Phone app puts Clare history at visitors’ fingertips

VISITORS to historic buildings in Co Clare can now use a mobile phoneapplication to browse information on the location which had previously only been available in booklet form.

The Clare County Council heritage information booklet was launched in early 2007 following a comprehensive audit of more than 80 early Christian, medieval and Celtic ecclesiastical buildings. Now it has been converted into a free, downloadable iPhone and iPad app.

“Rian na Manach (Pathway Of The Monks) — A Guided Tour of Ecclesiastical Treasures in Co Clare” features many of the buildings included in the book, supported by text and photographs, or as mapped reference points.

The app also provides users with an interactive mapping facility featuring site locations with route planning and site distances. An alternative mapping facility has been included within the app providing certain functionality in areas where the mobile network coverage is inadequate.

Clare County Council says the converted booklet will help promote County Clare’s culture and heritage to a wider and younger audience.

“This application will help inform visitors of the importance of these historic buildings and will hopefully form the basis for their enhanced protection, which in turn will allow for increased appropriate accessibility in the future,” said Mayor of Clare Cllr Christy Curtin. “It reflects the rich ecclesiastical history that exists in the county, and although it serves as a sustainable tourism/heritage guide for both tourists and locals, it importantly outlines the sensitivity of these buildings.”

“The iPhone/iPad app features 33 church heritage sites across four trails throughout County Clare, which are supported by text and photographs,” said the authority’s senior planner Gordon Daly. “These sites highlight the historical background to Clare’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. The trails offer a rich variety of interest to all visitors. Churches new and old have their fascination and the sites illustrate the richness of their architectural features and a fine tradition of stonework.”