At Ross Castle Boat Tours, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities and abilities feel valued, respected and empowered to take part in the tours we offer. We are very proud to be the first, and indeed only boat tour company on the Lakes of Killarney to cater for people with mobility issues to ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy all that the Lakes of Killarney have to offer. In support of this, our boat is designed with an extra-large open space in the bow, to allow wheelchair users ample space. We are equipped with a harness to support access and egress from the boat and currently working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to erect a hoist on the pier.
Our departure point is located in close proximity to parking with good tared surfaces leading all the way to the pier. If necessary, we can support people with vehicular access to the pier but this is only in limited circumstances. The tarred road is wide and clutter free. Finally, our team are aware and will be responsive to your every need.
In addition to the above, we are committed to supporting people who are neuro diverse. To achieve this we have committed to the following –
- The Neurodiversity Ireland sticker is on display on our website and in our boats.
- The Neurodiversity Ireland sensory box is carried in our boats and will be provided on request. We are committed to making families with neurodivergent kids feel welcome and to allow the children a sensory calming outlet keeping them happier and entertained.
- We offer the personalised social story of the experience a customer will likely have on one of our tours. In support of this we have uploaded video stories of the tours on the site.
- We are happy to offer specific tour times for neurodivergent people i.e. early morning or late evening.
- All our team have completed online training modules via Neurodiversity Ireland and have collaborated with AsIam in the completion of Autism Friendly Training.
- We welcome Autism Assistance Dogs onboard.
- Our team are trained and understand some of the challenges neurodiversity can have on a tour.