Special Needs Kids: Access Travel in Ireland-What is Handicap Accessible?

Stimr is going on a walk about to Ireland and the question is 'How accessible is Ireland for someone in with mobility issues or someone caring for someone with mobility issues?'




Over the next few posts I'll be exploring Ireland and looking into accommodations and tourists sites that are accessible for someone with disabilities/special needs. 

The rules and regulations for accessibility in Ireland seem a bit looser than those in the United States.  Ireland does have a variety of resources available for people with disabilities including grants and loans for people with physical, cognitive and sensory (yes, sensory) issues.

After doing a bit of research it looks as though Ireland has guidelines for accessibility for public places similar to the ADA guidelines of the United States.  I can't wait to see what they have going.

For pre-trip planning, the internet has many resources for finding wheelchair accessible accommodations, things to do and places to visit.  Below are some interesting links:

http://www.accessibleireland.com/  This website lists accessible accommodations, restaurants and tourist areas all over Ireland.  It's an easy to use site organized by county.  According to the site,
'If it is not listed on Accessible Ireland then it is not worth a visit!'

Another interesting website is through the Irish Wheelchair Association, http://www.iwa.ie/information/accessibleHolidayLinks.aspx.  This site seems to be more for Irish nationals with information ranging from where to get second hand vehicles to assisted living.  They also of course have vacation or 'holiday' links.  This site is worth checking out, in fact we need a site like this in the United States, but that's for another post.


Well I hope you enjoy our trip to Ireland.  Does anyone have any suggestions for places to visit?

Cheers.