In 2016, a small group of people calling themselves the ‘Ballyphehane 1916 Commemoration Committee’, ran a year-long series of events that got Ballyphehane and Togher involved in marking the events of 1916. The group wanted to build on the momentum they had created in their community, so they approached Heritageworks to see if we would help them create a ‘Heritage Pod’.

This would be an interactive unit where local people could enjoy photos of the year’s events, read information about community organisations, and learn the story of the area and how it went from a marsh occupied by monks to being Cork’s first model suburb, with market gardens and an active, thriving community. The group also wanted to tell the stories of the heroes of 1916 so they could be role models for the younger generation.

We responded by creating a web-based interactive touchscreen, with all their content collected and sorted into interesting tales and beautiful pictures. The surround has their name and a historical map of Cork. The stand can be lowered or raised with a remote control, making the Pod accessible for children, people using wheelchairs, or those needing to sit.