Discrimination on grounds of disability is expressly forbidden in Ireland. This law, however, affects mainly the workplace and has little to no bearing on the tourism industry. So how well does a less able visitor fare? I would rate the situation as being definitely improvable. Assuming that you will check the suitability of accommodation and modes of transport for yourself in advance, I will point out some potential problems in everyday life.
Hard of Hearing or Deaf?
Those hard of hearing will have the least problems in Ireland but should extra caution - reliance on audible warnings is high and additional visual warnings like flashing lights are not always provided or effective. Induction loops are fitted in many public buildings.
Vision-Impaired?
Vision-impaired vacationers will notice that a lot of traffic signals are equipped for their use. Buzzers and other audible signals are provided, making safely crossing the street easier.
You will, however, soon notice that explanatory notices in museums and other attractions are not generally designed with the vision-impaired visitor in mind. This may have its roots in the misconception that "if they cannot see properly they won’t visit anyway". To be quite blunt - on a recent visit to one of the newest exhibitions I found the text panels quite challenging enough due to lighting and layout. And I am just wearing normal corrective glasses. Notices in Braille are extremely rare, as are exhibitions designed to be actually touched.
Unless an audio-guide is available, many exhibitions will only be fully appreciated by the visually impaired if a companion provides assistance.
Mobility-Impaired?
Whether you are relying on a mobility aid or have to use a wheelchair, you are bound to encounter problems in Ireland. Though tourism managers will be quick to point out how many attractions are accessible, this access may not be complete or involve major effort. The best advice is the thoroughly check "disabled access" and its definite meaning before travelling. Some guidebooks will give you basic information.
Some examples - the National Museum in Kildare Street is accessible by wheelchair, but visitors are then limited to the ground floor only. This might not be an enormous problem as the most important exhibitions are on this level. At Newgrange wheelchair users are able to enjoy the visitor center only, other mobility impaired persons will face (surmountable) problems on the tours and may well not be admitted to Newgrange's inner chamber. At the Hill of Tara wheelchairs and other mobility aids are useless - access is complicated and the actual site only enjoyable with massive help, you are effectively on a field used for grazing sheep and sporting trenches with steep sides.
One other annoying thing is the virtual non-existence of toilets for the disabled in large parts of Ireland. Dublin has actually closed or even dismantled all public toilets in the city center, visitors will have to use customer toilets in malls and restaurants. It might prove complicated and/or embarrassing to locate and gain access to these.
Better not go?
No - with a bit of planning and some allowances for attractions that are next to impossible to be made more visitor-friendly, Ireland can be a worthwhile vacation spot for the less able traveller. Most people you meet will be helpful and accommodating but it is better not to rely too much on this. Travelling alone in a wheelchair or as a blind person is definitely not advised.
