Top 10 best wheelchair-accessible attractions in Ireland

There are many great wheelchair-accessible attractions in Ireland to consider if you’re looking for something that is not only accessible but also offers a great experience.

Thanks to its stunning scenery, charming towns, beautiful beaches, fascinating historical sites, and more, Ireland is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

For those who are wheelchair users and wish to visit Ireland, it’s essential to ensure that any place you see or want to explore is wheelchair accessible.

By being aware of which tourist attractions are the most accessible for wheelchair users, you will be sure to have a great experience and one to remember for all the right reasons. So, today, we are revealing the top ten best wheelchair-accessible attractions in Ireland.

10. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Co. Dublin – built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint

One of Dublin’s most popular attractions, St Patrick’s Cathedral, was built in the 13^th century in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. It remains one of the few buildings left standing from Medieval Dublin.

It’s believed that St Patrick baptised many Christian converts on this same site over 1500 years ago. Nowadays, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a brilliant cultural experience and is one of the best things to do in Dublin.

For wheelchair users, they offer a wheelchair electric lift at the main entrance and a ramp at the Order door entrance.

Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin, D08 H6X3

9. Dunbrody Famine Ship, Co. Wexford – a fantastic insight into the emigration experience of the past

The Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross in County Wexford provides a fantastic insight into precisely what the emigration experience of the past ‒ that so many Irish had to face ‒ was truly like.

While being a replica boat, it has been converted to be completely wheelchair accessible. They have a lift onboard the ship allowing passengers to view the lower decks. They also have a lift in the Visitor Centre, which means all visitors can access the Captain’s Table Restaurant.

Address: New Ross, Co. Wexford

8. Youghal Beach, Co. Cork – a beautiful beach with a brilliant boardwalk

While visiting the beach can often seem like an option out of reach for wheelchair users, this is not the case for those who choose to visit Youghal Beach.

Visitors have the opportunity to walk alongside the magnificent beach thanks to its brilliant wooden boardwalk, which is accessible for wheelchairs and prams. There are even ramps onto the beach itself.

Address: Youghal Beach, Co Cork

7. Doolin to Inis Mor Ferry, Co. Clare – get the ferry across to the largest of the Aran Islands

The Doolin to Inis Mor ferry offers visitors the opportunity to get the ferry across to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor (Inishmore). The island is about 14 km (8.7 miles) by 3.8 km (2.4 miles) and has roughly 1,100 people living there.              

With its famous rocky landscape and luscious flowing fields divided by ancient stone walls, the island is like something straight out of a postcard with views from out of this world!

For wheelchair users, the ferry offers a modified gangway, a lift to the lower level, and a disabled bathroom.

Address: Doolin Ferry, Bill O’Brien, No. 1 Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland, V95 DR74

6. The National Wax Museum, Co. Dublin – interact with many famous faces

If you have ever wanted to get up close and personal with some famous figures, visiting the National Wax Museum should be on your itinerary.

With three floors chalked full of discovery, exhibition, and interaction with many famous figures thrown in for good measure, there is much to do and see at the National Wax Museum.

The elevator serves all floors, and there are disabled bathrooms. However, due to the nature of the building, there is a limit to the number of wheelchairs that can gain access at one time.

Address: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29

5. Center Parcs Longford Forest, Co. Longford – a brilliant family experience

Center Parcs Longford Forest is deserving of high praise when it comes to its level of accessibility and wheelchair friendliness.

They have dedicated disabled parking, accessible accommodation, and various modifications around the resort to accommodate wheelchair users.

This brilliant attraction is also a fantastic venue with great activities that all the family can enjoy, and is one of the best things to do in Longford!

Address: Newcastle Road, Newcastle, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

4. Muckross House and Gardens, Co. Kerry – located in stunning and serene surroundings

Killarney Muckross House and Gardens is a lovely place in stunning and serene surroundings. It also has universal access for people of all abilities. A courtesy wheelchair is also available for use on the grounds.

It is an excellent location for those looking to take a pleasant journey exploring nature, with many ideal spots to have a delightful picnic.

Address: Killarney, Co. Kerry

3. Fota Wildlife Park, Co. Cork – experience wildlife in a fun location

When visiting Cork, it would be a crime not to spend a day at Fota Wildlife Park.

Fota Wildlife Park is wheelchair-friendly and allows visitors to explore and interact with animals much more than they would at a traditional-style zoo.

For those in wheelchairs, they offer a wheelchair loan facility and wheelchair-accessible toilets. The train tour is also wheelchair accessible.

Address: Fota Wildlife Park, Fota, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 CD93

2. Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin – the home of Ireland’s greatest export

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Ireland’s greatest export, visiting the Guinness Storehouse is a must-do.

At the Guinness Storehouse, you will get the opportunity to experience the history of Guinness, discover how it’s made, and even take in the panoramic views of Dublin City from the excellent Gravity Bar.

The building has wheelchair-friendly ramps and/or lifts that allow visitors to access all aspects of the experience. Make sure to enjoy a pint of the black stuff when you’re up there too!

Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H

1. Dublin Zoo, Co. Dublin – Ireland’s most popular family attraction

In first place on our list of what we believe to be the top ten best wheelchair-accessible attractions in Ireland is Dublin Zoo. As Ireland’s most popular family attraction, it is perhaps no surprise that it is also the perfect location for wheelchair users.

Dublin Zoo, located in the heart of the city, is one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos. It is home to more than 400 animals situated on a staggering 70 acres.

Most of the zoo is accessible to wheelchair users, and they also offer ten wheelchairs that are available to rent. There are nine accessible toilets at the zoo, and concession tickets are available for those with additional needs.

Address: Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8

That concludes our list of top ten wheelchair-accessible attractions in Ireland. Have you been to any of these attractions yet, and if so, how was your experience?