Legends of Kildare

The centrepiece of our work for Kildare Heritage centre is Legends of Kildare, an immersive VR film that draws on myth and history to tell the stories of Brigid, Fionn mac Cumhaill, the Normans and Kildare.

Kildare Town was once a major ecclesiastical centre and a tactically important settlement right through the middle ages. Kildare Heritage Centre, with funding from Fáilte Ireland, wanted to bring the story of Kildare to a wider audience through an engaging, family-friendly experience.

Emagine was comissioned with the task of bringing some of most well-known characters from Ireland’s past to life. Brigid, pagan Goddess and Christian saint, Fionn mac Cumhaill, fearless leader of Ireland’s ancient warrior class and Anglo-Norman Lord, Strongbow – are associated with Kildare town.

We created a script that weaves a story through the three principal themes, connecting them together through a central character. The challenge was to design and execute a robust interpretive vision for Kildare Heritage Centre to complement a bespoke VR movie.

Our vision was to create an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. From the moment visitors enter the interpretive space they feel they have traveled back in time. Added are the living history re-enactors to greet visitors, who help manage the visitor flow and set the scene for the virtual reality experience.

The VR experience is available in English, Irish, French, German and Mandarin. Emagine managed the script translation via a third party. With the support of our audio recording partner, we cast voice actors in five languages and directed their performances with the help of language monitors where necessary. We commissioned an original score for the work.

We redesigned the existing interpretation at Kildare Heritage Centre. Our interpretive plan called for a completely new fit-out for the entire building.

We project managed the fabrication of exhibition elements and managed the entire installation works. We delivered the entire project within budget in a very tight timeframe.

Legends of Kildare Virtual Reality Experience, takes the visitor on a journey through time and connects with them by allowing them to be a participant in the action; to get the chance to walk with legends from Irish History and Mythology.