Legless At Festivals

Front row scrounger. 

Festivals are tricky when it comes to wheelin' or crutchin' around so these are my tips for making it as easy as possible.

• The disabled camping areas tend to be the furthest camp site away from the venue which is bizarre and completely inconvenient if you're on crutches or in a rush to get to the main stage. I usually camp in whatever site is nearest to the main arena. I place my tent on the very edge of the camping area with my door facing out so that pegs and lines and bodies don't block my way in and out.


• When it rains, the mud starts to pop up like Emeli Sandé at an awards show (i.e. everywhere). I have a very run-of-the-mill wheelchair so this is a big hassle for me. I have seen a few chairs that attach a 'third wheel' to their chair which makes mud and uneven ground much easier to go through. It's called the Go Free Wheel and even though it's a bit late to get one for the Picnic, if you save up your sheckles, your festival summer of 2014 could be easy sailing.


• If you're heading on crutches, the main problem with festivals is that there's not enough seating areas. It's a pain in the ass to get up off the ground when you're using sticks so keep a lookout for potential perching spots and own them like you're the Queen of Sheba.


• I'm not a fan of the wheelchair platform areas because you're kept far away from the crowd, the view isn't amazing and you feel removed from the festival. My main trick is to get to the very front of the barrier and watch from there. The key thing with this is to be sound to those around you and to the security guards and you shouldn't have any problems. Of course, this is probably against security regulations but you have paid for a ticket and you shouldn't have to be booted to the very back to watch everyone else have fun.


• Wheelchairs are great hiding spots for booze. I've given myself away here but it's all for the greater good.


• The ground is rough. Wheelchair users know how to navigate the ground because we're a metre away from it and can see when a dip or rock is in the way. Those pushing may not see what's ahead and you could end up flying out of the chair. So if you're wheeling yourself and getting a heave here and there, keep that in mind and hold on.


• If you're on crutches, avail of the piggy back. There's probably grounds for a romcom in someone giving you a piggy back at a festival because you broke your foot. If you get married, include me in the speech.


• Even though there are wheelchair toilets, there aren't very many. If there is a queue at the wheelchair portaloo, ask if you can skip it. There are hundreds and hundreds of regular-sized poratloos and very few wheelchair-friendly ones. Common decency and common sense should hopefully mean that you won't have to queue for too long at a wheelchair portaloo.


• A lot of the First Aid tents have a wheelchair portaloo behind them. Again, this probably isn't meant to be public knowledge but if you're miles from one (like in the regular campsites), this could be your best bet. 

Wheel responsibly and don't see a good weekend off-roaded. 

Legless In The Country: Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Ballyvaughan is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest parts of Ireland. I spent most of my summers there as a child and I still try to go as often as possible. Between rolling mountains, landscapes that are a shade of lavender due to all the rock (so much rock), very good food, live music and tourist attractions like the Ailwee Caves and the Dolmen, there is a lot on offer here.

As a small village, it fares very well in terms of accessibility. I have done up a handful of reviews of restaurants, bars, cafés and tourist attractions and the majority of them have made a huge effort to cater to everyone. Unfortunately, one thing I did notice that not a lot of the accommodation is wheelchair friendly and this is a big problem. It's an issue because while these places have scored highly, if you have nowhere to stay, then what's the point?

The main hotel, Hylands, has no lift and all of their rooms are upstairs. The newly built Burren Coast Hotel had all of the facilities but it has been on sale for the last couple of years. Ballyvaughan is the quintessential tourist spot in Ireland and for it to thrive properly, it needs more people to visit. There is so much on offer here and if there was a steady flow of tourists, even Irish tourists, the hotels, pubs and tourist attractions could adapt to cater for everyone.

However, I have been informed that Meadowfield B&B, Drumcreehy House, Burren View B&B and O'Connor's in Doolin can cater for guests with disabilities. I have linked all of their sites so ring and check before you book anything.

In Ballyvaughan, the footpaths are in semi-decent condition. There are a few broken pavements down at the harbour, there are very few dips in the kerb for a wheelchair to get up from the road. There isn't a lot of traffic and you can walk from one end of the village to the other in less than 15 minutes. If you are staying outside of the village, you will definitely need a car as the roads are narrow and winding.

