Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- Slieve Gullion Forest Park is an outdoor family destination, with a visitor information building, adventure playpark, zip wire and outdoor gym, adventure trail walks, walled garden, outdoor performance spaces, and a 10km Scenic Forest Drive.
- There is a car park at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform halfway round the drive with Blue Badge parking.
- The following is available here: gardens, an outdoor gym, parkland, a playground with adaptations, trails, a visitor centre and woodland.
- There is a 10km (6 miles) scenic forest drive that is a one-way track, starting to the right off the Visitor Information Building, which finishes 2.5km (1.5 miles) south-west off the main vehicle entrance to Slieve Gullion Forest Park on Newry Road. There are steep hills and sharp turns on this route.
- View information on opening times.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- The nearest train station is Newry.
- This station has step-free access.
- The nearest bus station is Newry.
- This bus station has step-free access.
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Getting Around
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- The following areas have step-free access via slopes: all areas and buildings.
- Circulation routes around the site consist of: surfaced footpaths, unsurfaced paths and gravel paths.
- Some resting areas are available along circulation routes.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Map boards are provided.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
- The toilet with adaptations is located at the rear of the Slieve Gullion Visitor Information Building.
- The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
- Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the male and female standard toilet facilities at the rear of the Slieve Gullion Visitor Information Building.
- Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located at the rear of the Slieve Gullion Visitor Information Building.
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Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the ambulant cubicles of the standard toilet facilities.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- Shower facilities with adaptations are located within the toilet with adaptations cubicle.
Parking
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the left as you approach the park and Visitor Information Building.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 20m from the Visitor Information Building.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep slopes.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
- There is additional parking at the lower level car park. There is a slight ramp with a handrail on both sides going up to link the two parts of the car park.
- The ramp bypasses the 16 steps at the end of the car park adjacent to the walled garden.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is free for all users.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Slieve Gullion Visitor Information Building
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Location and Route
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- The information building is located in the main car park.
- The most accessible route has slight ramps.
- There are steep slope across most of the car park and from the Blue Badge bays to the building.
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Access
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- The rear entrance was surveyed.
- The front entrance has stepped access only.
- There is step-free level access into the building.
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Building information
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- Facilities available in the building include: the information centre, main staff office, toilet and shower with adaptations, and male and female toilets with baby change facilities.
- The building has 1 floor.
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- There is wayfinding signage.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- Seating available in the building includes: chairs with armrests.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Information Centre
- The room is located in the Visitor Information Building.
- The distance from the rear entrance is 4m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There is a single manual door.
- The door opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 93cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The door has a high colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access throughout.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this room includes: chairs with armrests.
- Furniture available in this room includes: coffee tables.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Additional facilities/services include: a television.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Toilet and Shower with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located at the rear of the Slieve Gullion Visitor Information Building.
- The distance from the rear entrance is 10m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 96cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a low colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 249cm (width) x 245cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
- The lateral transfer space is 164cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the non-transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 83cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 104cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
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Shower Facilities
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- There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are lever mixer.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail for the shower.
- The dropdown rail for the shower has a high colour contrast.
Adventure Playground and Adult Outside Gym
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About
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- The following is available in this area: a playground with adaptations, an outdoor gym and woodland.
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Getting Around
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- There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
- Surfaced footpaths consist of: tarmac and rubber matting.
- The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There are also unsurfaced paths/trails in some areas.
- Path or trail surfaces consist of: wood bark and compact gravel.
- The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- Some paths/trails have sections with: obstructions.
- There is wayfinding signage in this area.
- There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
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Playground
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- The playground is accessed via a gate.
- The width of the opening is 115cm.
- The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
- The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, rocking, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling, viewing, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile), fitness and social play (e.g. water or sand pits, talk tubes, hopscotch, roundabouts, see-saws).
- Routes around the play equipment are not firm and even.
- The majority of routes around the play equipment are at least 150cm wide.
- There is an Ability Swing accessed by Radar key, an accessible roundabout and bucket seat.
Storytelling Area
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Location and Access
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- The story-telling area is to the left of the main play park.
- The most accessible route has a steep ramp.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free access via a slope to this area.
- The slope has a steep gradient.
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Seating Area
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- The seating area is uncovered.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the seating area.
- There is stepped access to the upper tiered seating.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches.
