As part of our Community Mapping project facilitated by Gemma, We created a 3D Visual map of Swords – We started off this project by taking trips to Swords, walking around and becoming familiar with the surroundings and local facilities and amenities. We took photographs of places of interest.

Using google maps we printed out aerial photographs of Swords and studied the main roads, we discussed what parts of Swords we would like to incorporate into our map.

When we had a draft of our 3D map complete we then got to work drawing a larger version on an old table top. We started off by drawing in the main roads and roundabouts of Swords and painting them black. To make them more realistic we added artificial grass to the roundabouts and white road markings. We then painted the map using different greens, yellows and greys.

When we were happy with the layout of our map we then began marking out important buildings, facilities, bus stops and services that we use and that are available to us within Swords. A lot of research went into this area of the project, we used google and our own knowledge of Swords and made lists of different shops , businesses and services. We all found this part of the project really interesting because even though a lot of us are residents of Swords we were unaware that our community had so much to offer. It was great to get to know what is available to us right on our doorstep.

We then designed the buildings which included Swords Castle, St. Columcilles church, The round and square tower, The Pavillions shopping Centre, Airside Retail Park, Main street, North Street, Applewood village, Schools, Shops, Sports facilities and also important services such as; Fingal County Council and Intreo offices, Fingal Chamber of Commerce, Swords recycling centre, NLN, Swords adult education service, Prosper Fingal, Citizens Information, Central Support Office, the Garda Station, Fire Station and Ambulance Service.

We then placed the miniature buildings onto our map and when we were happy with the locations we glued them to the board. To make the map more visually pleasing we added trees and cars as well as road signs.

While researching Swords we also learned some interesting facts about our town; Swords is the seventh largest urban area in Ireland and third largest in Co. Dublin, In 2012 Swords was named the third best town to live in (and we would agree!), The town dates back to 560 AD and was founded by St. Colmcille, We have also been declared as the second cleanest town in Ireland. As Swords is now an ’emerging city’ projections for 2035 show that the total population of Swords will rise towards 100,000 people.

I really enjoyed being involved with this project, I liked designing the miniature buildings and placing them on the map – Matthew

We had so much fun finding out about Swords – Janet

It was surprising at how much Swords has to offer that i didn’t know about – Nadine

We still have a lot more work to do on our Community Mapping project which will include a video of our community mapping journey…Watch this space!

A special thank you to the Community Mapping and Art group who teamed up and created something unique which we are proud to display in EVE Estuary Centre.