Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Ireland.  

tel. +353 (0) 1 5052000

 

http://www.cartonhouse.com/

These notes refer mainly to the wheelchair accessible aspects of this hotel. For comments on the hotel service and facilities see tripadvisor.

Carton House is a hotel, golf course and spa located in a fine example of a typical home of the old Irish landlord class. It is located about 30minutes from Dublin Airport and maybe 45 minutes from Dublin city center. Despite being built long before anyone thought of wheelchair access, the modernization of the hotel has produced a fine hotel with excellent access throughout. Wandering the grounds might present some challenges, but since I did not have time to explore I cannot really comment on that.

Entrance to the hotel lobby is through a modern entrance at the side of the original old house. Access is level through automatic doors. The lobby level, bar and restaurant are all on one level and easily accessible although the distances between them are great. The flooring is mostly hard cover with occasional sections of carpet – easy to traverse in any case. There is a dedicated large accessible toilet near reception.

My room was on the first floor of a modern extension to the old house and had a king bed. The lifts (elevators) are quite a way from the reception, but are large, and my room was very close to the lift.

The room itself was large (very large by Irish hotel standards) and easy to navigate. There is a large, comfortable workdesk and enough room between the desk and bed for my chair (680mm) to pass through with plenty to spare. Power sockets were easy to reach at desk height, as was the desk lamp. The bed was slightly below wheelchair cushion height so transferring was very easy. The bedside lights and room lights had switches by the bed. The air conditioning controls were easy to reach. The TV controls were left by the TV within easy reach. 

The closet had no door and was easy to reach and hang clothes on. All storage was accessible.

The bathroom was spacious with easy access to the toilet for a 90 degree or a parallel transfer. A folding handrail from the wall was well positioned. Sink was easy to use with plenty of knee room underneath. There was a roll in shower, with a small sturdy foldable shower seat on the wall. I found balancing on the shower seat a little precarious, but the handrails helped. The shower rose is fixed and protrudes from the wall above the seat giving plenty of coverage although it means there is no way of avoiding the couple of seconds of cold water that runs when you start the shower! The controls were easy to reach. Even at the hottest setting the water temperature was not dangerous although I did not notice any marking to suggest that it was temperature limited. All towels were left within easy reach.

 

I was attending a business event which utilized meeting rooms in the old house. All the rooms we used were on the ground floor, but I did notice on elevator running up the center of the old stairwell. All rooms we sued were fully accessible and there was an accessible (albeit poorly signposted) toilet nearby. The floors are the original floors and can present occasional hazards to a wheeler with broken stone slabs and so on. But I would not have them any other way – the character of the old house is great and the meeting rooms had a lovely old world, sophisticated feel to them.

The room really had nothing to fault it. Given that, and the excellent service and ambience of the hotel I would strongly recommend it for any wheelie seeking a country “feel” in a location not far from Dublin and Dublin airport. .

 

Dublin, ireland - Pub (Shebeen Chic)

The Shebeen on Georges St. in Dublin (http://www.shebeenchic.ie) features live music and bar menu. Access to the pub is level from the street and there is plenty of room to move around. The tables are low and comfortable to sit at. Although the walkie toilets are downstairs, there is an unmarked door on the ground floor which is actually a handicapped toilet. Unfortunately, the establishment stores all the floor-cleaning equipment (mops, buckets etc.) in this toilet making it almost impossible to use if you are in a wheelchair as there is no room to turn.

It could be a great pub but unfortunately I can only say - Avoid!

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Bang Cafe)

Bang Cafe is located at 11 Merrion Row, just a short distance from Stephen's Green in the centre of Dublin. it is sleek, modern and fashionable and almost totally inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Access from the street is level, but the eating areas are either down a flight of stairs to basement level, or up about seven shallow, curving steps to the "street" level. Once in this area, space is very tight to manouvre a wheelchair. The toilets are up stairs and not accessible.

