The 108

The 108
108 Rathgar Road, Dublin 6
galwaybaybrewery.com/the108/


The 108 recently changed owners and it is now in the very capable hands of Galway Bay Brewery who also look after The Black Sheep and Against The Grain. They're serving up the regular blend of craft beers and hearty pub grub but with so many pubs and restaurants in one corner and Blackbird in Rathmines, it has a bit of competition. Luckily, they have the lovely Rathgar locals to lure into their lair and with their lunchtime menu, they should have a steady crowd in through the doors.



What has it got?

Seating:  They have a mix of high stools, low stools, high tables and low tables. The low tables are perfect for a wheelchair but you may have to bagsy a spot early. None of the stools have arms but there is an armed bench, ready for attack.

Doors: Their front doors are double doors. They're a little bit heavy but they fit a wheelchair.

Ground:  Wooden floors.

Stairs: 'tis all flat, like the gorgeous plains of Kildare.

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom! Rejoice! It's pretty big and has all of the correct bars and handles.

Spaciousness: It is a little bit tight to move through all of the tables so it will be a heave when the crowds are in.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff seem sound

Parking: There is plenty on onstreet parking in the area and Colman's across the road has a car park. There is a wheelchair parking spot beside Christ Church Rathgar.


Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? It didn't! In terms of access, you should have an easy night in The 108. 

Two Fifty Square

A very happy Two Fifty Square customer

UPDATED: 10 November 2014

Two Fifty Square
Williams Park, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6
twofiftysquare.ie


Two Fifty Square is the latest addition to Dublin 6. Neighbouring my gym (the very accessible Swan Leisure Centre) and favourite bar, Blackbird, this coffee shop couldn't have picked a handier location for me anyway. They roast their own coffee beans out back and one of the lads sat down with us as we pored over their coffee menu to explain the very specfic Aeropress and V60 serving options. While my pal went for the more adventurous Aeropress option, I went for the very safe yet very tasty flat white.
Other than coffees, they have a selection of Wall and Keogh teas, hot chocolate and an incredible new brunch menu. With a new chef in the kitchen, their menu includes a baked potato with chilli con carne, baked eggs with chorizo and chicken and two pea sandwich with basil aioli amongst many other mouth-watering things. I plan to elope with the potato and chilli. Sorry men of the world. I am taken.


What has it got?


Seating:  All of the tables have moveable chairs but not all of them have arm rests.

Doors:  The doors are wide and easy to open.

Ground:  It appears to be a non-slip lino surface so even if it's wet outside, you'll be grand inside.

Stairs: It's all flat inside. There is a slight raise at the front door - about an inch and a half - but I got in and out independently.

Bathrooms: They have a big wheelchair bathroom which should fit all types of chairs and they have all the correct bars in place. There is no mirror in the wheelchair bathroom but take it from me, you look lovely today.

Spaciousness: There is room to move between all of the tables even if it's busy.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very sound and will give you an education on the coffee bean as well as a helping hand.

Parking: There is plenty of on street parking around Williams Park but there are two wheelchair parking spots outside.


Rating: 10/10
Why did it lose points? It didn't! Hurrah! Two Fifty Square is brand spanking new and because they totally renovated the place, it ticks off all the boxes for accessibility. It's very spacious and bright and it has a very laid back atmosphere. When I told them that they did well RE: access, they were delighted as it is something that they kept very much in mind as they were doing up the place. They have a great pride in Two Fifty and rightly so. 

The Ginger Man

The Ginger Man
39-40 Fenian Street, Dublin 2
facebook.com/pages/Gingerman/168539229827554



I popped in here one Sunday evening for some dinner and it ticked many boxes. The food was fairly solid pub grub - highly recommend the fish and chips - and it wasn't massively expensive. As soon as we sat down, a bus full of American tourists came in so it was very busy but I'm sure they enjoyed its twee old country pub thing and eavesdropping on our conversation.


What has it got?

Seating:  They have high stools and low stools for tables of all heights and sizes. A few of the tables have benches with arm rests and some are tucked away in snugs.

Doors:  The doors are wide and easy to open.

Ground:  The floors are wooden which could make them a bit slippy when it's wet.

