Ireland’s Largest Mural for Neurodiverse Audiences

We created an augmented reality experience that expanded Bláthú beyond the physical wall and into the digital realm. By holding up a phone or tablet, visitors can unlock new layers of storytelling that merge technology with art and place.

The AR experience adds subtle motion, sound, and spatial interactions designed to make the artwork feel alive while remaining sensitive to the needs of neurodiverse audiences. In collaboration with AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, and NIRP (Neurodiversity, Irishtown, Ringsend and Pearse Street) we created a sensory-friendly mode that adjusted colours, movement, and soundscapes to ensure accessibility and comfort.

This approach turned the mural into a living digital artwork, blending the striking physical presence of Ireland’s largest mural with an inclusive, interactive layer that connects directly to Google’s regeneration mission.

Although the project has just launched, its early impact is clear:

• A new cultural landmark: The mural, combined with AR, has quickly become a focal point for the redeveloped Bolands Mill area.
• Accessible design: The sensory-friendly version set a new standard for inclusivity in public art, ensuring the experience resonates with all audiences.
• Innovation in placemaking: By combining large-scale art with spatial storytelling, the project demonstrates how technology can anchor community identity and create lasting connections.
• Partnership with Google: This project highlighted Google’s commitment to cultural regeneration and inclusivity, showing how corporate investment can shape meaningful public spaces.

This project illustrates the power of augmented reality to enhance public art, turning a static image into an immersive and inclusive cultural experience. By considering accessibility from the start, the AR layer ensured that neurodiverse audiences were not just accommodated but actively included.

As cities evolve and regeneration reshapes urban landscapes, projects like this show how digital storytelling can bridge past and present, heritage and innovation. Ireland’s largest mural is now more than a painting on a wall. It is a living, evolving experience that reflects the future of inclusive placemaking.