Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Wheelchair & Buggy Friendly Days Out Across Ireland

Days out are something that should be available to all who wish to enjoy them, but sadly, due to the age of certain places of interests and different terrains that some are built upon here in Ireland, some sites and places of interest for days out are inaccessible to wheelchair users or those who have babies in buggies.

In most of the places we visit I see that great efforts have been made to welcome all visitors, with accessible features such as ramps, smooth textured walkways and downstairs, spacious bathrooms available for those who need to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or even those of us who have young babies/children in buggies which we need for days out.

I'm a big believer in the fact that days out should be accessible to all, so I've put together a list of wheelchair and buggy friendly days out across Ireland, for anyone who is planning a few day trips this summer and who is looking for some inspiration. I will continue to add to this list as we come across days out that are accessible to all.

Accessible Ireland is a great resource for those planning a trip to Ireland, featuring links to accessible accommodation, things to do, etc. It's also great to see that there are companies such as Fenetic Wellbeing, who have a range of products which make not only days out, but normal daily life, easier for those with mobility difficulties and disabilities and it's great to see their needs catered for in this way.

Days out are something we're very passionate about as a family and we will always put at least one day aside per month to visit somewhere new. The kids love visiting somewhere new, as do we, and it always gives us a chance to learn about a new place, take lots of pictures and make some fabulous memories when out and about.

1. Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel is a gorgeous ancient site to visit and one that has been adapted with ramps, making it suitable for all visitors!

2. Cahir Castle & Swiss Cottage Co. Tipperary
A lovely castle to visit if you want to see a castle in it's original glory and if you're up for it, the walk to Swiss Cottage is a lovely one, about twenty-five minutes for the castle. Swiss Cottage is worth a visit just for a look at the outside of the cottage alone! Wheelchairs and buggies can be brought into the building but the upstairs bedrooms will not be accessible. Read more about our visit to Swiss Cottage here.


3. Cappoquin House & Gardens, Co. Waterford
Beautiful gardens overlooked by a beautiful house. There are no steps so it's completely wheelchair and buggy friendly. Read more about our visit to Cappoquin House here.

4. Fota Wildlife Park, Co. Cork
Fota is completely accessible for wheelchair and buggy users and is a must-visit place for those interested in animals.

5. Fota House & Gardens, Co. Cork
A regular haunt of ours. A great place to go for a walk and although the gardens do boast some steps, they can be avoided by taking other routes through the gardens. Fota House itself has a café on the ground floor, but the upstairs of the house tour is not accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.


6. The Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin
One of Ireland's top visitor attractions, completely wheelchair and buggy accessible thanks to it's lifts.

7. Dublin Zoo, Co. Dublin
Another not to be missed day out for those who love animals.

8. The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Co. Dublin
Stunning gardens boasting beautiful flowers, plants and amazing looking glasshouses. An amazing day out location for any outdoor lovers.

9. Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
A beautiful place to visit, accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and a great place to walk around and take in the stunning scenery.

10. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare
A great day out for all the family, the only part inaccessible to wheelchair and buggy users is the upstairs of the castle.

11. Leahy's Farm, Co. Cork
This is another great day out for all the family. Lots to keep both adults and little ones entertained and accessible for all. You can read about our visit to Leahy's Open Farm here.

12. Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny
Another beautiful castle destination suitable for all visitors. The castle also has lovely grounds to enjoy which are also fully accessible.

13. Oceanworld Dingle, Co. Kerry
This is a 100% wheelchair and buggy accessible day out for all the family. A must-see place for anyone who's interested in sealife.

14. The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
One of the most famous spots in Ireland. Accessible for all to enjoy.

15. Kennedy's Pet Farm, Co. Kerry
A wonderful open farm that's perfect for all the family.

16. Phoenix Park, Co. Dublin
A lovely place to go on a day out, spot deer and enjoy the outdoors close to Dublin City Centre.

17. Bantry House & Gardens, Co. Cork
A beautiful spot not to be missed in Co. Cork and although the garden's main feature are it's 100 steps, the levels are accessible by taking other routes through the garden. The ground floor of the house itself is also accessible to buggies and wheelchairs. You can read more about our visit to Bantry House and see more views of the gardens here.

18. Ardmore Open Farm, Co. Waterford
Ardmore Open Farm is another lovely place to visit for families who love animals. Completely accessible to all and with a lovely view over beautiful Ardmore.

19. The Donkey Sanctuary, Co. Cork
A wonderful place to visit if you love donkeys and want to support a charity. Entry is free but donations are gratefully accepted. The whole site is wheelchair and buggy accessible. You can read about our visit and see more pictures of The Donkey Sanctuary, including the accessible grassy ramps here.

20. Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Co. Kildare
The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens make for a fabulous day out destination for all the family and is completely accessible in all parts for buggies and wheelchairs, albeit there is gravel in the Japanese Garden itself, however, I was able to get a buggy through it with ease.

21. Blarney Castle Gardens, Co. Cork
We're regulars to Blarney Castle Gardens and think they're worth the visit alone, never mind the castle because all you're really missing is the view from the top, but the gardens are just as beautiful and have a great walk around the lake.

22. Gougane Barra, Co. Cork
A beautiful site in Co. Cork, the famous chapel is accessible to all and the woodland walk has cleared pathways that are easy for wheelchairs and buggies to navigate through. This is a beauty of a place, especially in autumn when the surrounding woodland is filled with autumnal colours.

23. Doneraile Park, Co. Cork
Doneraile Park is a gorgeous place to visit, with beautiful grounds boasting deer, lots of flowers and a lake with swans. There's also a tea room and everything at Doneraile is accessible to all.

24. Wexford Lavender Farm
Wexford is such a beautiful part of the country and the lavender fields are a must-see during the summer months. The fields, café and visitors information centre are all wheelchair and buggy accessible, however, the woodland walk is not.

25. Kia Ora Mini Farm, Gorey, Wexford

This is a reader recommendation. I've been told that Kia Ora Mini Farm has cemented footpaths all around, perfect for wheelchair and buggy users. It looks like a great day out for all the family too.

26. Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford

This is such a beautiful place and one that is fully accessible for wheelchair and buggy users. Enjoy a walk around this beautiful, large gardens, stop for a picnic and take in the beauty of the place. It's particular lovely in early summer with it's lavender and peony walk.

 27. Johnstown Castle, Wexford

Johnstown Castle is a beautiful place to visit in Wexford and is very wheelchair and buggy friendly with it's cleared paths around the grounds and the castle itself even has a lift for access to upper floors and the cellar if you want to do the castle tour - which I highly recommend as it's so beautifully decorated.
 

 Have you been to any of these accessible for all places on a day out? Do you have any other recommendations for the list?


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4 comments

  1. Hi great ideas here. Kia Ora Mini Farm in Gorey, Wexford is fully buggy/wheelchair accessible with cement paths all around

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    1. Thank you, will check it out and add it to the list.

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  2. Thanks �� this is a great guide. Planning a day out..this really helps.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for reading. Glad you found it helpful.

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