Stairs: There is an upstairs but everything you need is on the ground level.

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom - rejoice! It's very spacious and in an easy-to-get-to location. The mirror is up way too high but everything else is in check.

Spaciousness: If a bus full of American tourists pulls up, it is definitely tight for space but the tables aren't piled on top of each other.

Helpfulness of Staff: Incredibly sound bunch. Chatty, friendly and helpful but not in your face.

Parking: There is plenty of on street parking around here. I couldn't suss out a particular wheelchair parking spot right beside it but there are spaces available on Merrion Square which is just down the road.


Rating: 10/10
Why did it lose points? It didn't. I didn't expect this pub to have the proper facilities but it did.  I'm glad I finally got to visit one of Dublin's famous pubs that actually has proper wheelchair access. Fair play. 

Blackbird Rathmines

Blackbird
Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6
twitter.com/BlackbirdRath

I am pushing hard for Blackbird to become my local. I have never taken claim over a pub before but today, I put my first one forward. Run by the same folk that look after P Mac's and Cassidy's, there's a serious selection of craft beers here and even though I end up guzzling more Brooklyn Lager than I should, I will explore their full collection eventually. The style is kitsch and when they have a bed as a table, you have to ask if it's one kitsch too far. I will forgive them for that though. Their pizzas are pretty decent and the music goes from brilliant to "Did I fall into a 2007 indie vortex?" but maybe the best thing here is the staff. Straight up pack of sounders.


What has it got?

Seating:  The seats are all different here but at least they are moveable. They are all different heights, weights and sizes so, like Goldilocks, you should find one that's just right.

Doors:  They have double doors that are generally kept open but they are light to push open.

Ground:  They have ridged wooden panels throughout the bar and the bathrooms are tiled.

Stairs: There is one small step at the main door but it is easy to tip the chair up to it.  The ladies bathroom is up a few steps and the gents is down a few but the wheelchair bathroom is on ground level.

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom! Huzzah! And it is big! However, the mirror is up way too high so if you're in a wheelchair, you'll just have to assume that you look great. Which you always do, you ride.

Spaciousness: When the place is packed, it is difficult to meander your way through but there are a couple of tables that are in direct vicinity of the bar and bathroom so if you land those tables, you will have no problems.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff here are ridiculously sound. Before I had even found a table, one of the barmen came over to me to say that I could get access to the beer garden through their kitchen. It is near impossible to find an accessible beer garden so this is great news. We had a little bit of trouble finding an easy-to-get-to table that had view of a telly for the World Cup so without a flicker hesitation, they set up a table for us that fulfilled all our needs.

Parking: There is plenty of on street parking across the road on Military Road.


Rating: 9/10
Why did it lose points? It lost one point because of the step at the front door. I will need help with it every time so it means that I have to have someone with me to get in or phone a mate to come out and help. Other than that, it really is a great spot and adds a lot to the Rathmines area. Fair play. 

Bell and Pot Café Kitchen

Bell and Pot Café Kitchen
3 Mercer Lane, Dublin 2
bellandpot.ie

I was really excited about visiting Bell and Pot. It had sandwiches GALORE, had a twee theme to it and wasn't too far from my bus stop. It had it all. Sadly, my expectations were not met in terms of access. I shall reveal ALL below.


What has it got?

Seating:  The tables all have moveable chairs but not many of the chairs have arms to help you get up. Some of the seats are quite low but they all vary in height and size.

Doors:  The front door was quite heavy to open - had to ask someone to come and push it open for me.

Ground:  Wooden floors.

Stairs: The restaurant space is flat but the ladies and gents are downstairs.

Bathrooms: The wheelchair bathroom is in the Travelodge Hotel, which is attached. You have to go through two rooms and it is there. Sadly, I could not fit my wheelchair in. And believe me, I tried every which way. My wheelchair is not big but if you're without a wheelchair, they have bars and railings a-plenty.

Spaciousness: Other than not fitting into the wheelchair bathroom, there was plenty of space in the seating areas.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff were helpful with picking out food and with the door.

Parking: There are two wheelchair parking spots outside the Royal College of Surgeons and two more in front of Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, which are just around the block. There is plenty of other on street parking available.


