The team at Dublin Pride is committed to ensuring that this year’s celebrations are as accessible and inclusive as possible. Ahead of the 2024 festival, Dublin Pride explains everything you need to know about accessibility at this year’s event.
At Dublin Pride, we are always looking for ways to improve the accessibility support available on the day, and a number of initiatives have been introduced over the years based on feedback from the community.
It’s important to note that accessibility support is available to everyone who feels they need it, whether that be a person with a disability, an older person, or anyone who cannot join the celebrations without additional support.
The March and Parade
Accessible Buses
For those of you who want to be part of the parade but need some support in participating, we have buses available to bring people along the route from O’Connell Street to the Pride Village at Merrion Square Park. This will include a quieter bus for neurodivergent folk. Joining us on the bus provides an opportunity to engage with the energy of the crowds as much or as little as you want from the comfort of your seat. Additional vehicles can be provided as needed so no one will be left behind.
Viewing Areas
If you prefer to watch the parade on O’Connell Street but need a seat, we will have some available across from the General Post Office (GPO). Volunteers will be on hand to ensure the space is kept as safe as possible. If you cannot stand for long periods of time, this is a great way to join in with Pride and support the community at the heart of the parade. We are also working towards securing a viewing point with seating along the route, possibly close to Custom House, but the exact location has yet to be confirmed. This option would suit someone who would prefer to watch the parade in a less crowded location.
If you would like to register for any of the above supports, please complete this form or email [email protected].
Pride Village at Merrion Square
Entry to the Festival Site
Upon arrival at the festival site in Merrion Square, those who need an accessible entrance can access the park via the gate on Merrion Square West, opposite the National Gallery. A wheelchair ramp will be set up and volunteers will be available to support you in accessing the entrance. Normal search procedures for an event of this size will still be in place. However, all security and stewards are aware that items such as weighted blankets or other accessibility aids don’t count towards the recommended baggage limits.
To request a wristband for access to Merrion Square via this entrance, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Anyone who has registered for the accessibility bus or seating will automatically get their wristband on the day.
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NeuroPride Zone
We are extremely grateful to our friends in NeuroPride for helping us create a dedicated space inside the park for neurodivergent folk. This area is located in the South West corner of the park and will be clearly signposted. Volunteers from both NeuroPride and Dublin Pride will be present throughout the day in this section of the park. You do not need to register in advance to hang out in the NeuroPride Zone, you are free to rock up and join them on the day.
Accessible Toilets
Standard wheelchair-accessible portable toilets will be located in a number of areas across the festival area and clearly signposted. In addition to this, the team from Mobiloo will be at the park all day. Mobiloo is a mobile-accessible toilet with an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, and a friendly attendant.
ISL (Irish Sign Language)
Our ISL team will join us on the main stage for all performances and speeches.
We understand that everyone’s needs are unique and are very much open to your feedback! If there is something specific we can do to make Dublin Pride more inclusive for you or someone you care about, please contact us at [email protected].
Accessibility at Dublin Pride 2024 is kindly supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as part of our Pride in Inclusion initiative and sponsored by Yahoo.
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