Changing Places Facility: Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford
Did you know that The Irish National Heritage Park now has a Changing Places facility? Located on the banks of the picturesque River Slaney, The Irish National Heritage Park truly is the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East. Unique in Europe, the park occupies 35 acres and has 16 archaeological and historical reconstructions all located in their natural settings.
About the Park
More than any other country in Europe, Ireland is dotted with material reminders of its past. However, few people apart from specialists can visualise what these remains were like in their original state. This is the purpose of the Irish National Heritage Park, to show visitors how people lived, worshipped and buried their dead, from the coming of man to this island until the arrival of the Normans in the 12th Century.
To help more visitors step back in time join the unique Ireland’s Ancient East experience the park originally offered:
- Ramps to ensure access to wheelchair users
- Access to Guide Dogs
- Hearing Loop Sound System
- Standard Accessible Disabled Toilets
About the new Changing Places facility
In recent times the management of the park supported by the Wexford City Council decided to increase the level of accessibility of the site. This is why they got in touch with Andrew Smyth, our Changing Places specialist, to have a Changing Places facility installed in the park. It was officially opened on June 20th.
Maura Bell, the manager of The Irish National Heritage Park played a major in the realization of the project. In fact, she is passionate about ensuring that all individuals with disabilities and their carers have the chance to enjoy the amenities and to spend as much time as they require. She specifically pledged that anyone needing to use a Changing Places toilet on site could have access 24/7.
Here is a picture from the opening ceremony:
Here is a map with the location of the toilet in the park. The Changing Places toilet is adjacent to the main entrance building.
A comment from Andrew Smyth, our Changing Places Specialist
Andrew is extremely satisfied with the Changing Places toilet he helped to oversee at The Irish National Heritage Park:
The access officer at Wexford County Council along with campaigners have worked interminably to ensure the council is ahead of its peers in ensuring inclusivity for all. Wexford County Council is the first council to provide a Changing Places facility outside of the greater Dublin area.
This facility adheres to both the required space (min 12 sq metres) and the key equipment required by Changing Places Ireland and BS8300:2018.
Andrew also wants to underline the positive impact that the Changing Places facility will have both on the customers and on the visitor numbers of the park:
Typically, visitors of The Irish National Heritage Park would spend 2-3 hours inside. For individuals with disabilities, this was not possible before without appropriate changing and toileting facilities. The management of the site realised that the provision of a Changing Places facility would enable many more people to visit the centre and spend a considerably longer time enjoying the surroundings. In addition, the strategic location of the open-air museum on the main N11 close to Wexford means that those travelling to or from Rosslare ferry terminal can have access to this excellent installation.
If you would like more information regarding a Changing Places facility for a public, retail, leisure, museum, sporting venue or any public building, please contact Andrew Smyth via andrew@syncliving.co.uk or visit our dedicated page.