Rating: 5/10

Why did it lose points? Sadly, the Bell and Pot lost points because of the wheelchair bathroom and the difficult door to open. The fact that it was a specifically designed and planned wheelchair bathroom and yet totally failed to serve its - eh - purpose was quite disappointing. The food is fine and I probably won't be returning here myself but if you wanna try it out and see if you can slither into the bathroom, by all means, be my guest. 

Diep Le Shaker

Diep Le Shaker
55 Pembroke Lane, Dublin 2
diep.net/leshaker


Diep is known as one of the finest places in  Ireland to get Thai food with a separate noodle bar and a great takeaway service too. Diep Le Shaker is their swanky restaurant and I was lucky enough to be given a voucher for their 6 course tasting menu so instead of eating like a pig, I ate like pig royalty for an evening. The food and cocktails were incredible and I just salivate thinking about the grilled pork dumplings.


What has it got?

Seating:  The tables have moveable chairs as well as fixed couches to the wall. There are no arms on the chairs.

Doors:  The entrance has double doors that are light to open and the rest of the doors are wide and easy to push open.

Ground:  The floors are wooden panels, which could be a bit of a hazard when wet.

Stairs: The entrance is flat. There are tables upstairs but everything you will need is on the ground floor.

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom that is big enough for an average sized wheelchair with bars and handrails too.

Spaciousness: It might be a bit tight making your way through the restaurant if all of the tables are full.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very attentive here. Not only will they help you with your order if you're bad at making decisions, if you need assistance, they will clear the way for you and also open doors. Very helpful. 10 points for the staff.

Parking: There is a lot of parking available around Fitzwilliam Square with a number of wheelchair parking spots. However, the path is a little bit uneven to and from.


Rating: 9.5/10

Why did it lose points? It lost half a point simply because some of the tables are quite close together so you will have to ask people to move chairs if you are going through the restaurant. Other than that, fantastic staff with even better food. 

Preserved Buildings, Tourism and Access

"I'm sorry. This building is preserved so there is no lift."

That is an excuse I got twice in one day as I attempted to be a tourist in Dublin. I spent one Tuesday afternoon in the Natural History Museum and the National Museum of Ireland to checked out some stuffed animals and the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition that showcases the "bog people".

The last time I visited either of these museums was when I was in primary school when Bartons Bus whisked us up to the city to wander around the dead zoo and to see the famous Ardagh Chalice. I was under the age of 10 and also using crutches to get around. I was as hyper ball of energy then too so accessibility was the last thing from my mind. I was hoping to see if the experience would be as much fun as it was then for me now that I use a wheelchair.

My first stop of the day was the Dead Zoo. The entrance has a ramp and the old wooden doors open automatically and there is a wheelchair bathroom/baby changing space immediately to your left. It was a promising start and I was impressed that they managed to keep the building's exterior intact even with the adjustments made for easy access, which can sometimes be an eyesore. I wandered about the ground floor, seeing a wide range of birds, fish, rabbits and insects that can be found in Ireland. Other than wondering if the whale hanging from the ceiling was actually made out of papier-mâché, I wanted to know where the exotic animals were. Stuffed cheetahs and other things that you can't find in the Wicklow Mountains.

Surely, if they had renovated the building after the ceiling collapsed in 2007, they would have to not only adhere to fire safety regulations but also qualify for a Disability Access Certificate? No. Preserved buildings get to skip this.

I went on to the National Museum to visit the bog people. They had a ramped entrance and inside, they had a ramp down to the cases displaying jewellery, gold and copper excavated from the Mesolithic period to the Medieval ages. If anyone studied history or art in school, you'll find familiar pieces like the Derrynaflan Hoard or Tara Brooch here.  I had heard great things about the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition and I was not disappointed. If you're not squeamish, I highly, highly recommend taking an afternoon to visit.

This was all on the ground level. Up on the first floor, you have collections from Egypt and the Brian Boru display from Dublin's Viking ear. This was all closed off to me because it is another preserved building without a lift or access beyond the ground level.

Both of these are important from a cultural, educational, historical and tourist viewpoint and as semi-state run buildings, it is amazing that "I'm sorry. This building is preserved so there is no lift" is an acceptable response to those with mobility issues.

