Longford

 

Lough Ree Access for All Boat Trips (36km from Ballinamuck) are award winning wheelchair accessible boat trips on Lough Ree and the River Shannon in County Roscommon. Meander around Lough Ree's majestic historical islands and reel in the northern River Shannon's waterscape on one of their daily cruises. Enjoy a scenic island cruise on Lough Ree, the Lake of the Kings, and on the River Shannon with Lough Ree Access for All Boat Trips. This 90 minute lake and river cruise sails three times daily for people of all abilities. The boat trip departs from the North Quay, Ballyleague, County Roscommon, which borders County Longford in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. +35389 2625505

 

The Mall Walk This scenic walk along the River Camlin in Longford Town offers beautiful scenery and is accessible to people with mobility aids. It has tarmac pathways and outdoor exercise machines, as well as many fishing points along the route.

 

Longford Sports & Leisure Centre, Coral Leisure Located at The Mall in Longford town has a gym, swimming pool, baby pool, sauna, steam room and ice bath. The swimming pool has an accessible pool hoist system to support wheelchair users to access the pool. There is also a changing facility to support wheelchair users after their session. Contact 043 3346536 for more info.

 

St. Mel's Cathedral. The newly rebuilt St. Mel's Cathedral is a significant landmark in Longford and is accessible to visitors.

 

Longford MegaBowl. This bowling alley is accessible to wheelchair users. The centre also hosts arcades, pool, a play centre (with a lift) and quasar. Party packages available that include hot food, party bag, tea/coffee facilities etc contact 043 3347643

 

Royal Canal Greenway The Royal Canal Greenway spans 130 kilometres of flat towpath, offering an ideal route for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and abilities. Starting in the vibrant town of Maynooth, the Greenway follows the historic 200-year-old Royal Canal through the welcoming community of Enfield and the lively town of Mullingar, ultimately reaching the charming village of Cloondara in Longford. Along this picturesque route, travellers encounter a mix of rustic and industrial landscapes featuring rolling fields, quaint waterside villages, operational locks and local landmarks.

 

The Backstage Theatre Centre for theatre & arts. The Auditorium can accommodate up to three wheelchairs spaces for each show. Additionally, we are pleased to offer access to a new range of Assisted Listening Devices for customers with hearing loss. They will also be happy to offer a quiet space for theatre attendees with special sensory needs. 043 3347888

 

Longford Library, Longford town. Accessible space with public internet browsing, photocopying & printing facilities. 043 3343300.

 

Lough Ree Distillery is a family-run business founded in Lanesborough, County Longford. They are famous for their Sling Shot Gin, Bart's blended Irish whiskey, The Bridge single malt Irish whiskey and Zesty Vodka. Bookings can be made for individuals or for groups of up to 16 people. You will make three gin & tonics that you can enjoy alongside fantastic finger food from Jack Rabbits kitchen. You are in for an experience you won't forget, with your own personalised 70cl bottle of gin to take home with you.

 

The National Famine Way. The 165km historical trail from Roscommon to Dublin weaves mostly along the Royal Canal and can be completed in sections or all at once. The trails start in Strokestown Park at the National Famine Museum and ends at the Famine statues in Dublin Docklands, close to EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin.

 

Maria Edgeworth Centre Located in the historic old schoolhouse in Edgeworthstown, the Maria Edgeworth Centre tells visitors the story of the life and times of pioneering novelist Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849). Best known for her novels on Irish life, her work gives plentiful insight into rural and domestic life in Ireland during the time period.At the Maria Edgeworth Centre, you will experience the life and times of Maria Edgeworth, as well as other notable figures in the Edgeworth family. The ground floor exhibition area is wheelchair accessible and has disabled access toilets. The Literary and Historical Trail is wheelchair accessible with some limitations. It should be noted that the Trail crosses the public roads in a few places.

 

Cavan (35km from Ballinamuck)

 

In 2013, Cavan town (35km from Ballinamuck) was the Irish winner of European Destination of Excellence” (EDEN) award for Accessible Tourism’ and still ranks in the top towns for accessibility in Europe. Walks that can be enjoyed by people with all abilities include Dún a Rí forest park in Kingscourt, The Killykeen way in Killykeen Forest park, the multi access path at Cavan Burren Park, the multi access walk at Deerpark Forest in Virginia and Turbet Island in Belturbet.

