I recently returned from a trip to Ireland, and I wanted to share some tips about accessible travel to the sites I had the chance to visit. In Dublin the Guinness Storehouse, an extremely popular destination, provides several accommodations. If you want something outside of the city, the Cliffs of Moher, another major tourist site, is also accessible.
The Guinness Storehouse
Dublin is well known as the home of Guinness, and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a wonderful Dublin experience. Their website details accessibility information and is a useful resource prior to visiting. There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces near the entrance. There is also a drop off area at the main entrance. You can purchase discounted tickets online and print them at the kiosks in the lobby. Caregivers receive complimentary admission, however this is not available online. The building is wheelchair accessible and their website provides the dimensions of all the lifts to different areas of the building. Furthermore, wheelchairs are available free of charge at the information desk. Assistive guide devices are also available, including International Sign Language devices.
I went at 4:30 in the afternoon and it was extremely busy and loud. They recommend visiting between 9:30 and 12:00, Monday through Friday for a quieter experience and easier navigation. One of my favorite parts of the tour was learning how to pour my own pint of Guinness on the fourth floor in the Guinness Academy. One of the taps in the Guinness Academy is wheelchair accessible. Your ticket includes a pint of Guinness. You can get this pint either upstairs at the Gravity Bar or at the Guinness Academy where you learn to pour your own. I definitely recommend a visit to the Academy!
The Cliffs of Moher
Another iconic spot in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, is often a must on most visitors’ itineraries. Their website also details accessibility, and is a good resource to check prior to your visit. PDF sheets are available for download or to print with additional information about accessibility for the Ground Floor, the First Floor, and the Cliffs Exhibition. Outside of the visitor center you can make your way to the main attraction—the cliffs themselves. The main viewing platform is wheelchair accessible. Furthermore, there is an accessible reduced-height coin-operated telescope.
I visited at sunset and highly recommend visiting outside of peak hours. For a quieter visit they recommend coming either before 11am or after 4pm. If you buy tickets online the morning and evening visits are available at a discounted rate. It is important to note you may stay after the visitor center closes, however if you do so there is no bathroom access once the building has closed. Accessible parking spaces are available outside of the visitor center for visitors with a permit, and there are additional accessible spots in the main parking lot across the road. Their staff has been trained in Customer Service, Vision & Values, Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults, Disability Awareness and Autism Awareness. If you have additional questions for your visit they invite you to contact them at +353 65-7086141 or info@cliffsofmoher.ie.
Where to Stay in Dublin
There are numerous hotels in Dublin, and I can’t advise on all of them. However, I had a wonderful experience at the Chancery Lane Staycity Aparthotel. The rooms are all equipped with kitchens, allowing you to cook your own meals. This is especially useful if you have dietary restrictions. The accessible room is equipped with pull cords by the toilet, the shower, and the bed.
Additionally, light switches are available right next to the bed. The accessible room also has a doorbell that will set off a visual light alarm for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating and the property was in a wonderful location.
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