Accessibility Welcome Guide

Welcome to the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. We’re committed to ensuring that every visitor enjoys a meaningful, comfortable, and inclusive experience. Whether you’re exploring the ship, visiting our visitor centre, or discovering the stories of those who set sail from Ireland’s shores, we want everyone to feel supported and confident throughout their visit. This guide outlines our accessibility features, visitor facilities, and ongoing efforts to make the Dunbrody Experience welcoming for all.

1. Accessibility Contact & Support

If you’d like to discuss your needs before arrival or need assistance during your visit:

Accessibility Contact: Sean Connick
Email: info@dunbrody.com
Phone: +353 (0)51 425239
Response target: within 1–2 working days

2. Travel & Arrival Guidance

Car
Eircode: Y34 A786. On-site parking is available, with designated accessible spaces near the entrance.

Bus
An accessible bus stop is located at Supervalu, 100m from the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience and has a raised area.

Boat
Rosslare Harbour is the nearest port. Continue by road + transport.

Local Link
New Ross is well serviced with the Local Link bus service Please check schedules and request assistance if needed on the Local Link website HERE.

Taxi
There are a number of local taxi companies & we are happy to provide details on request.

Plane
The nearest airports to he Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience are Kerry Dublin and Cork

Dublin Airport: approx. 2 hours by road
Cork Airport: approx. 2 hours by road

If you require accessible transfers, please allow additional travel time and check in advance with your transport provider (taxi, bus, or car-hire company) to ensure suitable vehicles and assistance are available.

3. Key Accessibility Features & Areas

Parking

Designated Accessible Parking Designated accessible parking bays are available within 50 metres of the main entrance, with one directly outside the main entrance. Step Free Route from Carpark to Entrance There is a step -free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance with an automatic door is available at the main entrance that opens on approach.

Tour/Experience Areas

Wheelchair accessible toilet in public areas

A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non -visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The visitor experience is fully wheelchair accessible. Access to the deck of the ship is with assistance depending on tide. There’s a lift on the ship to take people below deck.

Lift

There are lift(s) available.

Stairs

The stairs include high contrast edges, handrails, and tactile paving at the top and bottom. An evacuation chair is also available in case of emergency.

Café

Wheelchair -accessible food and beverage outlet. Tables and chairs in our café can be rearranged on request to accommodate a wheelchair user. Table service is standard. Dietary requirements catered for – gluten free, vegan.

Retail Outlet

There is a wheelchair -accessible retail outlet on -site. Staff are available to assist disabled customers if required.

4. Facilities & Supports

Wheelchair or scooter charging point

There is at least one wheelchair or scooter charging point.

English Braille or audio information

Tour information is available in Audio

Seating at regular intervals

Seating is available at each area throughout the tour to support visitors who need rest.

Fast -track queueing

Fast -track queueing is available for disabled customers.
If you would like to know more, please ask a member of our team.

Facilities for assistance dogs

Facilities are available for assistance dogs e.g. water bowls etc.
If you would like to know more, please ask a member of our team.

Emergency alarm

There is an emergency alarm with lights, to alert deaf guests to a fire or other emergency scenario throughout each section of the tour.

5. Sensory & Planning Tools

Image gallery

showing entrances, slopes, and surface types.

Virtual tours / 360° walkthroughs

Available on the website hompage.

Emergency evacuation plan for visitors with disabilities or access requirements

General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for visitors with disabilities.
If you would like to know more, please ask a member of our team.

Designated “quiet times”

Our early morning or later evening tours are recommended for reduced noise.

Free familiarisation visits

Free familiarisation visits are available. Guests are welcome to arrange a visit ahead of booking or visiting to familiarise themselves and others with the venue at no additional cost.

Relaxed performances are available

Reduced lighting and noise is available on our Santa Wonderland Experience.

6. Emergency & Medical Info

Nearest hospital/emergency department:

Wexford General Hospital, Newtown Rd, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 Y17D
University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Rd, Ballynakill, Waterford, X91 ER8E

Local GP / clinic:

GP practice, Marsh Ln, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y43 X228 Tel: (051) 421 997

Pharmacy:

Burkes Chemist, South Street, New Ross ,Y34 AH59 Tel: (051) 421522

7. Known Limitations & Improvement Plans

Improvement plans:

The Dunbrody is currently awaiting the commencement of a new extension, which will incorporate improved public facilities and a changing places facility. We are committed to improving our accessibility.

Last updated: [October 2025] | Next review: [March 2026]

Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience Overview

The Dunbrody Famine Ship is one of the premier tourist attractions in the South East of Ireland. Centred on an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, it provides a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience.