Hillsborough

"Hillsborough Forest, at the edge of the village, is now home to the first Digital Sculpture Trail in Ireland. This exciting project includes 10 sculptures 9 of which are new. They will all be positioned just of the pathways around the lake. Each sculpture has a theme relating to the forest and surrounding area and include; Science, a sculpture with windows into the nature of science. Reflection, a sculpture that changes colour from green to purple as it catches light reflections. Childs Play, two sculptures, Rusty the Fox and Peep the Hare. Children can enter into the body of Rusty the Fox and look through his eyes Motion, a fun lamp shade shaped sculpture with lights powered by pedals at the base Heritage, a sculpture inspired by the imposing architecture in St. Malachy’s Church in Royal Hillsborough Village. Fantasy, this is a part physical and part Augmented Reality sculpture which comes alive when the App is triggered. Hope & Aspiration, a distinctive sculpture inspired by the night lights in the village which rises and reaches into the sky with reflective metallic colours that change in the sunlight. Nature, a large sphere shaped sculpture representing the rebirth of fallen trees in the forest Flight, this is the Harry Ferguson sculpture which is being moved into the forest from the A1 dual carriage way. Local and international artists, some of whom are renowned in the Art world, were commissioned to design and build the sculptures. The sculptures are unified by an exciting augmented reality App that will take you on a journey through the forest leading you from one sculpture to the next. You can witness the journey of the sculptures from inception to completion and get an insight into the artist’s work through the App. On completion of the trail you will be rewarded with various discounts in Royal Hillsborough. This exciting, first of its kind in Ireland, Digital Sculpture Trail, will entice visitors to come to Royal Hillsborough who will then, hopefully, avail of the excellent hospitality and retail outlets in the village. "