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Accessibility Information

Accessibility at BoatTrips.ie

At BoatTrips.ie, we want everyone to experience the magic of Ireland’s rivers. Whether you’re drifting beneath Kilkenny Castle on the River Nore or exploring the peaceful waters of the River Barrow, we’re here to help you plan a trip that works for you.

This page provides information about accessibility on our boats, at our locations, and on our website to help you prepare for your visit.

Before You Book

Get in Touch We recommend contacting us before booking if you have specific accessibility requirements. Our team can discuss your needs and help determine if our boat trips are suitable for you.

Booking Options

  • Online: Book through our website at any time
  • Phone: Call Cliff directly to discuss your requirements and book over the phone
  • Email: Send us your booking request and any questions

Boat Accessibility

Important Information Our traditional open boats are not wheelchair accessible. If you require a fully wheelchair-accessible boat experience, we recommend contacting Athy Boat Tours, who will be happy to help.

What to Expect On Board

  • All passengers must wear life jackets for the duration of the trip (life jackets are provided)
  • Our boats carry a maximum of 11 passengers
  • There are no toilet facilities on board
  • Boats are open-air and not covered, so you’ll be exposed to the elements
  • The rivers Nore and Barrow are calm, smooth, and slow-flowing

Boarding

  • In Kilkenny, boarding is at Johns Bridge
  • In Carlow and Laois, boarding is at Town Park, Graiguecullen
  • The Skipper will meet you at the entrance to the floating pontoon

Travelling with Children

Babies and Toddlers While we welcome families, please be aware that babies and toddlers must wear a life jacket at all times and cannot remain in a buggy or carrycot during the trip. Some young children find this uncomfortable. All babies and toddlers must be booked in advance at a cost of €10 per person.

Buggies and Prams There is limited space to store a buggy on board. Foldable buggies work best.

Travelling with Pets

Dogs and other pets are welcome on privately booked trips only.

Preparing for Your Trip

Arrive Early We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time to board and get settled.

Weather and Clothing Our boats are open to the elements, so please:

  • Check the forecast at www.met.ie before your trip
  • Dress for changeable Irish weather
  • Bring and wear sunscreen (sun exposure is increased on the water)
  • Wear safe, comfortable footwear

Parking

  • Kilkenny: We recommend Dunne Stores car park next to the river in the city centre
  • Carlow/Laois: Carlow Town Park at Graiguecullen

Cancellations

Weather Cancellations The Skipper or BoatTrips.ie will decide whether to cancel due to weather. Generally, an Orange weather warning or above for wind or rain will result in cancellation.

Your Cancellations If you need to cancel, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice in writing via email to info@boattrips.ie.

Website Accessibility

Our website has been developed in line with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA. For full details about our digital accessibility standards and any known limitations, please visit our Accessibility Policy.

Questions or Feedback

If you have questions about accessibility or suggestions for how we can improve, please get in touch:

We typically respond within 3–5 business days.