 

Cavan Museum. One of the highlights of your trip to Cavan will be at Cavan County Museum. Originally a convent for the Poor Clare Sisters, the building dates back to 1872 and retains many of its architectural features. Today, it is home to a diverse array of exhibitions which communicate Cavan’s story within Ireland’s broader historical context. Discover an array of exhibitions and events all year around.

 

The specialised Teddy Bear Gift Shop & Crafts Studio Experience is a must see on your visit to Cavan and is fully accessible. Gardens, playground, events, and a picnic area are all available here. Part of the Craft Studio Experience.

 

Cavan adventure Centre delivers guided canoe, kayak and boat trips around scenic Lough Oughter. The centre is equipped to cater for visitors with intellectual and physical disabilities. Call in advance to discuss options.

 

Killinkere visitor centre & farm situated just outside Virginia has large and small animals for you to visit. It is suitable for visitors with disabilities. Children will enjoy petting and feeding the animals. Nature walks, heritage trail, pony rides, tractor trailer rides (suitable for wheelchairs) and hands on farming fun. Call in advance to book your visit.

 

Castle Saunderson Scouting Facility is fully accessible. Access features include lift, ramps, push button accessibility doors, parking bays, low access reception desk, accessible toilets, and shower blocks. Contact them directly for camping bookings and events.

 

Belturbet Railway Station. Experience days gone by at Belturbet Heritage Railway station. As well as housing a museum, the station also plays hosts to plenty of events and performances throughout the year.

 

A warm welcome awaits you at the Saint Kilian’s Heritage Centre where, upon arrival, you will immediately start to get a feel of what life was like for Saint Kilian. The exhibition at Saint Kilian’s Heritage Centre in Mullagh begins with a 12-minute audio-visual presentation available in English, German and Irish dealing with St. Kilian and his times, his work, martyrdom and subsequent cult. The centre is fully accessible for your visit.

 

Derryham stables in Baileborough, County Cavan has a purpose-built sand surfaced therapeutic sensory trail with a water feature the horses can walk and splash through and man-made hills to improve balance as the horses walk up, over and down the hills. Therapeutic horse riding is a therapy which is used for children and adults with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Therapeutic Riding has been acknowledged to improve physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioural, and educational skills along with being a healthy and fun activity. Just another option to enjoy on your visit.For a full list of maps and guides available to plan your trip just visit their website https://thisiscavan.ie/maps-guides/ +35349 4361094

 

Killykeen Forest Park is a picturesque forest park located in a very scenic area of County Cavan, on the shores of the magnificent Lough Oughter lake system. The forest park consists of approximately 240 hectares. An Access Trail starts from right side of the carpark if facing the WC Block. Information and maps at the start are set within grass. The Access Trail is mostly smooth tarmac. Wayfinding is provided. The trail is sloped in parts. The trail has a Viewpoint with an accessible log picnic bench and a bench. Other benches are provided along the route. Be aware there is a steep slope with guardrails down to a wooden footbridge over the lake.

 

Ramor Watersports Club has a marina at Lake Side Manor hotel is accessible for those with accessibility needs. Their "Wheelyboat" powerboat allows them to open up water based activities in an inclusive fashion and to participate in fun and safe boating adventures on Lough Ramor and beyond. Contact details are on the Club website. The Club is located south of Virginia, at the marina by the Lakeside Manor Hotel (on the N3). Park in the large hotel tarmac carpark which has two marked Accessible Bays. Accessible level concrete paths are provided to the marina and a ramp is used to access the pontoons. This has a security gate and you will need to be escorted. The section of pontoon near the Wheelyboat has metal bar upstands to sides. The Hotel Lounge Bar accessed from the carpark has food and drink and access to WCs with one dated Accessible WC. Benches are provided by the lakeside. An accessible concrete fishing pier accessed by a concrete ramp with handrails is available by the pontoons - this is open to all. The fishing section has metal bar upstands around it. Contact Ramor Watersports Club to make arrangements to use the Wheelyboat. Email: ramorwatersportsclub@gmail.com, Phone: 0871241674

