Summer is here, a time for holidays and exploring new places.
But for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties, it’s not always as straightforward as getting into the car or going on a train or bus to wherever takes your fancy. You want to know before you leave if your destination of choice is going to be accessible and wheelchair friendly, and what the facilities are like.
Here our members have given feedback on a number of tourist spots in Ireland, kicking off with our Public Engagement Manager John Fulham’s review of Centreparcs, Kenagh IWA members share their experience on Lough Ree Access for All while the members in Ballingar IWA give us their thoughts on Beyond the Trees and Lough Boora.
Centreparcs – Co Longford
(review submitted by IWA member and Public Engagement Manager, John Fulham)
Centreparcs, is located 5km outside Ballymahon in Co. Longford and is well worth considering as a place to get away for a break if you are a wheelchair user or someone who has high support needs. From a very easy check in process to their facilities, Centreparcs have thought of a lot for those guests with disabilities.
While people are not allowed bring their cars into the park, guests with disabilities are allowed to bring their cars to the lodge and park there, although you are not allowed to use your car to get around during your stay. However, the resort is very flat with good road surfaces and most amenities are centrally located, within a few minutes of each other and generally easy to get around.
The lodges are well maintained, offer a large circulation space for wheelchair users (manual and power chairs) and have facilities which include, electric beds, adapted bathrooms, ceiling tracking hoists, lowered worktops and if your lodge has a hot tub there will be a hoist available to use. According to John, “The lodges have one of the highest levels of accessibility I have seen.” The four-bedroom lodges have the ceiling tracking hoists installed so make sure to check availability if this is one of your requirements. Wet rooms with handrails in place are standard.
The swimming pool facilities are excellent and include a changing places facility, wheelchair accessible changing rooms and access to the pool is relatively straight forward with hoist access if you require with a discreet location for this to be used. You can rent mobility scooters if you need to. Restaurants are accessible with wheelchair toilets in all. Recreational activities include wall climbing, ten pin bowling, tennis, badminton and many others. The staff will go out of their way to be helpful and supportive. However, there are some outdoor activities which may not be accessible such as the walks in the treetops or zip lining so I would recommend checking activity guides in advance so you are not disappointed.
Centreparcs also use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Global Network to support guests and also offers hearing loops for those who are deaf and live with hearing loss. They have an inclusive ethos through which they endeavour to ensure you can enjoy a holiday with and as part of your family and friends. While on the expensive side, it is worth considering for sure.
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Lough Ree Access for All Boat Trips – Lanesboro, Co Roscommon
(review submitted by members of IWA Kenagh, Co Longford.)
Lough Ree Access for all boat trips has given people with disabilities a huge opportunity to go on the River Shannon, enjoy the sea breeze, the peaceful surroundings and to be a part of the social community.
Shane a member of Kenagh IWA said it was the first time it took his disability away from him when he went out on the boat “as everyone is equal to accessing it”.
“Giving people with disabilities access to the boat will enhance their well-being and offer them a new social outlet within a safe & fresh environment”.
Accessibility on the boat is brilliant as you only have to be wheeled on and wheeled off. (there is no hoisting needed)
There are 3 sailings per day. Cost per person is €20.00 with a charge of €5.00 for a carer. The cost of the boat trip is well worth the value. IWA members have really enjoy the boat trip especially when the weather is nice.
The trip is 1 ½ hours long out on Lough Ree and a tour guide is on board to explain the history of the boat trip and the sites along the way.
There is a National Accessibility Centre reception area with tea/coffee available and they have a state-of-the-art changing suite with an adult changing table and hoist.
Lough Ree Access has two rib boats available and are wheelchair accessible for people who would like to go fishing which are available all year round.
More of IWA’s members are looking forward to going on the boat this summer and some go with family members and really enjoy the day out as they can have a picnic along the banks of the River Shannon.
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Beyond The Trees Avondale – Co Wicklow
(reviews submitted by members of IWA Ballingar, Co Offaly.)
Our members set off on their journey and were pleased to find an easy access car park. The toilet facilities were superb and had a fully hoist accessible area which we were beyond happy about as it allowed for full inclusion of all members to attend. The members enjoyed a packed lunch and tea on arrival and the facilities were lovely and felt the staff were very welcoming.
The walk up the trees was beautiful and taking in all the sights was beautiful, however a power chair/motorised scooter would be a must for all attending as it was quite a struggle for staff to push up the area and especially difficult on the way down.
The views were beautiful and overall, a great day out for all to enjoy and feel included. The views as the members were going up and when they reached the top were beautiful. Our members said ”you could see for miles” ”beautiful experience” ”something different”
Lough Boora – Co Offaly
Our members enjoyed visiting the Lough Boora parklands, which is located close to our centre. The sights and overall feeling in the area is beautiful, fine weather makes it all even more enjoyable.
The toilet facilities had good accessibility, however with members who need hoist we would be unable to attend therefore creating a barrier for them to visit at any point.
The car park was easy to find yet the area from the car park to café was gravel making it difficult for wheelchairs and rollators to gain access and was quite challenging, also parts of the parklands had a gravel finish which meant the area isn’t fully accessible for all.
”We enjoyed a nice picnic, the sights and weather was lovely” ”very nice to have somewhere local to go”, were some of the comments.
If you have any reviews you would like to share with us please contact us via social media or you can email news@iwa.ie
