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. 

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. 

Legless in Cork: Liberty Grill

Liberty Grill
32 Washington Street, Cork
libertygrill.ie


I have been lucky enough to visit Liberty Grill twice. Once for a hangover brunch (pancakes with bacon and maple syrup - hommana hommana!) and once for dinner with an old buddy (Friend: Martin, Dinner: a hearty chicken burger). According to my Corkonian friends, it is one of the top spots to visit for food, especially for a weekend brunch. Now that I've sampled two of their menus, I can confirm that it tops the list of places I must visit in Cork, along with Crane Lane.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the tables have moveable chairs and the tables are a good height. 

Doors: The front doors are double doors so you might need a hand hooshing them open. 

Ground: Tiled floor .

Stairs: Not a step or stair in sight. 

Bathrooms: They have a large enough wheelchair bathroom but it might be a little tight for bigger wheelchairs. 

Spaciousness: The tables are a bit close to each other so you will have to ask people to pull in their chairs when you're moving through. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff here are very sound and helpful. You could do a lot worse for yourself.

Parking: There is plenty of onstreet parking in the area but there is a wheelchair spot on Hanover Street. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Why did it lose points? Liberty Grill is a fantastic spot and I'll always visit here when I go to Cork but the layout of the place may be a little tricky for larger, electric wheelchairs. It's worth testing out just for their Lemon Lime Bitters. 

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. 

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. 

Da Mario, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Da Mario
Maynooth Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
damario.ie


Whenever I go back to the homestead, Marios is the restaurant that my family go to celebrate anything. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or just a Friday night. It's a family-run Italian restaurant and they know their food and wine, particularly of the Sicilian variety, like the back of their hands. All of their pasta and pizza comes as a gluten-free option and they have an adjoining takeaway.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the tables have moveable chairs and if you mention when you are booking that there is a wheelchair user in your party, they'll make sure your table is easy to get to. 

Doors: The front doors are a little tight to navigate but a wheelchair fits through them. The doors out to the bathroom are wide and easy to open. 

Ground: The floors are tiled. 

Stairs: There is one large step at the front door but it is completely flat outside. 

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom with all of the correct bars and handrails. 

Spaciousness: As the place fills up, tables and chairs and bodies can block your path but if you have a table on the edge of the eating area, you will be fine. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very helpful here as they always help me in and out at the front step and hold all the doors open for me. 

Parking: There is a car park at the back of Marios which has wheelchair parking available. 

Rating: 8/10

Why did it lose points? The entrance is a bit tricky as the there is a step in and, after that, you immediately meet a set of doors. This means that you definitely need helping getting in and out if you are in a wheelchair. Other than that, the inside is completely flat and the wheelchair bathroom is practically perfect. 

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.

Pho Viet

Pho Viet
162 Parnell Street, Dublin 1


Parnell Street is a haven of affordable and tasty Asian food but Vietnamese restaurant Pho Viet really hits the nail on the head for all of that and more. Main courses come in at around €8.50 and they have very decent servings. You can bring your own wine and beer, with wine corkage at €5 per bottle and beer at €1 per bottle, you can have a delicious meal and an even tastier price.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the chairs are moveable and the tables fit a wheelchair nicely. 

Doors: The doors are a little bit heavy but they are wide. 

Ground: It's a tiled white surface, possibly a little slippy when wet. 

Stairs: The entrance is flat and there is more seating upstairs. 

Bathrooms: They have a wheelchair bathroom on the ground level. It is big and has a lot of hand rails in place. It is home to a Hoover and some old stereos but that is certainly better than a manky smelling mop. 

Spaciousness: The tables are all quite close together which means that when it's busy, you will have to ask people to shimmy aside.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very helpful here. They rearranged tables for me and cleared a path so I could get to the bathroom. They're also great at recommending which dishes to get. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair parking spot across the road outside Fibbers pub. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Why did it lose points? It lost half a point simply because it's a small space and could get tough to move a wheelchair through. Otherwise, it's a great spot to grab dinner with some mates. 

Gallaher & Co. Bistro

Gallaher & Co. Bistro
16a D'Olier Street, Dublin 2
gallahersbistro.com


In the city centre, it's very difficult to find a restaurant that has all the bells and whistles in terms of accessibility. So it was a very happy surprise when I learned that Gallaher & Co. was not only a good place to drop in for a quick pre-theatre early bird meal but it was also properly wheelchair friendly. Huzzah.


What has it got?

Seating: All of the chairs are moveable. There are tall stools with even taller tables in the centre but there are lower tables and chairs suitable for a wheelchair. 

Doors: You might need a hand with the front door here as there is a slight raise at the doorstep but they fit a wheelchair grand. 

Ground: The ground was tiled and wooden (I think... Let me double check)

Stairs: There was a slope up to the wheelchair bathroom and a flight of stairs down to the ladies and gents. 

Bathrooms: Their wheelchair bathroom is large and has all of the railings in place. 

Spaciousness: There are a couple of tables en route to the wheelchair bathroom so I had to ask people to move their chairs in. Other than that, plenty of room. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff made sure I was at a table that suited me and they helped with the door. Top marks for them. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair parking spot on Foster Place beside the Wax Museum and there is on street parking on D'Olier Street too (map here). 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? None were lost. It has everything you would need for a quick meal. 

