Holidays are a great opportunity to unwind, create memories and bond with family. However, they can often be stressful, and if you have a child with autism or a sensory disorder, this presents another set of challenges. Choosing the right activities and places to visit is key. With that in mind we offer seven places to visit this spring.
Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast has announced a new accessibility initiative that includes sensory backpacks designed with comfort, independence and enjoyment for visitors with additional needs in mind. The backpacks are free to borrow and aim to support neurodiverse guests and individuals who may benefit from additional sensory resources. They have been designed primarily for children aged five to 12, although they are available to support any visitor who requires them and have been themed around animals associated with Titanic. Each backpack contains a variety of items including ear defenders, sunglasses for brighter areas, emotions and senses cards, a range of fidget and sensory toys, drawing materials, smelling cubes with aromas associated with Titanic, a visual contents list and a sensory trail. titanicbelfast.com
Dream Point Experience
Dream Point Experience is purpose built in Dublin’s Docklands as a play area for all children and those with additional needs. With areas like the bubble room, with its soft lighting and relaxing music, as well as the glow corridor, a walkway with tactile surfaces and lights that change colour, this is a feast for children’s senses. Sessions are timed, meaning groups are always small and noise reducing headphones are available. dreampointexperience.ie
Achill Experience
Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitor Centre hosts Sensory Sundays, an inclusive programme aimed at supporting children with additional needs. Book a slot at 10am or 10.45am, using the promo code Sensory Sunday; these slots will be free for children and adults with additional needs, providing an environment where children can explore, play, and engage with a variety of sensory experiences. Each week, they offer a range of interactive activities centred around their fish and aquarium exhibits. “These activities have been shown to enhance sensory processing, promote self-regulation, and foster social interaction among participants, ultimately contributing to their overall development,” the centre says. achillexperience.ie
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Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle often hosts autism friendly tours that provide quieter, more structured access to the building, complete with sensory kits and mindful pacing to help children explore history without sensory overload. These tours are designed and delivered with neurodivergent children, teenagers and adults in mind. They take extra care to facilitate a tour that meets the requirements of those with sensory needs and present a unique opportunity to learn and explore the history of Dublin Castle in a quiet and considered manner. dublincastle.ie
National Aquatic Centre
Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre has introduced a new sensory room designed by SuperCalm for visitors experiencing sensory overload. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where visitors can emerge feeling calm and focused. For those experiencing sensory challenges and find it difficult to feel at ease in public spaces, this therapeutic space is specifically designed with them in mind. Let your child take some brief respite and immerse in an environment that allows them to take full control of their sensory stimulation. Booking is recommended. sportirelandcampus.ie
Calming gardens
Heritage Ireland offers lots of sensory-friendly historic places to visit this summer. Experience calming gardens bathed in spring or summer light, all infused with the perfume of colourful plants and flowers. Check out Fota Arboretum and Gardens in Cork, or Heywood Gardens in Laois for all things botanical. With birdsong, babbling brooks and the wind gently whistling through the trees, the calming sounds of the great outdoors are guaranteed to sooth and places rarely become overcrowded. For more historical adventures, ruins like Old Mellifont Cistercian Abbey in Laois to Scattery Island Monastic site are sure to keep your little historians entertained without getting overstimulated. heritageireland.ie
The Ark
The Ark in Dublin’s Temple Bar is known for the autism friendly performances specifically designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Sound levels are reduced, strobe or flash lighting is removed and sudden loud noises are eliminated. Audience members are able to walk in and out of the auditorium as needed, and quiet areas are provided. Staff members have also received training to understand autism and the needs of neurodiverse children. ark.ie