I have reviewed a selection of things that are going on in the 'vaughan and the areas surrounding. If you can find a way down there, make it your duty to visit.

Reviewed (so far):

An Fulacht Fia
Ballyvaughan Farmers Market
Ballyvaughan Tea Rooms
The Burren Perfumery
Caherconnell Stone Fort
Greenes Bar
L'Arco
Linn Fashion and Gifts
Logues Lodge
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Village Stores

Legless In The Country: The Burren Perfumery, Carron, Co. Clare

The Burren Perfumery
Carron, Co. Clare
burrenperfumery.com

Tucked away in Carron, you'll find The Burren Perfumery where they make all of their own soaps, shampoos, lip balms, face cleaners and tea from their own herb garden. I adore their rose facial serum and their lavender and marigold facial cleanser. You'll get swept away with the amount of things that you don't necessarily need but you'll definitely want.

What has it got?

Seating: In their tea rooms, they have moveable chairs at their tables. There is outdoor and indoor seating and most of it is easy to get to. Around the perfumery, there are stone walls that double up as a place to rest. 

Doors: The doors are wide enough to fit a wheelchair. 

Ground: Outside, there are limestone slabs and gravel. It's a little uneven but manageable. Inside, I think it's more limestone flooring but it is all flat. Sadly, their herb garden is a little tricky to get around because the paths are uneven and rough. I made it halfway through and had to give up. 

Stairs: If there are any steps here, there is a sloped surface right beside it. 

Bathrooms: There is no wheelchair bathroom here but I did fit my wheelchair into one of the larger cubicles. Not all wheelchairs will fit in here. If there was a foot of extra space, it would have been easier. 

Spaciousness: Other than the bathroom and the herb garden, there is enough room in the perfumery and the tea rooms.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are absolutely lovely here. They will help you pick out what's right for you and if you need any assistance, it should be no problem. 

Parking: There is no specific wheelchair spot and none of the parking spots are lined out so if you pick your spot carefully, you will have enough room to get a chair in and out. 

Rating: 7/10

Why did it lose points? Sadly, the Perfumery lost three points because their bigger bathroom would not be able to accommodate most wheelchairs and it's a pity to miss out on the herb garden because it is beautiful. Please don't let these two things put you off your visit because the it's a lovely place to visit and you'll leave smelling like a garden or roses. 

Legless In The Country: Linn Fashion and Gifts, Visitor Centre, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Linn Fashion and Gifts
Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare (behind Spar)
linnfashionireland.com


As well as a tourist information point, Linn Fashion and Gifts has a surprisingly varied collection of, you've guessed it, fashion and gifts.


What has it got?

Seating: No seats in here but if you want a bit of a lean or a perch, there's a grand wall out front.

Doors: The door is normally kept open here but it fits a wheelchair.

Ground: A fine display of wooden panelling going on in here. 

Stairs: There are a couple of steps in but there is a ramp beside it too. 

Bathrooms: There is no bathroom here but it's just across the way from Spar's bathrooms which are big enough for a wheelchair. 

Spaciousness: It can be a little bit tight between all of the display units but with some parallel parking and three-point turning, you will get to see everything. 

Helpfulness of Staff: Geraldine Linnane runs this shop and she is the woman to talk to for tourist information. She is very helpful and if you need anything else, simply ask. 

Parking: There is wheelchair parking available at the entrance of the shop. 

Rating: 9.5

Why did it lose points? Linn Fashion and Gifts lost half a point because it can be a little bit tight between all the display units and shelves. All in all, it has everything else in place in terms of access. 

Legless In The Country: Village Stores (Spar), Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Village Stores (Spar)
Main Street, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare


Other than the petrol station, this is Ballyvaughan's only food shop. It closes at 8.30 most evenings so don't forget to pick up your báinne. This Spar is a bit of a social spot and you might get to spot the local celebrity here, the fat cat (above).

What has it got?

Seating: There are picnic tables outside Spar and this is where the fat cat can normally be found. 

Doors: The doors are wide and easy to open. 

