Augmented reality being planned for Alcock and Brown experience in Clifden

The Connemara Chamber of Commerce is moving to modernize the visitor experience at the site where aviation history was made over a century ago. Plans are in development to introduce augmented reality at the Derrygimblagh Bog, the location where John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown landed their aircraft after the first nonstop flight across the Atlantic in 1919.

This project aims to bring the historic 1919 journey to life for modern tourists. By using personal mobile devices, visitors will be able to follow the flight path from Newfoundland to the Connemara landing site. The proposal also includes a 3D augmented reality model of the Vickers Vimy aircraft, providing a visual look at the plane that defied the odds during that pioneering mission.

The initiative represents a shift toward incorporating digital tools into local tourism infrastructure. By layering virtual information over the physical location, organizers hope to provide a deeper connection to the events that transpired in the bog between Ballyconneely and Clifden.

Local authorities and tourism groups continue to look for ways to preserve the legacy of these aviators while ensuring the site remains relevant for current generations. The integration of this technology is expected to create a more immersive educational experience for those visiting the West of Ireland.