Mapping memories - launch of World’s first ever virtual graveyard

The world’s first truly virtual graveyard tour has been launched at St Dympna’s Church, Lower Lavey.

The ground-breaking online initiative is a collaboration between Cavan Connects, Cavan County Council’s initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy and fostering a connected community, and NAVIT, a virtual visitor portal developed by Irish Manufacturing Research.

The result of this innovative collaboration is the Church and Graveyard at Lower Lavey is now accessible globally, an immersive virtual experience that allows users to interactively explore burial records, detailed information about grave plots, statues, and St. Dympna’s Well. Users can navigate the virtual graveyard using a map, aerial views, and interactive info spots.

Members of the local community also played a key role in delivering the project, providing vital on-the-ground information, imbuing the project with a level of detail that makes it a truly personal experience, whether you’re logging on from Lavey or Los Angeles.

Daniel Peeters of Cavan Connects said: “This project exemplifies Local Authority Innovation by preserving heritage through cutting-edge technology, enhancing community engagement, and providing global access to historical records. It showcases the transformative potential of digital initiatives in local government, and we look forward to introducing further innovations in the digital space in the coming months and years.”

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr TP O’Reilly, said: “This is a truly pioneering initiative by Cavan Connects and NAVIT, and one that will mean a great deal to members of the Cavan diaspora and, indeed, more vulnerable members of the community closer to home, who will now be able to quickly and easily visit this sacred place, which contains so many memories and emotions. Congratulations to the Cavan Connects Team, to NAVIT, and to the Lavey community for bringing this worthwhile initiative to fruition.”

The virtual experience went live in spring 2025 and already it has attracted visitors from locations as diverse as Britain, the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, Finland, Spain, Canada, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Philippines.