Accessibility at Bloom

We strive to make Bord Bia Bloom as accessible as possible for all our visitors. 

Complimentary Access

To ensure ease of access for visitors with impaired mobility, one companion with a carer’s pass is admitted free-of-charge per wheelchair user, visually impaired visitor, or other person whose disability requires a carer. 

Access & Car Parking

There is disabled car parking close to the Bloom entrances in both car parks. If you need to arrive by car, we ask that you display a disability parking sticker in a visible position so that parking stewards can see this and direct you to our dedicated parking areas. Please note that private bus parking will be provided at the Papal Cross. 

Shuttle Buses

Our free shuttle bus service from Parkgate Street to Bord Bia Bloom and back is made up of single decker coaches and double decker buses. Many of our double decker buses, which carry over half our pedestrian visitors, are wheelchair accessible and will be signposted accordingly. 

Site Accessibility

While we make every effort to ensure that the Bord Bia Bloom site is as accessible as possible, many of the areas of the festival are located on grass. Bloom is an outdoor event so it should be noted that some areas of the site may become muddy in wet weather.  

Facilities for people with disabilities have been arranged to make use of the hard ground that does exist. Where a drop or rise in ground/floor levels exists, ramps are installed so that access around the site is maximised.  

We put temporary trackways throughout the site to improve accessibility; however, it is not possible to cover the entire site. Where two paths meet, and it is not possible to join the tracks, we leave a gap to allow a wheelchair to come off and go on the next track. Each end has a ramp to make it easier to mount the track. Stewards will be present to assist people in wheelchairs in the event of emergency exiting.  

Please see the Bloom site map below and the wheelchair accessible paths which can bring you to every area of the festival. The accessible route is marked with a dashed red line. 

Bord Bia Bloom Festival map – Click Here

ATM

The mobile ATM onsite is wheelchair accessible. However, we advise all visitors to bring any money that they might need for the festival with them. Please note, we have asked our vendors to use cashless transaction mechanisms where possible. 

Wheelchair Hire

Shop Mobility is a not-for-profit scheme funded by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland which lends manual wheelchairs to members of the public with limited mobility.  

It provides wheelchairs for your visit to Bord Bia Bloom for a small deposit which is refunded when you return the wheelchair at the end of your visit. Please note, there is no facility to pre-book wheelchairs, so we advise customers who require wheelchair facilities to arrive early to avoid disappointment.  

Shopmobility is a scheme funded by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (Registered Charity no. 6384). 

Sanitation

Unisex, fully inclusive toilets and changing facilities for people with disabilities are available at Bloom. Wheelchair accessible toilets are located at the main toilets block in the centre of the festival, a toilets block situated at the rear of the Indoor Shopping Pavilion and BBQ Bliss, and the toilets block in the Food Village. They are strictly reserved for people with disabilities so please inform stewards if you need to use the facilities and your disability is not obvious.  

An AccessoLoo mobile Changing Places facility for the disabled is available next to the toilet block at the rear of the Indoor Shopping Pavilion and BBQ Bliss. Inside you will find a peninsula toilet, complete with grab rails, a height adjustable changing table and sink, ceiling hoist, and enough space for a wheelchair and two personal assistants. 

Diabetics

There is a medical centre next to the Organisers’ Office and Garda Office. If you require a private space to inject insulin, please call to our medical team who will facilitate this for you. 

Guide Dogs

Authorised guide dogs and assistance dogs are very welcome at Bord Bia Bloom, however, please note pets are not allowed on site.

Neurodiversity Supports

Our goal is to make Bloom as accessible, supportive, and enjoyable as possible for all children and families.  As this is a busy outdoor event on a large site; transitions, waiting and unpredictable moments can be particularly dysregulating for some children. Having regulation options available can make a big difference.

Helpful things to bring:

  • Headphones (for music or noise reduction)
  • An electronic device for familiar shows or games
  • Fidgets
  • Bubbles
  • Safe foods and chewy/crunchy snacks
  • There is a lot of walking, so a stroller can be helpful.

Neurodiversity Ireland Regulation Space

This space, located in the Conservation Area, is about supporting your child’s nervous system, whether they need movement, rest or a safe space.  It has been Intentionally designed within a transition area to support children moving between environments and activities.

Inside you will find supports, such as;

  • Cause and effect activities
  • Opportunities for deep pressure and proprioceptive input
  • Space for movement or rest

Our stewards can direct you if you would like to avail of this facility.