Our travel guide to wheelchair accessible and mobility scooter friendly tourist sights in Northern Ireland & Ireland. With many of us wanting to holiday locally this year – check out our top 5 absolute favourite wheelchair friendly spots in the Emerald Isle!
1. Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
For the true jewel in Ireland’s crown, you needn’t look any further than a perfect pint of Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate Brewery lets you experience the history, heart, and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Explore the story of Guinness before taking in the views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar, whilst enjoying a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
A limited number of wheelchair accessible parking spaces are available close to the entrance of the Guinness Storehouse, and a drop off area is available directly in front of the main entrance. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk, and complimentary admission to Guinness Storehouse is given to carers that may be attending.
Despite covering 7 floors in what they call “the world’s largest pint glass”, the Guinness Storehouse building has wheelchair friendly ramps and lifts throughout which allows visitors to access all aspects of the experience. Wheelchairs are available free of charge from the Information Desk – booking is recommended to ensure availability.
Quieter visit times are Monday to Friday between 9:30 and 12:00. At these times you will find less crowds and easier access to lifts. In order to ensure the most enjoyable and comfortable experience, they do recommend visiting at these times – outside of peak hours. Accessible bathrooms are available throughout the building on lower ground, ground, ground mezzanine, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors.
On the fourth floor you’re invited to pour your very own Perfect Pint of Guinness, which is a precise art indeed. One of the taps is especially height adapted to be wheelchair friendly.
Photo credit Able Emily. Emily summarised the experience of her visit, “I really enjoyed my visit to the Guinness Storehouse and thought the accessibility was really good.”
2. Giants Causeway near Bushmills, County Antrim
The Giants Causeway is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features thousands of basalt columns tumbling down into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an epic sight, with a whopping 40,000 or so of these hexagonal-shaped stepping stones, which date back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago. The dramatic sight has inspired the Irish folklore legend Finn McCool – a giant who marched over the sea to Scotland to deal with his pesky nemesis Benandonner.
The Giant’s Causeway is operated by the National Trust, and is DDA approved.
Upon arrival there are 9 disability reserved parking spots, with the maximum travel distance from the bays to the Visitor Centre entrance approximately 70 metres. The visitor centre is wheelchair friendly, and there are three manual wheelchairs available for loan. The visitor centre features a unisex Changing Places facility, which comprises of a peninsular WC, adjustable height changing table, sink, shower and overhead hoist.
From the visitor centre down to the site itself is about 1km along a path, to the stones which sit at sea level. There are 2 trail options.
The looping section of the Green Trail (also known as Runkerry Trail) is the only DDA compliant trail section at the Giant’s Causeway. It is accessible for prams and wheelchairs; however some help from a carer may be necessary on parts of path where there are loose stones. This gives a panoramic views of the basalt columns from afar, but does not get you up close to them.
The Blue Trail: It is advisable that wheelchair users and those with mobility issues take the shuttle bus to and from the stones, although the route is not impossible or impassable. The turning-circle at the Giant’s Causeway is tarmac and a good surface for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. This trail takes in views of three of the causeway’s best bays, and will get you right up close to the stones / the steps of Finn McCool. Please note that clambering on the rocks themselves may not be possible or advisable for wheelchair users.
The shuttle bus service runs from the Visitor Centre to the causeway stones along the public ‘right of way.’ The bus is operated by Translink (Northern Ireland’s public transport authority) and is available from the rear of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre to the causeway stones. It is intended to prioritise disabled and elderly visitors and those who cannot walk the 1km distance to the causeway stones.
A review by our friend Dermot at MyWayAccess summarised his experience, “Down at the Causeway, naturally a lot of it is cut off for people with mobility problems, but the view alone is fantastic and in my own personal view, worth the visit to see it’s natural beauty.”
3. Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is an iconic, six-floor building located in the city’s Titanic Quarter. It is located on the historic site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912. The attraction is a proud monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage, despite the fate of the infamous maiden voyage.
Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its catastrophic demise and subsequent place in history. The self-guided ‘Experience’ extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her.
Titanic Belfast pride themselves on their accessibility standards for all visitors. There are four entrances, all of which have level access. All circulation spaces and galleries at Titanic Belfast are fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are 2 scenic lifts within the Atrium which take visitors to all levels of the experience.
In conjunction with Shop Mobility, Titanic Belfast can arrange for mobility scooters to be available for the duration of your visit. There are disabled access WC’s; and a number of wheelchairs which can be reserved on request by contacting the ticketing office.
There are dimensional and weight restrictions on the Shipyard Ride which may mean that some wheelchairs, and all mobility scooters, will be unable to be accommodated within the accessible car. On SS Nomadic, there is a lift which gives guests access to four levels of the ship, unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the flying bridge deck (the top deck) and some small areas on the lower deck.
4. Irish National Heritage Centre in Wexford
Located just outside Wexford Town in the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, the Irish National Heritage Park is a unique heritage experience brings to life over 9000 years of Irish history. Take a journey through prehistoric Ireland, early Christian Ireland and the Age of Invasion across 40 acres of magical woodland, with spectacular views across the River Slaney estuary.
Explore historic buildings and settlements to see how Ireland’s earliest settlers lived, worked and fought. Get involved in some family activities for an unforgettable Irish history experience. Forage like a pre-historic farmer, meet the birds of prey, and even complete the Trials of Tuan!
If stepping back in time is your thing, Ireland’s Ancient East experience park is for you. There are disabled parking bays next to the entrance, and ramps to ensure access to wheelchair users. The Park is wheelchair friendly for the most part. Some trails may not be suitable for wheelchairs, but these are clearly marked. There are mobility scooters available to hire during your visit, which requires a small rental fee.
Typically, visitors spend 2-3 hours inside, and so there are accessible disabled toilets around the park. There is also a Changing Places facility with height adjustable changing bench, ceiling track hoist, peninsular comfort WC, and adjustable height wash hand basin.
Maura Bell, the manager of The Irish National Heritage Park 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.
Pssst… Did you know Sync Living helped design & install the Changing Places facility? You can read the Case Study here.
5. Killarney National Park in County Kerry
Killarney National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which hosts the scenic beauty of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies. The park is of high ecological value because of the quality, diversity, and extensiveness of many of its habitats and species, some of which are rare. It has the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland, and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland.
Killarney National Park covers 25,425 acres, but a popular spot with visitors and locals alike is the Knockreer area, situated close to Killarney town centre. The Knockreer Circular Path is a great way to explore the National Park. Circling around some of the most accessible parts of the park, the 5km trail follows a smooth paved path suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. The route gives wonderful views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland.
Jaunting Cart tours are a great way to experience the park. Step back in time and experience Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport with a horse and carriage tour of the park. As you ramble along you’ll be informed of the history, legends and folklore of the area – with some Irish wit thrown in for good measure!!
Keep an eye out for red deer, and stop at Deenagh Lodge for some well-earned refreshments afterwards. The quaint, thatched cottage café sits at the entrance to the park and is the natural start and finishing point for this route.
Thank You for reading our Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide To Northern Ireland and Ireland
Sync Living are mobility and home adaption experts based in Belfast. We love the Emerald Isle that we call home, and if you happen to be visiting – then feel free to pop by! Our doors are open business hours on weekdays… and our kettle is always on!