Dublin, Ireland - Pub (Legends at the Arlington Hotel, Temple Bar)

The Arlington Hotel Temple bar is located a few minutes walk from Trinity College down Dame street. Legends is the bar attached to the hotel, and it hosts a "traditional Irish night" of song and dance most every night of the week. This is one of a half dozen or so such shows that have popped up since Riverdance made Irish dancing cool (and sexy) again.  The better ones are out of town (for example, Johnnie Foxes) but the Arlington Temple Bar (and it's sister hotel, the Arlington on Bachelor's walk) offer an opportunity to catch some vaguely traditional stuff at the very convenient location of centre city and just a few steps from the tourist hotbed of Temple Bar (see The Temple Bar Pub access here).

Legends offers a dinner and dance deal. The night I was there the band were good, very professional and the dancers talented although the dance show was very short and the choreography un-inspired. Or maybe I've seen too many of these shows. In any case, this entry is supposed to be about the wheelchair access, not the show so...

The bar has several levels. To get to the level where the dinner is served you need to enter via the middle door off Dame St. This door is normally closed, so you may need to go through the Legends main door and notify a member of staff.

The tables normally used for dinner are tall and too high to eat without a difficult transfer from the chair to a high stool. If you inform the management when making your reservation, they will provide a regular height table for you to eat at.

The handicapped toilet is downstairs and accessed by a lift (elevator). The night I was there the lift was bust, so the manager and a staff member carried me down the flight of stairs in my chair. The toilet (once I got there) was fine - a large, unisex, accessible toilet.

(As an aside, I can assure you that the toilet in the suite is not accessible as this was an option we tried due to the broken lift. The hotel has at least one accessible bedroom, but it was occupied so I did not get to see it!)

The staff went out of their way to meet my requirements so for that reason I give it a thumbs up despite the "difficult" nature of the access. It's not the best "Oirish" show out there, but in terms of convenience it is one of the handiest.

Dublin, Ireland - Pub (Paddy Cullens, Ballsbridge)

Paddy Cullens pub in Ballsbridge, Dublin, is a small, cost, very traditional style pub. There is level access from the street to the bar area. The bar area itself and the snug are wheelchair accessible. There is a back area that is up two steps.

There is a handicapped accessible toilet at the rear of the bar (between the bar and the associated lounge - Mary Macs). Although this is a large restroom with toilet, sink and grab-bars, the door opens inwards which makes it almost impossible to get a wheelchair in, and then close the door. It can be done but it may require assistance from a walkie. A pity, because otherwise this bar could be a great place to experience a real dublin bar.

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Fire)

Fire restaurant is located by the historic mansion house on Dawson Street, Dublin 2 - just off Stephen's Green. Access from the street is level, through some gates (use the pavement on the left hand side facing the building to avoid the cobblestones). There is a long but fairly gentle ramp to the entrance itself. One of the two doors is ramped. Inside, the restaurant is spacious and easy to get around. The toilets have a fully accessible cubicle.

This restaurant is very comfortable for wheelchair users. The service is excellent and the food is good. Recommended.

Dublin, Ireland - Pub (Smyths of Haddington Road)

I last wrote about this pub last year - here. 

On a recent visit I found the place changed. Thankfully, the refurbishment is very minor, more a botox injection than a facelift, and the old world feel is the same. The main difference in the bar area is the addition of a snug with wooden walls. Although this increases the homely atmosphere of the place, it makes it less friendly to wheelchairs as it very much limits the turning space at the front. No change to the access, or the toilets. 

Still worth a visit - but maybe the lounge would be easier. 

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Mangetu)

Mangetu (Unit 1 Victoria House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland) is a modern looking, asian fusion restaurant seating about 90 people. There is level access from the street. The interior is modern and minimalist.There is plenty of space between the tables so it is very comfortable to manuvre around in a wheelchair. Tables are comfortable height, and easy to pull in to. There is a large unisex handicapped toilet, seperate from the ladies and gents restrooms. Food is very good. Apparently the restaurant name is pronounced - man-get-tu.

Recommended.

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Cornucopia)

Cornucopia on 19 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 is a small popular vegetarian restaurant/cafe. It is located to the main shopping area of Grafton Street, and not far from popular Temple bar area for nightlife.

