We all love to travel, and needing a wheelchair or a mobility scooter should not limit a sense of adventure and curiosity. Of course, it does often require a bit of forward planning. For instance, if you use a stairlift at home, you may have to find a hotel or tourist attraction which can offer similar accessibility.

When it comes to travelling in Ireland in particular, finding fully accessible attractions can be somewhat challenging. 60% of Ireland’s attractions are not accessible or only partially accessible, there are places to visit that do all they can to make everyone feel welcome. This guide explores four places around Ireland that make themselves as wheelchair friendly as possible.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

Guinness is not only the perfect pint, but they are also the jewel in the crown of accessibility. Visiting the storehouse is a chance to enjoy some tipple and explore the story of Guinness in Ireland.

Getting into the Guinness Storehouse is made possible by a drop off area at the door and some disabled parking spaces close to the entrance. Most impressive is that complimentary admission is given to carers who may be accompanying you.

There are ramps and lifts throughout the seven-floor building for those in a wheelchair. There is also a free wheelchair hire service from the information desk.

The pinnacle of accessibility and enjoyment comes on the fourth floor, where you will be invited to pour a perfect pint of Guinness. One of the taps is at a height specially designed for those pouring at wheelchair height.

Giants Causeway, County Antrim

While getting onto the stones and travelling some of the trails is inaccessible, much has been done to make this UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible. There are many disabled parking spaces near the information centre. There is also the looping Green Trail, known as the Runkerry Trail, which is accessible with the help of a carer or in a mobility scooter. If visiting in winter, ensure your mobility scooter is robust enough to handle the conditions – this guide to choosing a mobility scooter should come in useful.

It is possible to get to the stones themselves via a shuttle bus, though the route by the Blue Trail is not impossible in a mobility scooter. There are three views of the stones on this trail, and you get as close as you could possibly hope to the steps of Finn McCool. It is a dramatic sight to see and admire the 40000 hexagonal stone columns that date back almost 60 million years.

The National Trust has worked hard to make this site accessible and is considered DDA compliant.

Titanic Belfast

Another iconic part of Irish history is Belfast’s place in the Titanic story. The Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast was the site of Titanic’s design, build, and launch in 1912. With the most astonishing architecture, the six-floor building is in the city’s Titanic Quarter and offers a self-guided experience through nine interactive galleries. These experiences include the sights, sounds, and smells of the Titanic and the story of the people involved.

The centre has worked hard to be as accessible as possible. All four entrances to the building are level, and there are large circulation spaces in each gallery. There are two lifts in the atrium, which allow you to get to all four levels. Shop Mobility also offers mobility scooters for loan throughout your visit.

Even on the Shipyard Ride, Titanic Belfast has ensured an accessible car so you can experience this to its full. The only limits to the experience on the SS Nomadic, where some of the decks weren’t designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Irish National Heritage Centre, Wexford 

The National Heritage Park is located just outside Wexford Town and is an experience that introduces you to over 9000 years of Irish history. The centre takes you from prehistoric Ireland through the Christian and invasion periods. What is most spectacular about this park is the 40 acres of woodland and the views of the River Slaney estuary.

While some trails are not suitable for wheelchairs, these are clearly marked, and mobility scooters are available for hire during your visit. The experience lasts about 3 hours, and there are facilities for disabled visitors, including a ceiling track hoist. The centre staff worked with an accessibility specialist to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

So many places to enjoy

What is heartening about these experiences around Ireland is the extent of their effort to ensure everyone feels welcome.