Access Welcome Guide
Welcome to Ardgillan Castle and Demesne.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors. This Accessibility Guide has been designed to help you plan your visit by providing information on accessible facilities, routes, services, and supports available throughout the site. We hope it helps you enjoy everything Ardgillan has to offer and ensures a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable visit for everyone.
Tom Reilly
Manager, Ardgillan Castle
Contact Information
If you would like more information about accessibility or require assistance with planning your tour, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- Telephone: +353 1 8492212
- Email: eventardgillan@fingal.ie
- Website: https://ardgillancastle.ie
Social media:
- https://www.instagram.com/ardgillancastle/
- https://www.facebook.com/ardgillancastle
- https://www.tiktok.com/ardgillan.castle
Our team aims to respond to accessibility-related enquiries within 2 business days.
Getting Here
By Car
The route to Ardgillan Demesne is signposted from the M1. Travelling north from Dublin exit at Junction 5. Travelling south exit at Junction 6 (well signposted). Click here for directions.
By train
From Dublin Connolly, get the Train bound for Dundalk and get off at either Skerries or Balbriggan. Transfer to a no. 33 bus and travel South bound from Balbriggan or North bound from Skerries to the Lady Stairs access to the Demense.
By Bus
Bus No. 33 from Eden Quay in Dublin travels via Rush and Skerries and passes under “The Lady’s Stairs,” two miles north of Skerries. “The Lady’s Stairs” is a pedestrian footbridge over the road and railway line, which provides access to the demesne.
By Parking
Visitors must park in the Upper Car Park. The lower carpark, beside the castle, is an accessible carpark reserved for our over 70’s visitors, wheelchair users and visitors withhidden disabilities.
Key Accessibility Features
Information
Detailed Accessibility Information
We provide comprehensive, third-party-verified accessibility information to help visitors understand our facilities before they arrive. This ensures guests can make fully informed decisions and plan their visit with confidence.
Map or Floorplan Showing Accessibility Facilities
We provide a detailed accessibility map/floorplan that highlights step-free routes, accessible toilets, accessible parking, and distances between key areas. This resource is available online and on-site to aid visit planning.
Services
Emergency Evacuation Plan for Visitors with Disabilities
We maintain General Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs) that account for the needs of disabled visitors. Our team is trained to support swift, safe evacuation procedures for guests requiring assistance in an emergency.
Free Familiarisation Visits
We offer complimentary familiarisation visits, allowing guests to explore the venue in advance. This service helps individuals, families, carers, or support workers better prepare for their visit.
Facilities & Equipment
Facilities for Assistance Dogs
We provide facilities for assistance dogs, including water bowls, a designated toilet area, and appropriate waste-disposal options. These facilities are located close to the main venue entrance for ease of use.
Adapted Equipment On Site
Our venue offers adapted equipment to enable full participation in experiences. This may include accessible play equipment, hoists for relevant activities, or other specialised supports. Full details and specifications are available upon request.
Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet in Public Areas
A dedicated wheelchair-accessible toilet is available in the main public areas. It features step-free access, a 1500mm x 1500mm manoeuvring area, outward-opening door, transfer space with drop-down grab rail, fixed grab rails.
Changing Places Toilet
A fully equipped Changing Places facility is available at the playground, including an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, accessible toilet, and sink. This facility is registered with the official Changing Places network.
Seating at Regular Intervals
Seating is provided at approximately every 50 metres throughout the venue, offering regular rest points for visitors who need to pause during their journey.
Parking
Designated Accessible Parking
Accessible parking bays are located within 50 metres of the main entrance or a step-free alternative entrance. These bays are clearly marked and designed to accommodate vehicles with ramps or lifts.
Building Entrance
Step-Free Entrance
The venue offers step-free access at the main or alternative entrance, achieved via a ramp or lift. Entrances are fully accessible and welcoming for all visitors.
Access to Public Areas
Step-Free Access to All or Most Areas
Most public areas of the venue, including at least one food and beverage outlet and accessible toilets, can be reached without encountering steps. Ramps, lifts, and wide doorways support movement around the venue.
Single Level Venue
The venue (or key areas of it) is situated on a single level with no steps or raised thresholds, enabling easy navigation for wheelchair users and others with mobility needs.
Accessible Stairs
Where stairs are present, they include continuous handrails.
Restaurant, Café or Bar
Wheelchair-Accessible Food and Beverage Outlet
At least one restaurant, café, or bar area is fully accessible, featuring step-free entry, wide doorways, manoeuvring space, and suitable table heights.
Rearrangeable Tables and Chairs
Tables and chairs can be rearranged on request to accommodate wheelchairs or specific access needs.
Table Service
Table service is available, either as standard or by request, to support visitors who may find self-service challenging.
Dietary Requirements Catered For
We cater for a wide range of dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, religious dietary restrictions, vegan/vegetarian options, and softer-texture foods where needed.
Retail
Wheelchair-Accessible Retail Outlet
Our retail outlet offers step-free access, wide aisles, and sufficient space for wheelchair and mobility scooter users to browse comfortably.
Staff Assistance
Trained staff are available to assist disabled customers, such as retrieving items from high shelves or providing guided support for blind or partially sighted visitors.
Gallery of Images
A gallery of images is available to assist with pre-visit planning, showing arrival points, parking, entrances, indoor spaces, sensory rooms, toilets, staff uniforms, and outdoor areas.
Accessible Destination Highlights
We provide information on other accessible venues, attractions, shops, eateries, and accommodations in the surrounding area. This helps visitors plan a seamless and enjoyable itinerary.
A disclaimer advises that guests should confirm accessibility details directly with each business.
Emergency and Medical Information
We provide details of nearby hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies, mobility equipment suppliers, and defibrillator locations. This helps visitors feel prepared and reassured during their visit.
Testimonials
We share testimonials from visitors with disabilities who have used our accessible services. These first-hand accounts help others understand what to expect and feel confident when planning a visit.
Date Produced & Last Updated
We review and update our Access Welcome Guide regularly to ensure accuracy. Visitors are encouraged to contact us with feedback or suggestions to help us continue improving accessibility.
Last updated: [22/07/2026] • Next review: [30/07/2026]