Accessibility Welcome Guide
Welcome to the Irish National Stud & Gardens. We’re delighted you’re planning a visit. Whatever the reason for your visit, our aim is to make your experience as comfortable, enjoyable, and inclusive as possible. Please let us know your access needs and we’ll do everything we can to assist you.
1. Contact Information
If you’d like to discuss your requirements in advance, ask for assistance on arrival, or have any special access needs, please contact us:
- Accessibility Contact: Visitor Centre team
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +353 (0)45 521 617
2. Travel & Arrival Guidance
- By car: Easily reached from the M7 (junction 13) and free on-site parking is available for cars and coaches.
- By public transport: The nearest rail station is Kildare; from there a taxi can be arranged. A drop-off point is available near the entrance to the visitor centre. There are also buses at various times throughout the day.
3. Key Accessibility Features & Areas
| Area / Feature | Access Summary | Notes & Considerations | Assistance / Alternatives |
| Stud Farm, Grounds & St. Fiachra’s Garden | Fully accessible in main areas | Some slopes and uneven ground, some narrow and gravel-topped paths. Some areas are quite a distance from the visitor centre | Use the shorter routes; rest benches are placed along paths, and staff can advise the most suitable routes for wheelchairs |
| Japanese Gardens | Partially accessible | Some steps, stepping stones and narrower paths are unsuitable for wheelchairs and not advisable for those with reduced mobility | Staff can advise visitors to take the “Easy Path” – a shorter, level alternative path through the garden which is clearly signposted |
| Visitor Centre, Shop, Restaurant & Toilets | Fully accessible, and accessible toilets are available | Toilets are located at various locations throughout the grounds | Staff can advise visitors of the most suitable facilities and show their locations on the map |
| Free Parking & Coach Parking | Free on-site parking including coach park with accessible paths to the visitor centre | Closest bays available for blue-badge holders | On busy days, car park attendants may be able to direct you to blue-badge bays |
| Using the Stud’s Wheelchairs | Two wheelchairs are available for use | These wheelchairs are NOT motorised and staff are unable to push the chairs | Wheelchairs can be requested at reception or reserved via phone. Someone must be available to push the wheelchair |
| Irish Racehorse Experience | Fully wheelchair accessible; tablets can be translated; braille guides are available. Assistance dogs ONLY are permitted | A small number of languages are available on the tablets and the experience does feature audio | Notify staff on your arrival if you require access to braille guides or require your tablet to be translated into another language |
4. Facilities & Supports
- Assistance dogs welcome – please note that all dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a lead at all times.
- Staff trained in first aid, customer service and accessibility awareness.
- Visitor guides are available in multiple languages.
- Picnic benches and rest areas throughout the grounds.
- Free on-site parking for cars and coaches, within a short walking distance of the visitor centre.
- Special needs tickets are available to purchase on-site, and one carer per special needs visitor can access the grounds free of charge.
5. Visitor Stories
“Very friendly staff, lovely atmosphere, good food, pleasant surroundings. We went on the organised tour, very informative. Good disabled access throughout the stud, I visited with my elderly dad.” – TripAdvisor.
“As a family of four with a dog we often find it difficult to find somewhere we can all go and spend the day. Our four year old loved everything- from the ponies and horses to the fairy doors, playground and secret passageways through the gardens. The toilets and baby changing facilities were clean and easy to access.” – TripAdvisor.
“Lovely guide, very informative, dealt with the information in a very ‘delicate’ way, managed to inform the group in a way suitable for all, particularly considering the group included children. Suitable for all, easy even for wheelchair user to keep up with group. Restaurant easy to access. Did not attempt Japanese garden, due to time factor, but was told although some areas not suitable for chair there is a suitable easy route.” – TripAdvisor.
6. Planning Tools
- Staff can recommend where the easiest paths are throughout the grounds.
- Arriving early or during quieter hours is recommended for visitors who are sensitive to crowds.
- Staff can advise on locations of benches throughout the grounds.
7. Emergency & Medical Information
- Nearest hospital: Naas General Hospital (W91 AE76)
- For emergencies: Dial 112 / 999 and state: Irish National Stud & Gardens, Tully, Co Kildare. Eircode: R51 AP20.
- First-aid trained staff available: Please notify reception if you have a medical condition or device that may need support.
8. Known Limitations & Ongoing Improvements
Known limitations
- Some garden paths (especially Japanese Gardens) have steps, are uneven or narrow and are not suitable for wheelchairs, or those with reduced mobility. Alternative paths are available.
- The grounds are extensive, which may be tiring for some visitors. Benches are available throughout.
- Gravel or uneven surfaces in certain sections may be less suitable for wheelchairs, but alternative routes are available.
Planned improvements
- Reviewing and resurfacing/repairing of paths as far as possible.
- Ongoing staff training and implementing feedback from accessibility users.
Last updated: [11.11.2025]
Next review: [11.05.2026]
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Address
Irish National Stud & Gardens,
Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare,
R51 AP20, Ireland