In comparison to the National Gallery that has lifts, ramps, platforms and wheelchair bathrooms at every turn, it is incredible that two buildings showcasing the brunt of Ireland's history are closed to approximately 18% of the population and a large number of tourists visiting Ireland.

If government-funded buildings cannot step up to the mark, what hope is there for other businesses operating from preserved buildings to open up to everyone?

Whenever I go abroad, I know for certain that national galleries and museums will be 100% accessible. As sure as McDonald's falls in line with disability access, the Tate Modern, the Louvre, the MET and Park Güell will provide decent access or alternative routes for the visitor with a disability and their family or friends.

I have said time and time again that we have incredibly talented architects, engineers and designers in this country but with preservation restrictions being the ultimate blockade, their talents are going to waste and opportunities for people with disabilities remain limited.

Asador

Asador
1 Victoria House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4
asador.ie


A warm welcome to Dublin 4's first review here on Legless and the honour rightfully goes to Asador. They take pride in the heat method that cooks their meat and fish and, boy, it shows. Their chicken wings are divine and almost certainly give Tribeca's wings a run for their money. I had their wings and Asador burger (jerk mayo fans take note) from their pre-theatre menu and there are plenty of other menu options for lunch, groups and for rugby days. Their basil gin deserves a special shout out. It was genuinely like a pool of heaven in a glass.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the tables have moveable chairs and they fit a wheelchair nicely. The moveable chairs have armrests but the fixed couches at some of the tables do not.  

Doors: The doors are slightly heavy to push open but they are wide. 

Ground: Wooden floors, which could be a nuisance on wet days. 

Stairs: Everything is on the ground level. 

Bathrooms: They have a fully kitted out wheelchair bathroom here that is decked out rather nicely as opposed to the usual sterile vibe that wheelchair bathrooms possess. 

Spaciousness: When I was leaving, I had to ask a few people to pull in their chairs so I could make my way out.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff were very helpful here. 

Parking: Parking might be a little bit tricky here. There is plenty of onstreet parking but it is a busy spot so you may have to park further afield especially if it's a match day. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Why did it lose points? The only main issue with Asador is the lack of suitable parking but, other than that, you will get a top quality meal here all the while knowing that it is good for your chair, making it an even better experience. 

Foam Cafe

Foam Cafe
24 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1
facebook.com/foamcafe

Foam Cafe is perhaps one of Dublin's quirkiest cafes. Every wall is adorned with something different, be it pink flamingoes, topless photos of Maroon 5's Adam Levine or portraits of the Virgin Mary. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it's a grand spot to whittle away an afternoon.



What has it got?

Seating: Other than the chaise longue under the stairs, all of the tables have moveable chairs. 

Doors: The front door can be a little heavy to push open but it swings both ways (heh) so if you're coming or going, you have enough space. 

Ground: It's a mix of lino and carpet. 

Stairs: The entrance is flat and there is extra seating upstairs but everything you need is on the ground level. 

Bathrooms: The ladies and gents are downstairs but they have a wheelchair bathroom/babychanging bathroom on the ground level. The wheelchair bathroom hosts the Adam Levine photo which is a major plus but the babychanging table - an actual desk table - takes up a lot of room which makes it quite tough for a wheelchair to fit. 

Spaciousness: They have a number of tables that are easy to access but some might be tucked away, making it difficult to get to. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff were good at clearing the way for my chair but if they made extra space in the wheelchair bathroom - that would be superb. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair parking spot across the way from it as well as a few more further down the road and other onstreet parking spot. 

Rating: 9/10

Why did it lose points? Foam Cafe lost one point simply because they made a perfectly spacious wheelchair bathroom cluttered with the babychanging table. If they found a way to neaten that up, it would be a perfect 10. 

Against The Grain

Against The Grain
11 Wexford Street, Dublin 2
galwaybaybrewery.com/againstthegrain

As far as pubs go, Against the Grain is a sturdy choice. With its handy location on Wexford Street, you can treat your palette to beautiful beers and beautiful burgers before you head on over to Whelan's for a gig or a good aul bop. And if this is properly up your alley, visit its totally wheelchair accessible sister pub The Black Sheep on Capel Street and The 108 in Rathgar.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the chairs are moveable here with tables at the perfect height for a wheelchair. 

