Accessibility

Festival Accessibility

Ireland BikeFest is committed to access for ALL.  We take great care to ensure that our programme and services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.  The Ireland BikeFest Information Tent, located at the Bike Village entrance, provides assistance to anyone requiring additional support, including accessible parking, support traveling through the Bike Village, main stage INEC, hotels and apartments on site. Stop by our tent for assistance, a place to rest and information on accessibility, including best pathways to stages, vendors, food and beverage outlets, and bathroom facilities. The access support crew is on site to support you – just ASK.  For questions or comments regarding accessibility at the Festival e-mail info@irelandbikefest.com . If you do have a special need, make sure to tell us in advance of your arrival. It will help us make your experience much more enjoyable.

Parking and Access

Accessible parking is available at the Gleneagle Hotel & Apartments and The Brehon Hotel located on the festival site. A fully accessible shuttle bus runs to and from Killarney town centre to the hotels and venues at the festival site. Please check our website, enquire at the IrelandBikeFest Information Tent or the Gleneagle and Brehon Hotel Receptions for the shuttle bus timetable.

Bathroom Facilities

Accessible bathrooms are located in the Gleneagle Hotel and The Brehon Hotel located on the festival site.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed at our office location and festival site.

Support Persons/Workers

BikeFest welcomes all support persons, including family members, friends, and contract support workers accompanying an individual with a disability.

Venues

Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that all venues are fully accessible to people with disabilities. However, this is not always possible but every reasonable attempt will be made where ever possible.  Please check with us directly or with each venue in advance so we can do what we can to accommodate your needs.

INEC Main Stage

Accessible seating is available in a convenient location with good stage sightlines at the INEC Main Stage. This location is for those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. If you’d like accessible seating, we recommend you arrive early for concerts and performances, as seating in these areas is limited. There is a Hearing Loop installed in the INEC which concert goers with hearing aids can access by adjusting their device.

Communication

We will communicate respectfully with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability, providing assistance (e.g. reading text aloud, app reader on site) when requested.

Assistive Devices

People with disabilities are permitted to use their own personal assistive devices at all times to access goods and services provided by Ireland BikeFest. However, due to the ground’s natural terrain and size, it can be difficult to maneuver a wheelchair. The festival does not provide personal care but does offer light support.
Collapsible chairs are permitted throughout the site and we encourage those who may have difficulty standing for long periods to bring them.

Training for Festival Staff

Ireland BikeFest provides training to employees and the festival team and others who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. The training is done through www.accessibletourism.org

Training includes:

  • An overview of the Regulations and Guidelines on Disability, Equality and Accessibility in Employment and at the Workplace and the requirements of the customer service standard.
  • How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
  • How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person.
  • What to do if a person with a disability experiences difficulty in accessing Ireland BikeFest’s goods and services.

 

Notice of Temporary Disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, Ireland BikeFest will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice or announcement will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed on the festival website, at the festival information tent and announcements will be made from the stages in the venues and other key areas of the festival site.

Feedback Process

Ireland BikeFest appreciates your cooperation in creating new ways to make our festival ALL-ways welcome and accessible.  We welcome any feedback you may have to improve our services. Customers who wish to provide feedback on how Ireland BikeFest provides goods and services to people with disabilities can do so via e-mail or verbally (phone or in person). All feedback will be directed to the Festival Chairperson (info@irelandbikefest.com | +353 (0) 64 6671544). A confirmation of feedback will be given shortly after receipt. Complaints will be addressed according to the festivals regular complaint management procedures.