Changing Perceptions on Sight Loss in Style
Dublin may just be one of the most sensory trips I have done as a visually impaired person – and here’s why.
Known for its iconic landmarks like Temple Bar, Dublin Castle and the Ha’penny Bridge, along with its strong scene for sampling Irish food and drink, Dublin is a top contender for an accessible weekend getaway.
Last year, I spent a fun weekend in this lively city celebrating my mother’s 50th birthday, and I think I curated a unique itinerary that made my trip accessible as someone with a visual impairment.
From pulling the perfect pint of Guinness to exploring the architectural highlights of Trinity College and Dublin Castle, here’s how I made my trip to Dublin accessible as a visually impaired traveller.
I flew to Dublin from London Stansted with Ryanair, with tickets costing around £90 (although you can often find cheaper fares the further in advance you book).
Dublin is accessible by air via four London airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Getting into the city from Dublin Airport is very straightforward, with a 40-minute coach transfer available. A return anytime ticket costs around €20, making it an easy and affordable option.
The assistance staff at Dublin Airport were incredibly friendly and were there to meet us the moment we disembarked from the aircraft, which immediately set the tone for a stress-free arrival.
For our stay, we chose The Chancery Hotel, which is just a stone’s throw from Dublin Castle and within walking distance of a number of bars and restaurants. It’s also just 10 minutes from Dublin’s iconic Temple Bar area, making it a great central base.
The hotel is very modern, with rooms kitted out with all the mod cons – even the curtains could be opened and closed at the touch of a button, which was a nice accessibility bonus.
Downstairs, the restaurant serves a contemporary European menu alongside a regularly changing cocktail list.
There’s also a small, laid-back spa area with a sauna, steam room and hot tub. It’s really easy to navigate, with towels, drinks and robes all provided, and it’s open from 7am if you want to unwind after a busy day exploring the city.
Dublin was one of my favourite cities to get around on foot, with the city being very walkable and also well served by local bus services and Luas trams.
That said, as many locals will tell you, getting around on foot or by taxi is often quicker and more efficient if you’re able to do so.
Dublin has ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber, with taxis typically costing between £8 and £30, depending on distance and time of day.
Popular streets such as Grafton Street, Henry Street, College Green and Dame Street are pedestrianised, meaning I never felt I had to worry about heavy traffic when walking through busy areas like Temple Bar.
Temple Bar itself is one of the most popular places to go for a drink in Ireland, but it does get extremely busy. If you use a cane or guide dog, it can be challenging to navigate – especially as many of the streets are cobbled.
One recommendation I would make is taking the Dublin City Bus Tour, which takes you around key landmarks including Trinity College, Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse. Tickets cost around €35, last 24 hours, and include a free audio guide, which is great for learning about the city’s history without relying on visual signage.
Ireland is, of course, famous for its Guinness, and one of Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions is the Guinness Storehouse.
Located at St James’s Gate, the Guinness Storehouse spans seven floors and tells the story of this iconic drink – from how it’s made to how it became a global brand.
The experience is very sensory, particularly the From Grain to Glass exhibition, which takes you through the brewing process using sound, smell and touch as well as visuals.
Another highlight was the exhibition exploring the history of Guinness advertising, which includes plenty of props you can physically interact with.
Tickets start from around €26, with optional add-ons such as a Masterclass on how to pull the perfect pint, which we did and absolutely loved. Naturally, it ends with enjoying your own pint of Guinness.
The entire experience was extremely accessible, with lifts between floors, audio guides available and clear layouts throughout. Even if, like me, you’re not the biggest Guinness fan, this is still a must-do in Dublin – just make sure you book ahead.
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, or want to add another accessible drinking experience, the Irish Whiskey Museum is well worth visiting.
Located opposite Trinity College on Grafton Street, this guided experience explores the history of Irish whiskey in a fun and engaging way. You move through immersive rooms – from a secret Guinness hideout to a traditional Irish pub – all led by knowledgeable and descriptive guides.
The tour ends with a whiskey tasting, with the amount depending on the ticket you choose. A basic ticket costing around €23 includes tasting three different whiskeys.
Dublin has no shortage of historic landmarks to explore, with some of the most famous – such as the Ha’penny Bridge and St Stephen’s Green – being completely free to visit.
Dublin Castle is particularly worth seeing. Dating back to the 13th century, it has played a vital role in the city’s history, with much of Dublin developing around it.
Today, the castle stands as both a tribute to Dublin’s past and a candid reminder of Ireland’s complex and often difficult history, including Britain’s involvement.
The castle complex includes courtyards, historic buildings, State Apartments and gardens. Entry is free for disabled visitors and their carers, making it an accessible and worthwhile stop. A visit takes roughly 90 minutes.
Free guided tours are included with your ticket, and our guide was incredibly descriptive, bringing the castle’s history and changing uses over the centuries to life.
Finally, no trip to Dublin would be complete without visiting Trinity College. The Book of Kells experience costs around €18–€20 and includes a guided campus tour led by a current student, who shares insight into the university’s history and student life.
This was another highlight for me, and with the Irish Whiskey Museum just across the road, it’s easy to combine the two in one afternoon.
What city shall I visit next? Let me know in the comments below