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

Ground: Hello wooden, non-slip flooring!

Stairs: They have one flight of stairs up to another room which is often used as a venue for private parties. 

Bathrooms: Sadly, they have no wheelchair bathroom but the ladies and gents are on the ground level. I often do the hop job from chair to cubicle with no problem but that's not for everyone. 

Spaciousness: Other than the masses of people, there is plenty of room here to move around. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff here are particularly great. Good craic and accommodating. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair spot across the road, just outside Bunsen, as well as plenty of other on-street parking spots. 

Rating: 7/10

Why did it lose points? Against the Grain loses three points it has no wheelchair bathroom. It's a real pity because it is a brilliant spot. Hopefully they shift their asses into gear and put an accessible bathroom in soon. 

The Black Sheep

The Black Sheep
61 Capel Street, Dublin 1
galwaybaybrewery.com/blacksheep

In my humble opinion, The Black Sheep is one of the most perfect pubs in Dublin. Although it closes circa 1am, up until that point you can enjoy a gigantic range of craft beers, tasty food and a fine selection of board games. Its sister pusb, Against The Grain on Wexford Street and The 108 in Rathgar, are heavy in the deliverance of delicious booze and food. Take note of these venues if ever you've got the hankering for a solid platter and a ice cold pint of heaven.


What has it got?

Seating: The chairs are all moveable (other than the low-slung couches that are perfect for hiding away in) and the tables are a good height for a wheelchair. 

Doors: The front entrance has double doors and can be a bit tricky to navigate but their side doors are wider and much easier to use. 

Ground: A lovely wooden surface that has a bit of grip to it. 

Stairs: Not a step in sight. 

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom at the back of the bar (next to the board game table). It requires a reverse job in as the door opens inwards but it is big.  

Spaciousness: The only thing that can delay your way to a pint would be the crowds. It gets quite busy at the weekends but it's a nice crowd. 

Helpfulness of Staff: Sound as a pound. They'll give you a hand choosing which beer you want and any other help you may need. 

Parking: Capel Street has a number of wheelchair parking spots to avail of. 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? You can spend an evening here without any wheelchair hassle whilst dining like a king. 

Honest To Goodness

Honest To Goodness
12 Dame Court, Dublin 2
honesttogoodness.ie


Today I asked the internet for a good city centre lunch destination and, boy, did it deliver. Thanks to Dublin band Sleep Thieves who pointed me in the direction of Honest To Goodness. I ordered the Kick Start sandwich (crispy bacon, sausage, pudding, egg and relish) with white chili bread and it hit every spot of my mild hangover. It had enough substance so I wouldn't be craving a filthy takeaway later on. Brilliant spot for breakfast and lunch.

What has it got?

Seating: The majority of the tables have moveable chairs and there are some high stools around the bar area.

Doors: The front doors are wide and easy to open. 

Ground: The floor is concrete

Stairs: Everything you need is on the ground floor. Hurray!

Bathrooms: They have a big wheelchair bathroom that also has a mirror and proper handrails. 

Spaciousness: Even though every table was full, there was still plenty of room to get through. They layout is great here so it never feels crowded or that your chair is in the way. 

Helpfulness of Staff: Great staff and incredibly helpful. The counter at the till is even slightly lowered so you're not reaching up to pay. 

Parking: There is wheelchair parking further down Dame Court beside Ukiyo. 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? The staff acknowledged that their old location was completely inaccessible and it's great to see that they made sure their new venue would be spacious and, with that, it is totally wheelchair friendly. The food is wholesome and delicious. I can't wait to go back and sample another sambo. 

IWA Gym, Clontarf

IWA Gym
Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3
iwasport.com


The Irish Wheelchair Association gym boasts 100% accessibility (obviously) but it is also open to non-IWA members. With equipment, classes and training, it is open to everyone which is a great message. There is no line drawn between able-bodied people or people with disabilities. A lot of the equipment is adjustable so that anyone can give it a go.


What has it got?

Changing rooms: The changing rooms are spacious and allow for a large number of wheelchair users. There are wheelchair bathrooms and showers galore. There is also a separate changing room for high dependency members who need that extra bit of room for an assistant. 

