Accessibility for visitors with disabilities

Planning your visit

Free entry

The permanent collection and many temporary exhibitions are free for all to enjoy - no booking required.

Free exhibition tickets for carers

• Each year, two of our temporary exhibitions have an admission charge. However, carers can visit these exhibitions for free.
• Our current exhibition is Giacometti: From Life.
• We recommend that carers book their free exhibition tickets in advance.

Parking

There are four disabled parking spaces located outside the Merrion Square entrance to the Gallery.

Entrances

There are two entrances into the Gallery: one is located on Merrion Square West, and another is located on Clare Street. You are welcome to use either entrance (or both) during your visit.

Wheelchairs access

• All galleries and facilities are wheelchair and buggy accessible.
• A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow on request. Email [email protected] before your visit, or ask at an information desk when you arrive.

Assistance dogs

Visitors with guide and assistance dogs are welcome in the Gallery.

Accessibility maps

• Maps outlining all facilities and lifts are available at the information desks
• Or, you can download an accessibility map PDF

Social Guide to visiting the National Gallery of Ireland

• Our Social Guide is designed to help visitors plan their visit to the Gallery. It explains who you might meet and what you can expect to see and do.
• Download our Social Guide to visiting the Gallery (PDF)

During your visit

Microphones

Microphones have been installed at the information and membership desks so that visitors can easily and safely converse with Gallery staff.

Hearing induction loops

Hearing induction loops are fitted at the information desks, the lecture theatre and Gallery Shop.

Toilets

• Accessible bathrooms are located in the Millennium Wing at Level -1 and Level 1, and in the Beit Wing at Level -1.
• A Changing Places bathroom is located in the Beit Wing at Level -1. This is accessed with a key available from both information desks, or by calling 087 117 0880.

Large text booklets

• You will find booklets with artworks' descriptions in large print throughout the permanent-collection galleries. Please ask a staff member if you have trouble finding them.
• This information is available in English and Irish.

We're here to help

Please ask any member of staff for assistance during your visit, if required.

Tours and resources

The Gallery's Education team offers a range of workshops, talks and tours catering to the various needs of our visitors.

Tours for the hard of hearing

• This free tour, exploring some highlights of the Gallery's permanent collection, is for individuals who are hard of hearing or have hearing impairments.
• Listening devices will be utilised.
• Meet your tour guide at the Merrion Square information desk.
• This tour takes place at 5.30pm on the first Thursday of every second month.
• Upcoming tour dates in 2022:
  • 6 October
  • 1 December

Irish Sign Language tours

• Our next ISL tour takes place on 1 September at 5.30pm.

Book a guided tour

• We offer free guided tours to all additional-needs groups.
• Please contact [email protected] to book a guided tour, three weeks in advance of your preferred date.

Online sensory activities

• Watch a series of short videos of activities to engage your child’s senses.
• These creative activities are particularly suitable for those who seek out sensory input.
• Find out more about our sensory activities.

Dementia-inclusive in-home resources

• Online resources to enable people with dementia and carers to enjoy art within their own homes.
• Find out more about our dementia-inclusive resources.
• Contact [email protected] for more information or to book a tour.

Autism-friendly accreditation

• The National Gallery of Ireland has received AsIAm Approved Autism Friendly Accreditation.
• Nationally recognised as the trusted standard in autism inclusion and accessibility, the Gallery is Ireland’s first national cultural institution to receive this accreditation.

Contact us

• Our Access Officers are Síle Boylan and Brina Casey.
• For any queries relating to accessibility in the National Gallery of Ireland please email Síle and Brina at [email protected]

Accessibility Statements

Gallery Accessibility Statement

This document describes the facilities and services that the Gallery offers our visitors on site. Download the Gallery's PDF accessibility statement.

Website Accessibility Statement

This statement outlines the compliance of www.nationalgallery.ie in accordance with S.I. 258/2020. Read the website accessibility statement.