Accessible travel in Ireland: attractions and booking questions

Accessible Holidays: Seeing Ireland

By Tristram · Originally published 24 July 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!

In the first posts in my Accessible Holidays series, I've looked at how to plan the perfect holiday and how to get through the challenges of flying. Now, it's time for the fun stuff - the holiday proper!

On a whim, earlier this year, I decide that I wanted to go to Ireland. I'd been once before, so knew some of the things I wanted to do again, but there was so much more I wanted to tick off the list.

In today's post, I'm going to share some of the top accessible attractions in Ireland and how you go about booking those accessible tickets. Live vicariously through me; then do it yourself!

Top Accessible Attractions in Ireland

For the majority of my stay, I'd booked an accessible apartment in the middle of Dublin, so I could easily get to and from all the major attractions. Trust me, there's a few:

Guinness Tour: although I don't love the taste of Guinness outside of Australia, I can confirm it tastes a lot better in Ireland. Learn about its amazing history and production in an accessible tour, then enjoy a pint (or two) afterwards.
Temple Bar: if I had a quiet afternoon, I'd invariably wander down to Temple Bar (a beautiful street, with its bright-red namesake in the middle) to catch some live music and a decent feed. The atmosphere is beautiful.
Trinity College: I'm a self-proclaimed nerd so I loved Trinity College. Not only does it have of the most stunning libraries in the world, it also has the Book of Kells, an incredibly old manuscript (c. 800 AD) that is exquisitely designed.
Rugby: I'm a rolling contradiction... I'm a nerd, but I do love some rugby. I'd highly recommend getting to Aviva Stadium if there's a match on. It's raucous, but a whole lot of fun. If the rugby isn't on, the Gaelic Football might prove a fun alternative.
The Church: I love the architecture of Dublin, and Ireland more generally, so fell in love with the churches in the area. But my favourite was the Church... it is as it sounds, but has been converted into a bar and restaurant with regular live music and traditional dancing!

Ireland is one of the most naturally beautiful places I've ever been, so you're not going to want to spend your whole time in Dublin. I booked a car (more on that below) to get further afield:

Cliffs of Moher: it's a decent drive from Dublin, but the west coast of Ireland is beautiful, with the Cliffs of Moher being a highlight. There's an accessible track for you to get up top and witness the gorgeous views. Pack a warm coat though.
Galway: if you're at the Cliffs of Moher, you should definitely stop into Galway on the way home! It's a beautiful place - often with stunning markets.

We had a lot more planned outside Dublin, but tragedy struck. What that tragedy was, you'll just have to wait. I do love some unnecessary suspense.

Booking Accessible Tickets

Like Australia, Ireland has its own version of the Companion Card, which permits support workers and carers into events for free. I highly recommend booking things well in advance, because they sell out fast.

[Clickability update, October 2026: Do not assume one Ireland-wide card guarantees free admission at every attraction. Check each operator’s current ticket policy and documentation requirements. For example, Guinness Storehouse guidance describes complimentary admission for one carer on its self-guided experience.]

As an example, to get my free carers ticket for the rugby, I had to provide a letter from my GP to state I was a powerchair user and needed support. Not the sort of thing you can organise quickly...

The same is true of Bord Gais theatre if you wanted to catch a play or musical during your stay. Get these prepared before you get there... not just in Ireland, but all throughout Europe!

Getting Around

Despite what people said, the public transport system isn't too bad at all in Ireland! Trains are accessible, but you typically have to alert them before your trip. Spontaneity be damned.

The other useful service they have is FreeNow, an app to book accessible cabs in Dublin. I had to do this late one night in the pouring rain, but got home safely by using the app. (No, my tragedy hasn't struck yet!)

The other thing you can do, which I'd highly recommend, is hire your own accessible vehicle. Simply use Google to find one that suits, but I used the amazing Motability. They were fantastic.

What's next?

Okay, I mentioned tragedy. The truth is, I discussed travel insurance in my very first post for a very good reason, because, well... I broke my femur six nights into my six week holiday. Yep.

What a goose.

But it's a good opportunity for me to share what to do when things go VERY badly, VERY quickly, particularly when you have a disability on the other side of the world.

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

What participants can check before booking an Irish attraction

Ask about your actual entrance, route, toilets and companion ticket requirements, then keep the confirmation. One attraction’s accessibility guide shows why the details matter: different experiences and spaces have specific arrangements.

Confirm assistance and suitable transport for each part of the journey. Current travel guidance also helps you consider equipment, insurance and health needs before departure.

Prepare contacts and agreed assistance for unexpected changes

With permission, help organise booking confirmations and insurer contacts. Discuss what assistance you can provide and when professional or emergency help is needed. The author’s injury does not predict another traveller’s experience, but it is a reason to understand the actual policy and local arrangements.

Questions readers ask

Do all Irish attractions provide the same free companion ticket?

No. Check the individual operator’s policy. Official guidance

Does this story verify current accessible taxi availability?

No. Confirm the operator and the vehicle you need directly.

Find support services that fit your assistance needs

Tell Clickability which disability-related assistance you want to explore. Compare reviewed and rated profiles and confirm practical arrangements with providers.

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