South Dublin Heritage Centre, Tallaght – Interpretive Masterplan

From July 2022 to December 2023, we at EPIC were commissioned by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to develop a masterplan for a new museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the South Dublin region. Our role was to lead on research, community consultation, and interpretation, working in close collaboration with architects and council teams to bring the design to Part 8 planning stage.

We structured the work into two distinct phases: Work Package 1 and Work Package 2.

In Work Package 1, we focused on foundational research and strategic consultation. We began by analysing potential audiences – who might visit a heritage centre in South Dublin, and what would draw them in? We reached out to stakeholders across the region, particularly local historians, to understand what stories they felt needed to be told. We audited available archives and resources, and looked at comparator museums for inspiration. A key milestone during this phase was facilitating two community engagement sessions at Tallaght Library. These sessions were essential in identifying core narrative threads, gathering input from local voices, and sourcing possible artefacts. They also helped us establish relationships with key contacts for future research and content development. Most importantly, they ensured community buy-in – something we consider vital for the long-term success of any interpretive space.

At the end of Work Package 1, we delivered a comprehensive set of recommendations, including audience profiles, thematic directions, and an initial guide to interpretive media formats.

Building on this, Work Package 2 involved the creation of an Outline Interpretive Design Plan, integrated with the building plans developed by McCullough Mulvin Architects. We worked closely with the architects and SDCC to weave narrative and spatial design into a unified visitor experience. The proposed exhibition spans two floors: the upper level, immerses visitors in the everyday life of historic Tallaght, while the ground floor explores urban development and civic identity, prompting visitors to consider how they shape their own environment.

This project reflects our core strengths: working collaboratively, engaging meaningfully with communities, and delivering interpretation that is deeply informed, creative, and visitor-focused. We’re proud to have contributed to a vision for a heritage centre that truly belongs to the people of South Dublin.