Equipment: A lot of the weight machines have moveable chairs so you can wheel your chair right into them. 

Doors: The doors are all wide and once open, there is a delay with them closing so that they don't hit off your chair and give you enough time to get through.

Ground: The floor has a lovely non-slip surface. 

Stairs: There is one flight of stairs up to the gym but there is also a lift. 

Bathrooms: Almost all of the bathrooms are wheelchair accessible with all of the proper bells and whistles. 

Spaciousness: Plenty. And then some.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are amazing here. They are aware of people's varying needs so if you're trying out the equipment for the first time, they will let you know what's good for you. Anything you need to know, they will have an answer for. 

Parking: They have their own car park right outside with a large number of wheelchair parking spots

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? It didn't lose any because this place is the exemplary in its accessibility. The memberships fees vary for IWA members, students and senior citizens which is also great for the pocket. If, as a wheelchair user, you have never used a gym before, this is an amazing introduction. With the specialised staff, you will have your own personal workout sorted in no time. 

IWA Sport run a number of disability awareness and training courses for schools and individuals which is a huge eye-opener to the world of wheelchair sport and the boundaries it pushes. 

Wheelchair Boxing

Wheeling day in, day out is a workout in itself but if you want to burn calories, lose weight or tone yourself up, going the distance in your chair can be a bit boring. This is where the rough and tumble of boxing comes along to jazz things up a bit.

Boxing is a great sport for someone in a wheelchair because it uses your biggest strength: your arms.

As far as I know, there is no official body looking after wheelchair boxing in Ireland so what I'm doing now is a bit of a DIY job. I've had two sessions so far and I am seriously feeling it in my lower and upper arms as well as the core muscles in my stomach. It makes you work up a serious sweat and the satisfaction levels from boxing are almost immediate.

I contacted White Collar Boxing, who are based in the National Stadium Gym on the South Circular Road, and asked if they had any trainers who would be interested in teaching me the basics. They were extremely helpful and now, with my trainer Richie, we're figuring out what we can and can't do. As I have a spinal condition, my full movement would not be the best so we're discovering what works along the way.


For our sessions, he sits opposite me in a chair and holds up padded gloves for me to hit.  I've learnt the four basic punches so far (the jab, the hook, the cross and uppercut) and we're working on muscle use and defense. I'll be moving on to a bag shortly as my strength builds. However, I worry too much about my precious face to get into the ring with another person but we shall see...



The only downside is that your arms will feel the strain for a while but the longer you stick at it, the less of a problem this will be.

There are boxing clubs all over the country and, as I said, I can't seem to find an official body so your best bet with boxing is to contact your local club and see what you can come up with.

Boxing with the Wii sport is another great alternative and unlike tennis on the Wii - where you can win a game with a small flick of the wrist - you put your entire body into it. It's still a great workout even if you're doing it from your couch.

With the real life boxing, it's very early days for me yet but I'll definitely be holding onto boxing as a hobby.

The Lombard

The Lombard
1 Lombard Street/44 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
thesmithgroup.ie/thelombard/


I popped in here for lunch the other day and for the area I was in, it certainly did the job. It's a grand spot for a quick bite with all sorts of burgers and soups and paninis and general pub grub to choose from. I didn't have the opportunity to pint it up here but I'm sure it's a busy spot for the after work crowd.


What has it got?

Seating: There are many low tables with moveable chairs but there are also higher tables with stools which would not be suitable for a wheelchair user. 

Doors: The doors were easy enough to open and were wide. 

Ground: The floors are wooden and they seemed pretty slip-proof. 

Stairs: There are a couple of steps up to the bar area but we had table service. It may be a different story when it gets busier though. 

Bathrooms: They had a wheelchair bathroom on the lower level. However, it was tucked behind a table which meant I had to ask the people sitting there to move. When it is busy, it could be a bit of a hassle to get to but - silver lining - you didn't need to get a key for the door. 

Spaciousness: Other than the tight spot near the bathroom, there is plenty of room here as all of the tables are pushed to the sides. 

Helpfulness of Staff: We had table service during the lunch hours which was great. They seemed very helpful and easy going. 