 

Tullydermot Falls is located to the side of the main road (L1019). Parking is provided by a level tarmac layby with no marked accessible bays. One accessible picnic bench is provided at the top by the layby. A bench/ information board unit about Cuilcagh Lakelands is provided next to this which has some shelter. The waterfall can be viewed from this area. There is a steep sloped concrete path leading to benches and picnic benches set on loose gravel. Be aware that the steep path down to the waterfall has no railings and the lower viewing area has no guardrails.

 

Altachullion Viewpoint provides a wonderful opportunity to see contrasting and diverse views, as well as a rare chance to see the rich northern landscapes of the Geopark dominated by Cuilcagh Mountain, alongside the gently rolling drumlin lowlands that dominate the southern part of the region. An accessible picnic bench is provided. Information boards are provided regarding the site, the views and other nearby areas of interest to visit. Some are at accessible heights. Limited shelter is provided by a bench/ information board unit.

 

Baileborough Playground A public playground in Bailieborough by Bailieborough Business Centre, off Shercock Road (off the R178). Level access is provided from a tarmacked carpark that has one marked accessible bay. Playground has some accessible play equipment and a PECS Communication board to support communication between children. Benches with armrests are provided. Pavements are provided alongside Shercock Road and the R178 from Bailieborough. A raised level zebra crossing is provided to cross the R178 before the turning into Shercock Road. A visitor should use the lowered kerb and tactile paving to move onto the road and through the car park - carrying on the raised pavement becomes a dead-end with no lowered kerb. There is a Disabled Seated Swing that can be accessed by all users.

 

A public playground in Ballyjamesduff, located by the carpark behind Cavan County Museum, (off the R194). There is a PECS Communication board located to support communication between children. Benches with no armrests are provided. A Cavan Autism Parents Support CLG (C.A.P.S) Sensory Garden is provided with sloped access downwards from the carpark. Opening hours were not indicated but noticeboards provide contact details of 086 354 0899, admin@capssupport.ie and website at www.capssupport.ie. A larger PECS Communication board is provided within the carpark by the entrance to the sensory garden

 

Con Smyth Park Playground has some accessible play equipment. There is a PECS Communication board to support communication between children. There is a wheelchair accessible roundabout that can be accessed by all users. A Dementia Friendly walk and outdoor gym equipment are provided within Con Smith Park, accessible by tarmacked paths.

 

Cootehill Playground There is a wheelchair accessible swing and a wheelchair accessible roundabout that can be accessed by all users.

 

Baileborough Leisure Centre & Pool is located in Bailieborough on Chapel Road. Routes around the leisure centre are accessible with level access to the gym, changing rooms and to the poolside from the changing areas. Access around the poolside can be limited and there is an alternative entrance by one of the Accessible WCs/ planned accessible changing area to the pool. A poolside hoist is provided, recommend notifying staff on arrival if this is required. Pavements are provided on Chapel Road with a raised level zebra crossing but with side gate access to a pavement or along the driveway to the entrance.

 

Cavan Leisure Centre. An accessible changing room is provided to the rear corner of the pool – you can use a rear entrance and accessible parking bay to access this (intercom provided). Two poolside hoists are provided (mobile and ceiling mounted rail). Recommend telling staff on arrival require hoists. Gym has some accessible gym equipment and is accessible by lift. Pool slides are available which require use of a spiral stair to access the slide platform.

 

Cavan County Museum is located in Ballyjamesduff off the R194. The museum is over 3 floors with a staircase and lift provided to each floor. Each floor has wide corridors, and all areas are accessible. There are some narrow points between display cabinets. An Accessible WC is on the ground floor - an ambulant WC is in the Male WCs. The external garden and exhibits are accessed via a ramp. This area has level concrete paths. Benches and picnic benches are provided on grass and on concrete. A Nuns Walk is available and has a tarmac surface. End sections are steep and signs are not provided to get to back to the museum. Information boards are provided along this Walk on the side of the access route.