Ground: The ground is tiled in here so take heed when it's wet. 

Stairs: Not a step nor stair to be seen. 

Bathrooms: They actually have a large bathroom around the back of this Spar which is nifty for everyone really. 

Spaciousness: There is plenty of room between the aisles but some of the shelves are high. 

Helpfulness of Staff: Staff are great here and if you need a hand, don't be too shy to ask. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair spot behind this Spar and there are plenty of other parking spots beside it.  

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? No points were lost. It's a very easy shop to navigate. 

Legless In The Country: Caherconnell Stone Fort, Carron, Co. Clare

Caherconnell Stone Fort
Carron, Co. Clare
facebook.com/caherconnell

Caherconnell Fort is an ancient ring fort that is found on the farmland of the Davoren family. Once you've visited the fort, you can check out the sheepdog trials demonstrated by John and his furry pals, Sally and Lee, or try some Caherconnell Cheese in their café. The fort itself is very impressive as its shape is fully preserved and there are archaeologists working on the site for most of the year and just last week, they discovered the remains of a woman and two children which are believed to be from the 10th or 11th Century.


What has it got?

Seating: The tables all have moveable chairs here. 

Doors: The front doors are kept open and all the rest of the doors are very easy to manage. 

Ground: Inside the centre, the floors are a mix of limestone and wooden panelling. Outside, the path is a mix of light and heavy gravel. Out to the fort, the ground is rough but because it is a preserved site, very little can be done about it. However, it is possible to get a wheelchair up to the fort. All you need is a bit of a heave here and there. Out to the sheepdog viewing area, it is up a slight hill so a push will be needed but once you get there, it is a flat and sheltered area. 

Stairs: There are no stairs but keep in mind that the ground will be uneven and rocky around the fort. 

Bathrooms: They have a large wheelchair bathroom in the café area which is beside the ladies and gents. 

Spaciousness: There is plenty of room to maneuver here. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very helpful and if you ring in advance, they can help you plan your visit. 

Parking: There is a car park at the bottom of the hill which has a graveled path leading up to the centre. But if you ring in advance and say that you need easier access to the building, you can park beside the centre which has a tarred car park with a flat surface. 

Rating: 9/10

Why did it lose points? The fort is a preserved site so it is difficult to get everything perfect in terms of access but what they have in place is very good for an outdoor and rocky site. The staff are very helpful here and will do their best so you can enjoy your time at the fort. Make sure you don't miss the sheepdog trials. 

Legless In The Country: Poulnabrone Dolmen

Poulnabrone Dolmen
No specific address but Google maps is nifty here
No website either. That's how old it is.

Poulnabrone Dolmen is probably the defining image of The Burren and Young Harry is a point of perspective in the photo above.  I have very early memories of sitting on top of it as a young one but due to its historic importance, it's now cordoned off by a rope. It's worth visiting at least once to highlight how The Burren has remained untouched since 2500 BC (approx.). If you get there on a sunny day, you'll find a multilingual druid at the gate who will carve your name in ogham onto silver.



What has it got?

Seating: There are no actual seats here as you are in the open wilderness of The Burren. The limestone can be your seat. Get in touch with nature. 

Doors: No doors either. 

Ground: The car park has stony gravel and the slope down to the site has a lighter gravel. When you get to the path leading to the Dolmen, it gets a little bit rough. It is manageable but you may need a hand. 

Stairs: There are some steps from the car park down to the site but they have a slope running beside it. 

Bathrooms: No toilets here unfortunately. But then again, you are in the outdoors. Please, no urinating on the megalithic tomb.

Spaciousness: You could scream and shout here but there will be no echo. That is how spacious it is here. 

Helpfulness of Staff: No staff here. The Dolmen is a public site and free in so you can come in and out at your own leisure. 

Parking: There is no specific wheelchair spot in the car park but if you choose your spot carefully, you will have enough room to get the chair in and out. 

Rating: 9/10

Why did it lose points? The Dolmen lost one point because the terrain is a tad rough but you are in The Burren and rocks and stones are to be expected. Otherwise, you can get very close to the tomb and they did a great job at making a protected and stony heritage site as easy to get to as possible.