Bad Bobs

Bad Bobs 
East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
badbobs.ie

Last time I was in Bad Bobs, I was months away from my Leaving Cert and Pussycat Dolls' 'Don't Cha' was bloody huge. For a brief period, it was Purty Kitchen where €2 Tuesdays were a big draw for the students and those who liked students. But now, Bob is back in town and he's not a bad lad.


What has it got?

Seating: There is a range of seating opportunities here. Low stools, high stools, bar seat, standard table and chair format. All of the chairs are moveable and you'll find the right fit. 

Doors: The doors are all wide enough for a wheelchair but the door of the wheelchair bathroom is a tad heavy. 

Ground: We have every floor surface in action here. Wooden, tiled, lino. 

Stairs: There are five floors in Bad Bobs and they have a lift that will bring you to each and every one. 

Bathrooms: Their wheelchair bathroom is big and, as I said, the door is a bit heavy. The lift brings you right to the bathroom too. 

Spaciousness: It can get a bit tight to move around here when it fills up but other than that, no issues with space.

Helpfulness of Staff: Before I even got in the front door, the bouncers told me where the lift was and what floor the wheelchair bathroom was on. Very helpful bunch of lads. 

Parking: There is a wheelchair parking spot on Wellington Quay (map here).

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? Other than some rafty song choices, there are no complaints to be made about Mr. Bob. 

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. 

Legless In The Country: Ballyvaughan Farmers Market

Ballyvaughan Farmers Market
Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
ballyvaughanfarmersmarket.ie

Every Saturday from May to October, the Farmers Market happens in the old national school in Ballyvaughan. You can get fresh vegetables, delicious cakes, seafood, flowers, actual authentic Thai food and all the local gossip in one go. The picture above looks a little depressing but it's a very lively affair, I promise.


What has it got?

Seating: There is a table with moveable chairs in the middle of it all where you can devour all your purchases. 

Doors: The doors are kept open into the old school and they are wide enough to fit a wheelchair. 

Ground: The yard, where most of the stalls are, is tarred and inside the hall is all wooden flooring. 

Stairs: There are no steps in or out of the yard or hall and there is a slope inside the hall to bring you out to the library and toilets. 

Bathrooms: They have one bathroom here and it's for everyone. Men, women, kids and wheelchair users. 

Spaciousness: Plenty of room. And then some.

Helpfulness of Staff: There are no staff here per se but they're all very friendly at the stalls and if you needed a hand at any stage, I am sure they'd oblige. 

Parking: Parking gets a bit manic in the 'vaughan during market hours so...Godspeed. 

Rating: 10/10

Why did it lose points? Markets are not something that normally cater for access but, in this case, the Famers Market is on solid ground, there is room between the stalls, we have a wheelchair bathroom and slopes as opposed to steps. Even though parking is an issue, it is an issue for everyone because of the specific opening hours but get down early and you should be grand. 

Legless In The Country: Logues Lodge, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Logues Lodge
Main Street, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
logueslodge.ie

I was only in the pub/restaurant part of Logues, not the hotel part, but the part of Logues which I did sample is a good pub to bring the kids for dinner. They have a decent selection of pub grub and there's live music here at the weekends.


What has it got? 

Seating: Most of the tables here have moveable chairs and the tables are a nice height for a wheelchair.

Doors: The doors are easy to get through but you might run into a table as soon as you get through. 

Ground: We have a nice mixture of tiles and wooden panelling going on in Logues. 

Stairs: There is one slight raise at one of the doors into Logues pub/restaurant but there is a flat entrance too. 

Bathrooms: There is a large wheelchair cubicle available in the ladies toilet and I have been informed that the same is on offer in the gents. 

Spaciousness: When I was coming in and leaving Logues, I had to ask quite a few people if they could pull in their chairs so I could get through. While there is space for a chair, you will have to use your manners here to make your way to your table/bathroom/bar.

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are super attentive here. Ask for help and I'm sure you'll be tended to. 

Parking: There is wheelchair parking available at the Spar across the road and there is plenty of street parking available. 

Rating: 9/10

Why did it lose points? Logues lost one point because as soon as you get in the door, you meet a table and you have to get people to move. 

Legless In The Country: Tea Rooms, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare

Tea Rooms
Coast Road, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
tearoomsballyvaughan.com

Fun fact: Steven Spielberg stopped off in Shannon Airport when he was en route to Prince Albert of Monaco's wedding just so he could go up to the Tea Rooms in Ballyvaughan and have their baked cherry cheesecake. I would personally stop for their lemon meringue pie but different strokes for different folks.


What has it got?

Seating: The tables all have moveable chairs here and the majority of them are tall enough to fit a wheelchair. Some of the tables are lower. 

Doors: I had no problems with the front door here. 

Ground: That beautiful Burren limestone flooring lyeth here. 

Stairs: There is a ramp at the front door which is at the perfect angle. There is one step out to the conservatory area and there is another step out to the garden area. However, you can get to a seated area outside if you go around the side of the Tea Rooms. 

Bathrooms: Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair bathroom here. 

Spaciousness: There is plenty of room in the main area of the Tea Rooms. The conservatory could be a little tight though. 

Helpfulness of Staff: The staff are very chatty and helpful here. 

Parking: There is no specific wheelchair parking spot for here but there is a lot of parking available along the harbour. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Why did it lose points? The Tea Rooms unfortunately lost two and a half points because they have no wheelchair bathroom and when it comes to drinking tea, you will definitely need the bathroom. Please don't let you put that off visiting because the Tea Rooms (and their gardens) are so beautiful