Virtual Street Tour – Dublin Rising 1916 – 2016

Supporting the Decade of Commemorations, Google Cultural Institute is marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising by means of a virtual street tour of Dublin, which features streetscapes and imagery, and a voiceover by actor Colin Farrell.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD launched “Google’s 1916 – 2016 Virtual Street Tour” on 12 January. Also attending the ceremony were the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD, actor Colin Farrell and Lieutenant Gearóid O’Briain of the Air Corps – Great Grandson of Cathal Brugha.

google_tourThe commendable interactive tour explores the history of key sites of the Easter Rising through photographs and first-hand written accounts from military and civilian participants.

The virtual tour uses documents and artefacts provided by institutions such as: the National Library, Military Archives, Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the Abbey Theatre, the Royal Irish Academy, the Library of Trinity College and Century Ireland.

Visitors to dublinrising.withgoogle.com are provided with a tour of the key locations in Dublin during the Easter Rising.

Narrated by Colin Farrell, the tour allows users to travel through Dublin, through the medium of street landscapes, images and contemporary footage to experience the realities of the event. The tour can be accessed on phone applications, tablet or computer.

At each of the 22 iconic locations, visitors can view how the locations appear in 2016 in Google Street View and are provided with the opportunity of viewing how the locations looked in 1916. Supplementary audio options are also available at a number of locations.

The Virtual Street Tour is available at dublinrising.withgoogle.com

Speaking at the event, Mr Kenny stated: “2016 is an important year that allows us to explore and understand the events not only of 1916 but the subsequent events that led to the establishment of our independent State. In acknowledging our past we are creating stronger foundations for a more vibrant and shared future.”
Mr Kenny thanked Colin Farrell for his contribution in providing the voice-over for the programme. Referring to the tour, Colin Farrell stated: “Growing up in Dublin, the events of 1916 are a key part of our schooling and culture and I’m glad now that anyone around the world can learn more about it and see why it had such an impact on modern-day Ireland just by picking up their phone or computer.

The Google Cultural Institute partners with museums, libraries, art galleries and archives around the world to document and make accessible important cultural material online.

Vice President and Head of Google Ireland, Mr Ronan Harris from Lucan stated: “2016 is a significant year for Ireland, commemorating as it does the events of 1916, which subsequently led to the birth of the modern Ireland we are today. In commemoration, we have worked with a number of partners and historians to help people in Ireland, and around the world, explore, learn and talk about the people, events, places and objects that shaped these defining events. Google is about giving everyone access to the best information, culture and experiences through technology and this tour gives people a way to peel back the layers of history and experience what life was like 100 years ago in Ireland.”

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