Parking: There is a lot of on-street parking on Pearse St and opposite the Science Gallery (not during peak hours unfortunately). There are a couple of wheelchair parking spots in that area too. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Why did it lose points? The wheelchair bathroom is in an inconvenient area. If they cleared the space around it, it would be perfect. There are also a couple of steps up to the bar area which means that you have to rely on your friends or staff to order your drinks. Other than that, it is a decent pub to visit. 

Pitt Bros BBQ

Pitt Bros BBQ
Unit 1, Wicklow House, Georges Street, Dublin 2
pittbrosbbq.com


Meat, meat, GLORIOUS meat. With a menu that boasts craft beers, five different meat dishes either smoked or pulled and a selection of mouth-watering sides, Pitt Bros BBQ is not the type of place for people with a plain palette. You get a decent portion for under €15 and when you think you can devour no more, there's a free pour your own ice cream cone on offer. When we went there, the happiness levels went from a stuffed plateau of content to soaring joy with the arrival of the cones. Great spot.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the chairs are moveable here but the tables are often communal so you might have to wait a while to get a spot for all of your party. 

Doors: The doors are a little heavy but chairs fit in nicely. 

Ground: Concrete floor in the seating area and tiled bathroom floor. 

Stairs: No steps in or out. 

Bathrooms: The wheelchair bathroom is huge here. You could probably raise a small family here if you were brazen enough. Plus, they have TWO sinks in there. Spoiled. 

Spaciousness: In the seating area, it can be a little crowded but choose your seat wisely and you should have a clear path to the bathroom and the main door. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very helpful here in regards to which meat you would like and which table would be best suited to your chair. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair parking spot on Dame Court, as well as plenty of on street parking, and two wheelchair spots on Drury Street where there is also a car park and more on street parking spots. Map here. 

Rating: 9/10

Why did it lose points? Pitt Bros BBQ lost one point because it can be a bit crowded which would interfere with you getting a decent table to suit your chair. Because you cannot pre-book a table, it's walk-in only which means that it's luck of the draw for a suitable table. Otherwise, great spot with incredible food. 

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (Grand Canal Theatre)

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2
bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

It took a while for Dublin to get a theatre that was deserving of Broadway and West End productions but with the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre - where every seat has a good view - the wait was worth it. Surrounded by restaurants with theatre-based menus, the swanky Marker Hotel and a Fresh shop with a hearty pick n' mix selection, the entire Grand Canal Square is geared towards an evening out.


What has it got?

Seating: Wheelchair users have options when they book tickets here. You can either have an aisle seat and hop out of your chair or there are spaces where you can wheel in and join a row or there are moveable chairs in the wing areas. When you are booking tickets in person or on the phone, clarify what you need and they will sort you out.

Doors: The doors are all very wide and you might need to give a heave to get some of them open but they are normally manned by the staff. 

Ground: The entrance is tiled and the venue area is carpeted. 

Stairs: Wherever there are stairs, there is also a lift. The ground level seating area is mostly on sloped ground but there are steps at the back section and up in the tiered seating balcony. 

Bathrooms: There is at least one wheelchair bathroom on every floor and they are very spacious. However, they could do with a few more larger bathrooms to cater for the crowds. 

Spaciousness: There is a lot of room here, especially in the foyer. 

Helpfulness of Staff: They are very helpful here and they have a lot of information on their website here in other ways that they can assist in terms of access. 

Parking: There is a car park below the theatre and you can pre-book wheelchair spots through Q Park's website. 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? The design of the theatre is very open so there is a lot of space. The option of seating arrangements for wheelchair users and their friends/family is a major plus. From the Access section of their website, you can see that they have given it a lot of consideration and nothing feels like a last minute arrangement. 

Hailo: Wheelchair Taxis

Last night, I was ordering a taxi on my Hailo app. I normally do not tick the 'Wheelchair Accessible' option because I can transfer from chair to car without assistance but I decided to try it out this time because I had surgery on my foot and needed to "take it easy".

In Hailo, if you click into Account and then Options, you can say yes or no to a Wheelchair Accessible taxi.

In my mind, this would mean a taxi with a ramp as that is specifically wheelchair adapted whereas most cars - if their boot is big enough - can physically take a wheelchair without any adaptions made.

