Dublin, Ireland

DUBLIN : Overview

OVERVIEW

Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland, and offers vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.  Located on the river Liffe, the center of Dublin is very compact, making it a great destination for travelers with mobility impairments and mature travelers.  It is a great city to explore and rarely is it necessary to get into a bus or cab.  There are many pedestrian streets including the famous Temple Bar area (pubs) and Grafton Street (shopping).  Despite being an old city, many of its tourist destinations are  partially accessible, with careful planning.

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Ableieze Access & Travel

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LANGUAGE

The official languages of Ireland are Irish (Gaelic), referred to as “the first official language”, and English.

CURRENCY

The official currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. In Northern Ireland the currency is the British Pound.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

DUBLIN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Dublin Airport: The Dublin Airport is wheelchair accessible equipped with lifts (elevators) and accessible toilets. If you require assistance at the airport with disembarking the aircraft, please contact your airlines and make arrangements before your arrival to the Dublin Airport. Inside the airport there are blue boxes you can use to call for assistance while at the Dublin Airport.

Dublin International airport is relatively modern and accessible.  There are jetbridges on most flights to assist travelers, but be careful as many regional flights do board via tarmak.  Inquire with your airline to be sure you have the proper information.  The airport is primarily on one level with some areas requiring elevator access.  There are disabled restrooms and family / companion restrooms.  There are a few restaurants and shops. 

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Direct Line Taxi: Direct Line Taxi has wheelchair accessible taxis equipped with a ramp for easy access.

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SHUTTLE

Ambassador Chauffer: Ambassador Chauffer offers wheelchair accessible transportation. Wheelchair accessible transportation should be booked well in advance as the accessible vehicles tend to get booked up quickly.

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BUS

Dublin Bus: Most of the Dublin buses are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with a ramp. There is only one spot reserved on the bus for an individual who uses a wheelchair. By 2012 Dublin is aiming to make their entire fleet of buses wheelchair accessible.

For people who have visual impairments, when boarding, let the bus driver know your desired destination.

Assistance dogs are allowed to accompany people on the bus.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

Irish Rail: Please visit the Irish Rail website for more information about accessible trains and stations.

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DUBLIN : Accommodations

HOTELS

Ardmore Hotel (North Dublin City Hotel): The Ardmore Hotel is a newer hotel which was built in 2005. The hotel is rated to be accessible to people who use wheelchairs, including those who can transfer unaided to and from the wheelchair. Contact the hotel for specific accessible room accommodations. Guide dogs are also welcome at this hotel.

The Westin Dublin: Perfectly located in the center of Dublin near Trinity College, Temple Bar and Grafton Street, the Westin is a great option for all travelers. It is a very modern hotel with ramps at the entrance and modern elevators. There are accessible rooms available. 

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DUBLIN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Airfield Gardens: Rated to be suitable for wheelchairs. The lush 5 acre garden features wild grown and specifically planted flowers for people to admire and learn about. The Airfield Gardens is a wonderful place for the entire family to enjoy.

Chester Beatty Library: The library is actually an art museum which houses many collections. The Chester Beatty Library is rated to be suitable for wheelchairs. In the museum, exhibits have been placed at lower heights for everyone’s viewing pleasure. The museum also offers an information leaflet in Braille and audio tours.

Chester Beatty Library and Museum is described as one of the best museums in Ireland, this beautiful and fully accessible museum features Asian arts, global finds and local history. Chester Beatty donated the entire museum collection. Admission was free when we visited.

Dublin Castle: A landmark of Irish history, this renovated castle is a fantastic stop. The site offers a 45 minute tour of the grounds which sometimes fills up, so if this is one of your desired stops, you might try to book ahead. The tour is largely accessible – including interior and exterior, there is one exception though, wheelchairs cannot descend down into the old remains of the Powder Tower.

Dublin City Gallery: The Dublin City Gallery is rated to be suitable for wheelchairs. At the reception desk, audio guides are available. There is a lift to access all floors of the gallery.

Dublinia and the Viking World: This is a walking tour through streets and houses as if you were experiencing medieval times. The entire tour is not accessible, however if you contact them before your trip, they should accommodate.

GAA Museum and Croke Park: Take a tour of the GAA Musueum and Croke Park to learn about Irish sporting history. The park and museum are rated to be suitable for wheelchairs, however you should call ahead to make a reservation.

Grafton Street: Dublin’s famous shopping district and home to Brown Thomas and a host of other local and international shops. This is a fully accessible pedestrian street, however not all shops themselves are accessible.

Guinness Storehouse: The Guinness Storehouse is rated to be suitable for wheelchairs and the building has lifts (elevators) throughout to access each floor. It’s a fun place to learn about the exciting history of Guinness.

Henry Street:If you don’t get enough shopping in on Grafton Street, head across the river to Henry street for another pedestrian street full of shops. Similar to Grafton, but newer, this area is also accessible.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Is one of the major historic churches in Dublin. It is the burial spot for Jonathan Swift and many other famous Dubiners. The church itself is accessible via a special entrance in the back near the alter. There is also a beautiful park adjacent to the church.

Trinity College: Ireland’s prestigious college offers tourists the ability to conduct self-guided tours of the grounds and also offers tours during the week. The grounds are accessible to walk around, but note the ground is uneven as there are lots of cobblestones. The highlight of Trinity College is a visit to the Book of Kells – a fully accessible spot with a gift shop as well.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Elephant and Castle: Located in the Temple Bar district. This restaurant features local and global fare and is accessible. While there are no beers on tap they do have a good collection of bottles.

Leo Burdocks: Described by many as a must visit, this local spot for fish and chips is simply a counter location for take-away only. It is not directly accessible but if you can find a spot to eat outside, it is worth having someone run in and grab some food to go.

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Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Medstore Medical: MedStore Medical is located in Dublin, and has a variety of medical supply products and equipment.

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DUBLIN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Dublin offers a variety of accessible transportation options to get around the city; however arrangements should be made well in advance.

The cobblestones and old nature of the city often make it challenging to get around easily.

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