This is a small place - 48 seats or so, and the tables are tightly packed. Access from the street is over a small, slightly ramped step. There is another step into the cafe area, again this has a small ramp. Neither should be a problem for wheelchairs.

Moving around inside the cafe is nearly impossible in a wheelchair. The staff are friendly and helpful but it's better if you have a walkie friend who can go to the self-serve counter for you.

At the time of writing there is a plan to expand into the adjoining building which might add some space.

There are no accessible toilets.

Dublin, Ireland - restaurant (L'Ecrivain)

L'Ecrivain is one of the top Dublin restaurants. Unfortunately, if you are in a wheelchair you will not get to enjoy it. Although the front entrance is ramped, the main dining room is up a flight of stairs. The staff have offered to carry me up but this is the 21st century and I'm really kind of past that level of risk and embarrassment. with so many other dining options available.

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Mint)

Update (June 3 2009):
This restaurant is now gone out of business. Not surprising given it's high costs and the economic downturn. A pity though!

Mint is widely recognized as one of the finest restaurants in Dublin in 2008 and earned a Michelin star in that year.

It is located in Ranelagh, Dublin, in a simple small room. Access from the street is level, with a gentle internal ramp to the dining room. The small dining room has tables closely positioned with a wide walk way in the middle so negotiating to your table is not difficult. There is a fully accessible, large unisex toilet. However, getting to the toilet may involve negotiating an obstacle course of chairs and miscellaneous item of furniture placed in the corridor. The helpful staff will move anything that needs moving however.

Normally I confine my notes to the wheelchair accessibility of a restaurant - I am not a food critic after all. However, I feel compelled to add that the meal we had there was exceptional. An epic culinary masterpiece that I can still taste. The prices are astronomical (but you can visit their website and view the menu so you don't get too much of a shock) but this is theater, art and first class food all in one. We had the tasting menu with wine and were blown away by each course. Prior to this the best meal I had ever eaten was in Petrus in Hong Kong in 2001 (see here for my access notes from that trip) but Mint has surpassed it.

Accessible and fabulous - highly recommended.

Dublin, Ireland - Pub (The Temple Bar)

The Temple Bar Pub  is located, not surprisingly, in Temple Bar in Dublin city centre.

The Temple Bar area  is difficult to get around in a wheelchair. The streets are old and mostly cobbled, and the sidewalks are broken and have many lob-sided and ill fitting slabs. Although this is all part of the charm, it means that us wheelchair users have to travel slowly and take great care. 

The Temple Bar Pub is centrally located and is a good venue for fine Guinness and live music. It is immensely popular with both locals and tourists so is usually crowded. There are three doors from the street and each one is accessible. Getting around inside the pub is fine if there are not too many people but on a Friday night it is near impossible. If you have not experienced an Irish pub in full swing then you should consider visiting at off-peak times. 

There is a large handicapped accessible toilet but it is not well marked and is separate from the other toilets (which are downstairs). In addition, the handicapped toilet is sometimes locked to prevent abuse. So the best bet is to ask a staff member to point it our to you. 

Recommended. 

Dublin, Ireland - Pub (Leeson Lounge)

Located next door to O'Briens, this bar has a fairly unusual interior, probably dating from the 1970s. Roomier and slightly more plush than its more traditional neighbour, it is a little more comfortable for the wheelchair user. There is a small step from the door on Upper Leeson Street. There are no accessible toilets. The Gents toilet is "accidentally accessible". The door is wide enough for a chair to get through. There is a sharp right turn just inside the door into a narrow room with access to the urinal and sink for handwashing. The cubicle is not accessible. 

This is a popular local bar and very busy for sports events.

Dublin, Ireland - Pub (O'Briens of Leeson Street)

Located at the corner of Upper Leeson Street and Sussex Terrace, this is an old world Irish bar that has not changed in decades. Thankfully, the owners resisted any temptation to "upgrade" during the booming first years of the 21st century and it retains all the original charm and idiosyncrasies of a genuine Irish bar. Unfortunately, this means no wheelchair accessible toilets. There is a small (50cm/2") step at one double door. The other doors are not accessible. Turn right after going through this door and you will enter the bar. Roomy, but the tables are high. Turn left and you enter the lounge. Tighter and difficult to get around, but the tables are lower. Both sides serve one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin and it is worth a visit although you will need to restrict yourself to one or two pints because there is no accessible toilet. And long may it remain so. 

