Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in Ireland

Last week, Dollymount Strand welcomed the much-needed beach mats aimed at providing better access for wheelchair and scooter users.

These specially designed mats are 125 metres in length onto the beach from the end of the Causeway Road. This is a trial run at the moment and based on the level of use and demand, we could see the use of beach mats like this be extended and added to other beaches in the future.

Happily Welcomed

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ms. Alison Gilliland stated that she wholeheartedly welcomed the addition of this important resource and that:

‘’Accessibility and inclusion should be at the heart of all our policies, and Dublin City Council is committed to making Dublin and its amenities more accessible for its citizens, particularly those with additional mobility needs.’’

This certainly seems like a step in the right direction for accessibility for all in Ireland.

A Day at the Beach

While summer may be behind us, we Irish are no strangers to a beach day at any time of the year. So, you will be happy to know that Dollymount isn’t the first to move towards more accessible shorelines. There have been a number of pro-active counties that have been working on this previously.

If you fancy a day a the beach, here are some of the more accessible options across the country. Please note that most of these below services are summer services because the lifeguard service at beaches is not an all year service but there is no harm is reaching out to see if you can book or use them throughout the year.

Dublin

Dollymount Strand: Beach wheelchairs can be booked by emailing pat.corrigan@dublincity.ie

Killiney Beach: You will need to register for the beach wheelchair (PDF) and email it back to info@dlrcoco.ie

Portmarnock, Velvet Strand Beach: You can book a Hippocampe chair free of charge by calling 086 822 26 46. We would strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Galway

Salthill Beach: To book a beach wheelchair, you can contact Amanda at Ability West via email: amanda.scott@abilitywest.ie or you can call 091 540900 Booking in advance is always best.

Cork

Warren, Cregane Strand: You can book a beach wheelchair by contacting the Rosscarbery Pitch & Putt Club. You can email: rosscarberypitchandputt@gmail.com or phone 087 218 65 29.