A car arrived a few minutes later and it was a regular car. I didn't mind because I could still hop in and out without without putting too much pressure on my foot but, funnily, the taxi driver asked me if he was correct in describing his car as wheelchair accessible. It was his first time putting that as an option and my first time ticking it as an option so we were as clueless as each other.

When he ticked it, he meant that he would take wheelchair users and would help in anyway that he can. However, he was conflicted because if someone couldn't get out of their chair, they would have to wait for another taxi to come along that was properly accessible.

What I want to know is: Should Hailo go into more details about wheelchair accessibility on their app?

My driver didn't know what to do because he noted that some drivers would point blank refuse to take wheelchair users (something I have unfortunately experienced myself) so he wanted people to know that he would take them no matter what.

What have your experiences with wheelchair accessible taxis been like and how do you think Hailo should describe it?



UPDATE (2 December '13):
Hailo got back to me on the matter and - by their definition - when a taxi drivers chooses the option of 'wheelchair accessible', the taxi should have the following:

Hold a wheelchair SPSV license

Have an appropriate ramp or lift

Have all wheelchair restraints

Have the wheelchair symbol on their roofsign

They also stated:

Hailo prides itself on its ability to provide the four major cities of Ireland with a well stocked fleet of both wheelchair and non-wheelchair accessible taxis, with a current fleet of 129 wheelchair accessible taxis, the largest of its kind in the country. 

We are currently reviewing our own internal processes, with an audit conducted this morning to ensure that drivers that list their vehicle as 'wheelchair accessible', hold a fully updated SPSV License which asserts this fact.  

Hailo currently favours wheelchair users when ordering a cab, extending the typical radius for cab allocation, this extension offers our wheelchair users the greatest possible opportunity to receive a Hailo cab. 

Wuff

Wuff
23 Benburb Street, Dublin 7
wuff.ie


Located on the skirting board of Stoneybatter and Smithfield, you will find Wuff, a cool little café/restaurant that offers a hefty and tasty lunch at a decent enough price. It's a good corner to munch away the lunchtime hunger pains (the chips are fab) and watch half of Dublin's population stroll by.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the tables have moveable chairs so you can slip your chair in nicely.

Doors: The front doors have a double door and you will need someone to open up both of these to fit through.

Ground: The floor is tiled. 

Stairs: There are no steps to be found in Wuff which is luffly just a big slope up to the bathrooms. 

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom and there is plenty of room in here. 

Spaciousness: Wuff wasn't too packed when I was there so I had no problems with getting around. However, when it fills up, you might have to ask people to pull in their chairs. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff were very helpful and taught us the knack of unlocking the double doors. 

Parking: There is plenty of on street parking close by. There are specific wheelchair spots in the area. I will update this with precise locations shortly. 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? I had no problems here with my wheelchair at all and the lunch menu was delicious so all in all, a top notch job from Wuff. 

Voodoo Lounge

Voodoo Lounge

39-40 Arran Quay, Dublin 7

facebook.com/vldublin

The last time I was in Voodoo Lounge, I was 17 and masquerading as a rocker. While I have given up the charade of pretending to like Billy Talent, this place is still going and, lo and behold, it has improved over the years. I managed to see Bantum and Alright the Captain there on Saturday night as well as my friend Gary giving a 10/10 impression of Rihanna. It's a grand spot for some music and being ridiculous with your mates. 

What has it got?

Seating: There are a number of low tables with moveable chairs but it is mostly high stools and tables here as well as booths with fixed chairs. There are a couple of couches near the pool table. 

Doors: The doors were a little heavy but they are wide enough for a wheelchair. 

Ground: In the hallway, the floor is tiled and in the bar, they have wooden floors. 

Stairs: There is an upstairs seating area but everything you need is on the ground floor with no steps anywhere. 

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom - huzzah! You don't need to ask at the bar for the key - huzzah!

Spaciousness: Plenty of room here. I had no problems with getting to and from the bar or the bathroom. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The bouncers helped me out with the doors making sure I was alright. 

Parking: There is wheelchair parking around the back of Voodoo in Smithfield Square as well as plenty of street parking. 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? Voodoo is very easy to get around which is a huge triumph for a bar with live music.