Background
Lough Ree Access For All CLG is a registered charity and not-for-profit service provider based in Ballyleague, County Roscommon, that runs wheelchair-accessible wellness boat cruises on Lough Ree and the River Shannon. It works with and on behalf of people with physical disabilities, reduced mobility, mild intellectual disabilities, and those living with dementia. Any surpluses generated are reinvested into improving and expanding its activities.
The deployment
The Inchcleraun VR Project is a 10-minute VR headset experience that lets visitors who cannot physically disembark onto Inchcleraun Island — known locally as Quaker Island — explore its early Christian monastic ruins. Users can discover the ancient stories of St Diarmaid and Queen Maeve associated with the island.
The project is available at the organisation's Ballyleague facility and was officially opened on 1 May 2026. Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, performed the opening alongside other local politicians and invited guests.
Purpose and impact
The Inchcleraun VR Project extends the organisation's accessibility mission beyond the physical boat trip. Manager Liam Grimes said the goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their needs, can fully participate in community life. The VR tour is described as a valuable resource for local families and the wider community.
Inchcleraun Island is a significant early Christian monastic site, well regarded in Irish historical annals. The VR experience makes its heritage accessible to those who, due to mobility constraints or other needs, could not previously engage with the site directly.
