Accessibility at Irish Events
More than a wheelchair platform: Accessibility at outdoor concerts and festivals in Ireland can include early access, easier parking and toilets, respite seating or sensory zones.
But not all events have every option available. Some will have none. For each event, you need to ask in the right place – but where is that?
Sadhbh Warren is disabled and loves live events. Here’s her breakdown of what’s available for Ireland's big summer gigs and where to ask.
What Accessible Options are Available?
Large events in Ireland generally have three parties involved:
The ticket provider, usually Ticketmaster. Accessible tickets are usually only available through the ticket provider.
The event promotor (MCD, Aiken etc) runs the event. They manage services and security on the day. Non-ticketed facilities may include priority parking, early access, easy toilet access, sensory zones, respite seating.
The venue may manage some facilities. They will have limited control, if any, as the event promotor runs the show and employs most of the staff.
For most large outdoor events and festivals in Ireland:
Accessible tickets are sold by the ticket seller – and you must prove you need them.
The promoter might offer additional services on site. You contact them directly.
The quickest way to work out where to start - is your need temporary or permanent?
Permanent or Temporary needs?
If your disability and needs are permanent, start with Ticketmaster, and look at accessible tickets. You can then go to the promoter if needed.
To use accessible tickets, you will need an Accessible Application Request (AAR) number from Ticketmaster.
Consider getting an Access Card (also referred to as the Nimbus Card). It is easy to apply for and recognised at many Irish events and attractions.
If your needs are temporary (eg. injury, pregnancy), go straight to the promoter’s site. Temporary needs do not qualify for AAR registration - but the promoter can still help.
Accessible Tickets and How to Buy Them
Accessible tickets are sold through the ticket provider. For larger events in Ireland, this is generally Ticketmaster. They do not manage on-the-day services.
Types of accessible ticket options may include:
Wheelchair accessible (no stairs and near amenities)
Mobility accessible (reduced distances, easier access to amenities, may be some steps)
Blind and low vision accessible
Deaf/Hard of Hearing (close to captioning or sign language interpreters)
Companion Ticket (may be free). Companion tickets are for people who require personal assistance to attend an event.
Ticketmaster: Getting an AAR
You need a Ticketmaster AAR number to use an accessible or companion ticket. You can apply for an AAR through their online form.
You can apply in advance, and an AAR stays on your account for 24 months.
For major tours, ideally get your AAR number BEFORE tickets go on sale to see all available options at checkout. They don’t always show to accounts that don’t have one linked.
On the day, and on the Ticketmaster site:
Purchase accessible tickets if needed and agree to the terms.
If you don't have an AAR at purchase, you have 3 weeks to get one. Upload supporting docs to the Ticketmaster Accessibility Request Portal
The AAR is issued in about a week. Accessible and companion tickets purchased will not work at shows without an AAR.
Didn’t see an accessible ticket that helps you? Get a general one and see if the promotor has options.
There’s a good breakdown of the need-to-know about Accessibility & Companion Tickets on the Ticketmaster site, at Ticketmaster Help/Accessibility/Accessible Tickets
Irish Event Promotors and Accessibility
Don't need or don’t qualify for an accessible ticket? The promoter manages on-the-day logistics and access for big outdoor events.
Always check directly well in advance. They may have additional services, so look at their website and apply at least 7+ days in advance.
MCD offers "Priority Passes".
Aiken has dedicated facilities and specially trained staff.
For indoor events, look at the venue’s website.
Festivals, like Electric Picnic and All Together Now, will have processes in place and may require far more advance notice. Check their website as early as possible.
1. MCD’s Priority Pass
If you have bought an accessible ticket through Ticketmaster and have an AAR, MCD will contact you a few weeks beforehand with more details.
But you can also request a “Priority Pass” for access to parking, priority entry, toilets, respite seating, and other amenities.
You don’t need to have bought an accessible ticket to request this pass. MCD emails out their accessibility passes a few days before their events, usually as an image, and you then keep the image on your phone to show staff if needed.
You need to fill in the form online at Outdoor Accessibility Requests.
Complete an online form for each individual event.
Request forms close 5 days sharp before the event.
Note that accessible parking is always very limited. A Blue Badge (disabled parking permit) does not give you access. You can ask for an accessible "drop-off" pass when filling in the form.
See more on MCD’s outdoor accessibility on their website.
2. AIKEN
As well as parking and disability provisions, their events may offer neurodiverse-friendly zones, family-friendly and alcohol-free areas.
Provide notice as far as you can ahead of an event via their online form. You need to scroll down once you get to the contact form. There's a second one under it, you’re looking for the form on that page under "accessible tickets".
3. The Venue/Indoor Events
The venue may manage some facilities on the day, especially in the case of indoor events. Generally, the event promotor runs the whole show for outdoor events.
It’s worth having a look at the venue’s website, or contacting them if you can’t find what you need elsewhere, but the venue will have limited control, if any.
tl;dr Accessibility at Irish gigs
Always check the promoter's site for additional options.
Apply at least 7 days in advance.
Permanent disability/needs with docs to prove it?
Start with Ticketmaster, then go to the promoter. Apply for an AAR.
Temporary needs, or don't qualify for an AAR?
Go to the promoter's website and contact the venue's accessibility officer if there is one.
Pregnant, injured, messed up your back or leg on the day?
Talk to the promoter, or ask to speak to senior staff at check-in to see if they have a seat. They’ll usually help if they can. Arriving a bit early rather than in the crush makes it more likely they’ll have time to.
Wear hearing protection & enjoy the show!
Sadhbh Warren has kindly shared this valuable resource with us so we can share with our accessible event listings.
About the writer: Sadhbh Warren runs writing service Redrock.ie, where making complex communications simple is her job. She had severe hearing loss, loves concerts, and thinks everyone should be able enjoy live music. She talks a lot about music, accessibility, and why hearing protection is metal, as @DeafGirlRock on Instagram.
