Client Case Study: Cliffs Of Moher

Cliffs of Moher Experience Visitor Centre, the Ledge 4D Experience

Summary:

SensoryCo is proud to have contributed to the Cliffs of Moher Experience Visitor Centre, the first 4D experience in all of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s landmarks spanning approximately 14 kilometers with heights reaching 214 meters (over 700 feet) over the rugged Atlantic coastline. Formed over 300 million years ago, the Cliffs have a storied history including mythology and folk-lore tales of mermaids, a lost city, and even the presence of the “Witch of the Cliffs”. Honoring the ethos of sustainability and conservation The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is nestled in a “hobbit-like” nook that is eco-friendly to minimize its impact to the surrounding landscape. The Visitor Centre interior dome shape is divided into four main areas with a focus on Ocean, Rock, Nature, and Man.

Project Overview:

The Ledge 4D Experience is a 3minute tour that takes guests on an immersive tour of the cliffs. Highlighting the green grassy top-scape, its craggy sea-sprayed walls, and the underwater eco-system, the Cliffs are brought to life via highly advanced technology. Stunning visuals and sound integrated with atmospheric special effects including wind and mist represent the environmental elements of Ireland’s western shoreline. The combined power of content design with SensoryCo’s sensorial elements creates an experience that is both a unique and memorable multi-sensory experience. Pairing state-of-the art projectors, sound technology and stunning visuals with the 4D atmospheric special effects of spritzers and wind effects brings an authentic approach to learning about this iconic site.

SensoryCo Contribution: Wind & Mist Atmospheric Effects

SensoryCo worked with Rockbrook AV to enhance the project by integrating weather effects into The Ledge 4D Experience. Rockbrook’s AV engineering team are experts in integrating advanced audio-visual technology to tell stories and deliver exciting visitor experiences for real world applications. To this end, The Ledge 4D Experience was designed as an immersive virtual reality exhibition to share the story of the Cliffs, its wildlife, natural environment, and human impact. Rockbrook integrated Panasonic DLP projection technology and Creston System controls and synchronized SensoryCo’s weather effects with experiential content so that the audience can see, hear, and feel the essence of the Cliffs of Moher in all its wonder. Simulating the power of the wind and sea spray are a perfect complement to lighting, audio, and projector technologies.

SensoryCo Technical Details

Rockbook worked through mockups and then in the theater environment to place DMX wind machines concealed in the roof area for general wind effects and larger DMX fans to provide real effects of birds flying and diving. Wind is brought into the environment by 8 well-placed DMX controlled fans. The spritzer effects were added to simulate ocean spray. Spray-motion Macro spritzers allowed Rockbrook to sequence water effects (i.e. mists, sprays, spritzers) to a motion timeline, through a series of activated spray ports. Using Panasonic’s most advanced DLSP large venue projectors, media severs, DMX lighting and power controllers, and SensoryCo water spritzing system, all sequenced with Crestron Virtual VC-4 controller we bring the Cliffs indoors.

The incorporation of special weather effects and atmospherics undoubtedly elevates educational and theme-based exhibits to remarkable heights. By immersing visitors in dynamic and engaging environments, these elements not only deepen understanding but also foster emotional connections and lasting memories. From simulated windstorms, waves, and ocean spray, each atmospheric touch serves as a powerful tool for conveying knowledge, sparking curiosity, and inspiring wonder. As educators and creators continue to harness the potential of these effects, they pave the way for truly transformative experiences that captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.

Partner Profile: RockBrookAV

“Rockbrook formed in 2003 by a group of engineers with a passion for audio visual technology and its integration into real world applications. We use advanced technology to tell stories, and deliver exciting visitor experiences, each one unique. We bring simplicity of use and extensive integration together to make teams work more efficiently and work processes smarter. It’s ironic that our love of science and technology is only overshadowed by our desire to make it disappear. We believe technology should be invisible, allowing its application to come to the fore. Technology only becomes invisible when engineered for ease of use and robustness. This is the underpinning foundation of everything we do.

As a team of professionals and enthusiasts, we are constantly looking at next generation technology. When The Cliffs of Moher contacted us in the Summer for 2023 to design and build their new 4D cinema experience concept, it was a natural fit to partner with the team in Sensory Co. Together we designed a world class attraction that brings the trip to the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Geopark, into the virtual environment for all visitors to experience all weather situations.” – Brian Franzoni Rockbrook Operations Manager

Side Bar:

“Visiting the Cliffs of Moher was truly memorable. I must admit, we were warned by locals that the weather was unpredictable. Upon our arrival it was raining and a complete white out with fog blanketing the terrain all the way through to the ocean! But after walking the project site things completely changed. The rain dissipated, the fog lifted, and the Cliffs rose out of the ocean. We didn’t need SensoryCo spritzers the day that we visited but the addition is certain to have brought a sense of realism to the experience. We are proud to have been a small part in such an impactful addition to the Visitor Centre!” – Bryan Roe, President, SensoryCo