SEE PHOTOS - Locations included on the tour

A new free iPhone app providing visitors with a guided tour of Dublin's galleries, museums, historic buildings and cultural centers through video, photographs, interviews and behind the scenes footage has gone live.

Senator David Norris, a hopeful for Ireland’s next presidency, spoke at the launch of the virtual trail in Trinity College. He said, "The trail is fantastic because it combines creativity, imagination and new technology which together brings collections alive to everyone."

The virtual trail is an initiative of the Temple Bar Cultural Trust.  A number of technology firms based in the Digital Hub were also involved in the apps development.

Grainne Millar, the head of cultural development at the trust, said it was the first program of its kind. She added that the trail could grow audiences in participating venues as much as 20 percent.

She said, "The culture trail opens up a whole new experience for locals and tourists and provides a great opportunity to encourage greater use of our attractions at a time of scarce resources."

The app is available from the iPhone app store at www.dublinculturetrail.ie.

The venues featured in the trail include:

1. Irish Museum of Modern Art
2. National Museum of Ireland – Collins’ Barracks
3. Christ Church Cathedral
4. Chester Beatty Library
5. City Hall
6. Projects Arts Center
7. National Photographic Archive
8. Meeting House Square
9. Temple Bar Gallery and Studios
10. Graphic Studio Gallery
11. Trinity College Dublin
12. National Museum of Ireland – The Natural History Museum
13. The Irish Traditional Music Archive
14. Dublin City Gallery – The Hugh Lane
15. James Joyce Center

SEE PHOTOS - Locations included on the tour