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Skyview)

Skyview Restaurant, Weston Aerodrome, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland

This surprising restaurant is situated up one level in Weston aerodrome. There is a single step at the front door. A wooden temporary ramp is available to get up this if required. Lift (elevator) in lobby on left. Level access from lift to restaurant which has a fine view of the airfield and the Dublin mountains.

Accessible toilet on ground floor near entrance.

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Canalettos) and Pub (Smyths)

Canalettos, 71 Mespil Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland

Mid-price Italian restaurant. Level access from street. Toilets are up stairs, no accessible toilet.

Smyths, 10 Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland

A genuine old pub that hasn’t changed too much in at least 30 years. As such it retains the grimy charm of the old school Irish pub. Popular with young and old, it has a great mix of people. No food here other than crisps and peanuts!

There are no concessions for wheelchair access. There is “accidental” access. Level access to both bar and lounge from street. Toilets on ground level. Door about 700mm/28”. No accessible cubicle but enough space to get around. Cubicle doors are about 680mm/27.2”.

Worth a visit for the ‘old time” atmosphere. Check out if the toilets work for you before you have too many pints!

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Langkawi) and Pub (Searsons)

Langkawi, 46 Upper Baggot St., Dublin 4, Ireland

Mid-to-upper price Malaysian restaurant. Great food. Level access from street. A tight turn into the dining room would be difficult for some wheelchairs. Several tables in the front section of the restaurant are up one step. Tables in the back section are on one level.

Toilets are downstairs and are not accessible.

Searsons, 44 Upper Baggot St., Dublin 4, Ireland

Large bar serving lunch and dinner food. Popular bar. Level access from street. Accessible unisex toilet located in middle section. You may need to ask a staff member for keys.

Dublin, Ireland - Pubs (Johnnie Fox's)

Johnnie Fox’s, Glencullen, Co. Dublin, Ireland

This is a popular tourist destination and claims to be the highest pub in Ireland. They serve good seafood meals, has a pub section and also a “Hooley” – a special section which features music and dance and dinner for a fixed cost.

The pub is an old traditional building so access is not easy. However, all doors have level access. Inside there are several rooms and moving between them is not easy due to the amount of furniture (and people). The Hooley room is not accessible from the inside (corridors are too narrow) but there is access from the outside. You will need to ask a member of staff to open the door.

There are no accessible toilets. The normal toilets may be usable for some. Level access through a door (about 725mm/29”) leads to a tight corner. Access to the cubicle is through a narrow walk way (about 700mm/28”). The cubicle is not accessible although the door is wide enough to let a chair in. Urinals and sinks can be reached from a chair.

This location is really not very accommodating, but if you can handle some obstacles is worth a visit if you are short of time in Ireland. It provides some sense of Irish music and drinking culture.

Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Siam Thai)

Siam Thai Restaurant, Dundrum shopping centre, Dundrum, Dublin 14, Ireland

It’s not obvious how to get to this first floor restaurant but there is a lift (elevator) accessible from the “town square” open area. Level access throughout.

Dublin, Ireland - The Waterloo

The Waterloo, 36 Upper Baggot St., Dublin 4, Ireland

Formerly a wonderful old style Dublin pub, the Waterloo was refurbished in the mid-90s into a huge drinking barn. Serves a wide range of beers and stouts, and typical (pretty good quality) pub food and wine. Level access from street. The bar, and many of the tables are too high to sit at comfortably in a wheelchair. However, if you carry on straight through to the back of the pub there is a circular room with tables perfect for the disabled drunk. Dedicated handicapped toilet is just behind this room. If the pub is very crowded a staff member can let you into the back from the back alley (a bit of a hike).

If you go, check out the wonderful ceiling just inside the front door. It’s all that’s left of the original pub!

Recommended.