A Warm Welcome!

Welcome to MCT Irish Tours! We are delighted that you are considering joining us on one of our bespoke tours of Ireland. Our mission is to provide memorable, comfortable, and inclusive travel experiences that allow every guest to enjoy the beauty, history, and culture of Ireland without barriers.

This Accessibility Welcome Guide has been carefully designed to provide useful information about our services, facilities, and accessible features so you can plan your journey with confidence. We recognise that every guest is unique, and our team is always on hand to provide personalised support before and during your trip.

We look forward to welcoming you on your journey through Ireland.

Michael Cowell
Owner, MCT Irish Tours

Contact Information

If you would like more information about accessibility or require assistance with planning your tour, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Telephone: (+353)  087 418 1457
Email: info@michaelcowelltours.ie
Website: michaelcowelltours.ie

Social media:
• Facebook: MCT Irish Tours
• Instagram: @mctirishtours

Our team aims to respond to accessibility-related enquiries within 2 business days.

Getting Here

By car:
• If you are arriving by car and using a Sat Nav, our Eircode is R14 PE89
• Free parking is available for tour guests at our base in Athy
• A drop-off / pick-up point is available close to the main entrance for those who need it

By train:
• The nearest railway station is Athy, located approx. 10 minutes away
• All Irish Rail services to Athy offer ramped access for wheelchair users
• Passenger assistance can be booked for railway journeys (via Irish Rail’s Passenger Assistance service)

By bus:
• Bus services connect Athy with Dublin and other major towns
• All scheduled buses on these routes offer level access for wheelchair users
• The local bus stop is within easy reach of our base and can be arranged as a meeting point

By taxi:
• The main taxi rank is located outside Athy Train Station
• Local taxi companies in Athy and surrounding areas have wheelchair-accessible vehicles available
• We recommend pre-booking to ensure availability during busy times

Nearest airport:
• The nearest airport is Dublin Airport, approx. 1 hour by car
• Assistance services are available within the airport for passengers with reduced mobility (advance booking advised)
• Accessible taxis and private transfers can be arranged directly from the airport to Athy

Ferry port:
• The nearest ferry ports are Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort
• Both ports provide step-free access, accessible waiting areas, and assistance staff
• Accessible taxi or minibus transfers can be arranged for onward travel to Athy

Key Accessibility Features

General Overview

MCT Irish Tours offers tailored experiences that take accessibility into account from the very start of planning. We aim to provide comfort and inclusion for all guests by ensuring our vehicles, itineraries, and guides are mindful of varying needs.

• Staff are trained in disability awareness and inclusive customer service
• Emergency plans are in place to support guests with accessibility requirements
• Flexible itineraries allow rest breaks and adjustments to suit personal comfort
• Familiarisation information (itineraries, vehicle layouts, accessible stops) can be shared in advance
• Guests are welcome to contact us prior to booking to discuss individual requirements

Vehicles and Transport

• Comfortable, modern touring vehicles with step access and handrails
• Accessible vehicles with lifts/ramps available on request at booking stage
• Reserved seating for guests with mobility needs
• Luggage assistance provided, including for mobility aids

Accommodation (on request via tours)

• Partner hotels and guesthouses with wheelchair-accessible rooms can be arranged
• Step-free access to rooms and public areas where available
• Accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers can be requested in advance

Dining and Activities

• Partner restaurants provide menu options for dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan)
• Venues with step-free access and accessible seating are prioritised
• Guides are trained to ensure activities include rest points and suitable terrain where possible

Additional Accessibility Features

• Assistance dogs are welcome on all tours
• Seating breaks are built into itineraries at regular intervals
• Quiet periods and flexible scheduling are available for guests with sensory sensitivities
• Information can be provided in large print or digital formats on request
• Optional private tours available for guests who require additional support

Gallery of Images

Guests can view a selection of images from our tours throughout our website. This allows you to preview the vehicles, landscapes, and experiences before your trip.

Accessible Destination Highlights

Ireland is filled with accessible attractions, and we make every effort to include them in our itineraries:
• Cliffs of Moher – accessible viewing platforms and visitor centre
• Dublin – museums and heritage sites with step-free entry and lifts
• Kilkenny – medieval city with accessible guided tours available
• Wicklow Mountains – scenic drives with accessible stop points
• Ring of Kerry – panoramic viewpoints accessible by vehicle

Emergency and Medical Information

• The nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency department is Naas General Hospital (approx. 30 minutes from Athy)
• Local GP services are available in Athy, with accessible clinics on request
• Pharmacies are located within Athy town centre (approx. 5 minutes from our base)
• Mobility equipment rental (wheelchairs and scooters) can be arranged in advance through third-party suppliers

Testimonials – What Our Customers Say

“There were so many terrific locations to visit and Michael was more than happy to provide us with additional details for each location and nearby attractions as we were passing through various areas.” – Deirdre, August 2022

“Michael, thank you for all your work! You were so great in your flexibility and punctual in our arrivals and departures. Your knowledge of Ireland’s history greatly added to the entertainment value of our trips back and to the golf courses. Your courteous and professional manner was noticed by all our travel group.” – Terry, October 2022

“Michael offers everything you could want from a tour of Ireland. He’s extremely knowledgeable of all of the sites that we visited and was more than happy to accommodate any additional stops that we wanted to make. All of the hotels and food were amazing too!” – Brian, July 2022