Ardgillan Castle is a large 18th century country house set in 200 acres in County Dublin in Ireland, owned and maintained by Fingal County Council.
ATS were approached by Tandem who are working with Ardgillan Castle to expand their interpretation offer.
The client was looking for a way for visitors to dictate their own exploration of the site, by displaying QR codes in each room it was hoped the visitor would engage at a deeper level with the castle. We suggested a Progressive Web App (PWA) which would offer an easily accessible online app for a tour of the main house.
Given the castle’s deep historical significance, it was important that the tour emphasised its strong Irish heritage, which was enhanced through an Irish Gaelic translation and a professional character voiceover.
To meet the brief, ATS developed a comprehensive digital experience that marries modern accessibility with the castle’s storied past. By leveraging a Progressive Web App (PWA), we ensured that visitors could instantly unlock the history of the main house via QR codes, removing any barriers to engagement and allowing for a seamless, "bring your own device" experience.
At the heart of the experience is a 40-minute curated audio tour. To ensure the narrative felt authentic to the local area, we commissioned a native Irish writer to craft a personalised script. This wasn’t just about reciting facts; it was about capturing the unique "spirit of place" that defines Ardgillan.
Reflecting Ardgillan’s status as a premier Irish heritage site, we prioritised inclusivity. The tour was fully translated and produced in: Irish Gaelic (a core requirement to honour the castle's heritage) French, German, Spanish, and Polish
To move beyond a standard commentary, we utilised professional character-led voiceovers. By giving the history a human "voice," we transformed the tour into a living narrative. This was further elevated in two key rooms through bespoke soundscapes—layering ambient audio to create an immersive atmosphere that transports visitors back through the centuries.
The digital interface acts as a natural extension of the physical site. ATS designed a custom User Interface (UI) and built the platform in strict alignment with the client’s branding. The result is a sleek, intuitive interface that feels like an integral part of the visitor journey from the moment they scan their first QR code.
