Accessible holidays in Ireland: planning flights and accommodation
Accessible Holidays: My Irish Adventure
By Tristram · Originally published 26 June 2024
Original article
Tristram is a writer and powerchair-using traveller, who's combining these two skills to share his top tips for overseas travel. Most importantly, he's part of the Clicka family!
About six months ago, on a whim, I decided to book a holiday to the UK and Ireland. The process sounds simple enough, but as anyone with a disability knows, access needs can complicate things.
The truth is that many people with disabilities, including many of my friends, think overseas travel is outside the realm of possibility. But it doesn’t need to be! We should pursue that wanderlust.
To demonstrate what’s possible, I’m embarking on a travel blog series that will follow my UK and Ireland adventures, so that you too can confidently go on your dream holiday.
First up, I’m looking at how you can easily book your overseas holiday!
Booking accessible flights
One of the main concerns people have when thinking about overseas travel is flying. As a powerchair user, I can relate; I’m petrified my powerchair is going to be damaged in the plane’s hold. No, thanks!
But the reality is that airlines usually do a great job. To boost those odds, you simply need to follow your chosen airline’s own processes. Whatever you do: don’t just rock up to the airport, unprepared.
Most airlines have a page dedicated to access requirements, from seeking mobility assistance to managing medical issues in transit. Here’s a few of them:
If you look at these pages, you’ll note a recurring theme: once you’ve booked your flights, you’ll need to let the airline know what you require, so that they can make the appropriate adjustments.
For me, I chose to fly Emirates to the UK and Ireland. Honestly, the main reason I did this was because the flights were so cheap! But I’ve flown all the above though and liked them all.
For Emirates, I had to let them know my powerchair’s dimensions (height, width, length, and weight) and the battery type (dry cell, lithium, etc.). If you don’t know these, contact the manufacturer.
You will also have to advise whether you need any assistance with transfers (getting from your powerchair to the aisle seat or navigating the airport). Be firm and upfront.
Please note: when you’re booking an airline, check if the flight itself is with a partner airline. I booked through Qantas, but the flights were with Emirates, so I had to follow their processes.
Booking accessible accommodation
You’ve booked your flights; now it’s time to find your accommodation! Okay, this can be daunting too. After all, how can you really tell if a place will suit your specific needs?
Thankfully, there’s booking platforms that allow you to filter specific access requirements (such as an accessible bathroom or no steps/lips). This includes Booking.com and Airbnb.
Don’t be afraid to directly contact the place to ask for photos. I do this every time. I need to know there’s no lip into the shower – and seeing it is the best way of knowing. No place has ever said no.
For my trip, I used Booking.com to find a beautiful apartment called Sonder. I contacted them directly, they forwarded some photos, and we booked within a couple of days.
Getting quality travel insurance
The last thing you need to do is book some quality travel insurance. Much like writing wills, we put off getting travel insurance I think because we fear it’s tempting fate. It’s not; it’s just smart.
For my trip, I booked travel insurance through CoverMore, but there’s many more providers out there who can match their price while offering a similarly comprehensive policy. Get quotes.
In most instances, the provider won’t insure your actual disability. Don’t worry, they’ve never insured mine! But always declare your disability, so that you can see.
[Clickability update, October 2026: Insurance cover depends on the policy and your circumstances. Do not rely on this personal experience as a universal exclusion or reason not to check cover. Current disability travel guidance recommends discussing relevant needs and insurance arrangements.]
What’s next?
Preparation is done! In my next blog of the series, I’ll explain the practicalities of flying – and what you can do to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
How participants can turn a booking into confirmed arrangements
Check which airline operates each flight and provide the equipment details and assistance requests that operator needs. Confirm the actual reserved room, including bathroom access and equipment, rather than relying on a booking-platform filter.
Ask the insurer about relevant medical conditions, mobility equipment and interruptions. Smartraveller guidance helps frame the discussion; the policy wording and insurer’s response determine the arrangement.
Share planning tasks without assuming responsibility for every contingency
Agree which tasks each person will handle and what assistance is available from operators. Keep confirmations and relevant contacts accessible. Discuss help during transfers and delays before booking rather than assuming a companion can solve missing access.
Questions readers ask
Does a booking-site access filter guarantee the room suits me?
No. Confirm the specific room and features directly. Official guidance
Does the author’s insurance experience establish my cover?
No. Check your own policy and circumstances with the insurer. Official guidance
Find disability services for the assistance you want to organise
Describe your service needs through Clickability. Compare profiles and reviews, then confirm the scope and eligibility of any support directly.
