A €320,000 upgrade to the virtual reality cliffside experience at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare has been completed.
Located within the Cliffs of Moher Experience visitor centre, the Ledge 4D Experience takes visitors on an interactive 3-minute tour of the cliffs and combines stunning visuals of the world-famous cliffs on a calm summer’s day, both above the sea and underwater, with the environmental effects of west of Ireland wind and spray of Moher mist.
State-of-the-art projectors, an upgraded sound system and a tiered standing area to allow for improved viewing conditions also have been installed to add to the overall authenticity of the experience mirroring a real-life bird’s-eye view of the Cliffs of Moher over and underwater.
Officially opening the Ledge 4D Experience, Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said, “I warmly welcome the ongoing investment in the overall visitor experience at the Cliffs of Moher, which remains a primary driver for the local tourism economy. The Ledge 4D Experience brings to life the natural and scenic beautify of the Cliffs of Moher and it will be particularly beneficial to anyone who visits the site on a day when visibility may be poor at the cliff edge.”
Commenting on the background to the upgrade, Bobby Kerr, Chair of the Board of Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC said, “When commissioned in 2006, the Ledge visuals were state-of-the-art, but by 2023 were starting to show their age somewhat. As well as this, the projection and sound equipment, although upgraded and maintained over the years, were no longer the most efficient or effective in their class.”
“After many months of planning and preparation, work commenced last November to upgrade the experience,” added Mr. Kerr. This film itself, although remaining the same, has been updated to modern standards and the accuracy of the content has been improved to show more detail of the Cliff face, the birds, the sea life, and other elements such as the wave motion and grass movement.”
Set to a rousing soundtrack composed by famous local musician Davy Spillane, the Ledge 4D Experience follows a gannet over the cliff edge of the cliffs, down into the water to explore the wide range of life under the waves, and back up past the impressive Sea Stack and O’Brien’s Tower.