- Seating is fixed.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
Picnic Area
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Location and Access
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- The most accessible route has a slight ramp.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has uneven surfaces.
- There is step-free access via a slope to this area.
- The slope gradient varies between slight and steep.
- The ground around the picnic area is uneven with varied slope gradients.
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Seating Area
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- The seating area is uncovered.
- There is not step-free level access throughout.
- There is step-free access by slope to all parts of the picnic area.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
- The tables are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables/desks is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- There are additional picnic tables off the lower parking area to the left of the walled garden entrance.
This picnicking area, while a distance away from the main Visitor Information Centre and play park, has very slight slopes and may prove more accessible.
There is a slight ramp between the main and lower parking areas.
Refreshment Van
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Location and Access
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- The van is located in the car park.
- The most accessible route has steep slopes.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free access via a slope into this area.
- The slope has a steep gradient.
- There is open plan access.
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Order and Payment
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
- The service counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located at the side of the van.
- There is step-free access via a slope to the counter.
- The slope has a steep gradient.
- The height of the counter is 128cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The payment machine is portable.
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Service
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- Menu types include: menu boards.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free and vegetarian.
- The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Getting To the Walled Garden
- The Walled Garden and Outdoor Performance Space entrance is located at the end of the lower level parking. There is no Blue Badge parking on the lower level.
Access to the lower level is either by a ramp or by steps. - The distance from the Visitor's Information Building is 120m.
- The most accessible route has ramped and stepped access.
- The ramp bypasses the steps.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide.
- There are handrails on both sides.
- There are 16 steps.
- There are no handrails for the steps.
- The steps are unmarked.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 15cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Access to the ramp or steps is across the main car park.
The ramp is in the centre and the steps are to the far lower corner past the refreshment van, next to the Walled Garden. - This route has uneven surfaces.
Walled Garden
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About
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- The following is available in this area: formal gardens, gardens and walkways.
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Getting Around
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- There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
- Surfaced footpaths consist of: concrete, tarmac, bonded gravel and cobbles.
- The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces and overgrowing vegetation.
- There is no signage in this area.
- There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
Outdoor Performance Space
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Location and Access
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- The outdoor performance space is located within the Walled Garden.
- The most accessible route has steep slopes.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free access via a slope to this area.
- The slope has a slight gradient.
- The access point into the performance area on the far side as you come up the path has an easier slope and a wider opening.
- There is an opening without doors.
- The width of the opening is 150cm.
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Seating Area
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- The seating area is uncovered.
- There is not step-free level access throughout.
- There is stepped access to the upper tiered seating.
- There is step-free access by slope to the rear of the tiered seating.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches.
- Seating is fixed.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
Fionn's Giant Adventure Trail Access Point
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Access Point
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- This access point is located at the rear of the car park.
- The approach to the access point has uneven surfaces.
- The access point is clearly signed.
- There is step-free access via a slope.
- The slope has a steep gradient.
- There is an open gap at this access point.
- The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
- There is step-free access via a slope as you enter.
- The slope has a steep gradient.
Fionn's Giant Adventure Trail
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About
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- The following is available in this area: woodland and walkways.
- Additional facilities in this area include: a self-guided free story trail inspired by local myths and legends.
This immersive trail invites children to step into a world of giants, fairies, dragons, witches, and woodland creatures.
Fairy houses, sculpted story scenes, and interactive features create a living storybook experience that sparks imagination at every turn.
With winding paths, enchanted nooks, and characters from Irish folklore woven throughout, it’s a must-do adventure for families with young explorers.
The trail takes you into plenty of nooks and crannies so a backpack carrier or baby sling is recommended for tots.
It may be unsuitable for those with mobility impairments or those using a standard wheelchair due to steep inclines and rough terrain.
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Getting Around
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- There are unsurfaced paths/trails throughout.
- Path or trail surfaces consist of: wood bark, gravel, compact earth, uncompacted earth (muddy) and loose stones.
- The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- Paths or trails have some sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces, muddy surfaces and obstructions.
- There is wayfinding signage in this area.
- There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: some story areas.
- The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: some story areas.
- There are story points along the trail.
Interactive leaflets are available from the information centre.
There is also a downloadable interactive story app available for smart phones which works with QR codes at story points along the trail to provide 3D images and storylines.
This is available on different formats, please see the venue's website for details and relevant links.
