Tag Archives: ireland

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Ulster Museum, Belfast

Providing a visual history of Northern Ireland and all corners of the world, Ulster Museum is a fascinating place to visit. One minute you’ll come face to face with dinosaurs and the next you’ll be exploring a personal local history tour of Northern Ireland. To learn more, Quingo Scooters is heading to Ulster Museum in Belfast as part of this week’s Accessible Attractions series.

Quingo Scooters Ulster Museum
Photo: BazonkaWikimedia Commons

From talks. lectures and tours to events, workshops courses and exhibitions – we think that this museum has it all! Whether you’re interested in science, history, art or even nature, the mix of permanent and temporary attractions really do offer something for everyone.

Quingo Scooters Ulster Museum Rice Carrier
Photo: BazonkaWikimedia Commons

What’s on

  • Elements (runs until 24 February 2020): The Elements is an exploration of science and the periodic table. Covering everything from viruses to galaxies, this unique exhibition shows what elements are, what they look like and how they are made. Broken into different themes, such as Life and Death, Colour and Light, Progress and Technology, Elements tells stories through science. This exhibition is unique and the only one of its kind in Europe.
  • Peter the Polar Bear: One of Ulster Museum’s most popular exhibitions, Peter the Polar Bear was a beloved bear at Belfast Zoo. After his death in August 1972, Peter was carefully prepared and mounted for his exhibition at Ulster Museum. At over 360kg, he is the largest mounted animal ever in Northern Ireland.
  • Conflicting Images (runs until 25 February 2018): This exhibition brings together collections of photography from the recent past to tell the story of the Northern Irish Troubles. Visually showing the story of this era of Northern Irish life, this personalized record is an interesting look at the history of Ulster.
  • Nobel Peace Prize Medal: Looking to the struggles of the late 20th century in Northern Ireland, this exhibition looks at the work of Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan. Following the death of a member of the IRA, a huge public reaction led to the development of The Community for Peace People by the two women. Williams and Corrigan’s Nobel Peace Prize for their promotion of peace and reconciliation can be found here. This piece of recent history is an interesting look.
  • Craft classes: There are always plenty of craft classes to choose from – visit the website to find out what’s coming up.
  • Other highlights: There’s so much to see and do here and other highlights include open afternoons for over 50s, Live Well workshops, art displays from around the world and much more.

Opening times and prices

Ulster Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. The attraction is closed in Mondays, with the exceptions of Northern Ireland Bank holidays. The attraction is free of charge for all guests to enjoy.

Quingo Scooters Ulster Museum Triceratops Skeleton
Photo: BazonkaWikimedia Commons

Getting there

Located in the Botanic Gardens in the Queen’s University area of South Belfast, the Ulster Museum is accessible via all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, there are five dedicated spaces for Blue Badge holders. By rail, the Botanic Station is 10 minutes away from the museum. Local buses also serve the area. More information can be found here.

Accessibility

Ulster Museum is fully accessible for all guests and mobility scooters are allowed in the museum. The main entrance is flat, with automatic doors and a push pad function to open. There is ramp access to all levels, with flat surfaces throughout. Exhibitions are displayed at an accessible height Several lifts are available throughout the museum. Fully accessible toilets can be found on the ground floor and levels 2 and 4. There are five Blue Badge spaces available on the Stranmillis Road side of the attraction. More information on Ulster Museum’s accessibility can be found here.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme, which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this, or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up-to-date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up-to-date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: Barnett Demesne

Quingo Scooters encourages users to get out and see the world, from the comfort of their mobility scooters. In our series of articles, we’re drawing your attention to the accessible routes throughout the UK which are fully accessible, helping you discover the nation’s natural beauty.

Heading to the other side of the Irish Sea, we’re stopping in County Antrim in Northern Ireland today. Here you’ll find Barnett Demesne, a former estate which is now a public park with accessible routes.

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Barnett Demesne

In County Antrim (South Belfast) you’ll find Barnett Demesne, which first opened to the public in 1951. It has since become a popular natural attraction, due to its closeness to the scenic River Lagan, Shaw’s Bridge and Clement Wilson Park. On the former estate’s grounds, you’ll find an arboretum, a daffodil garden, and trails. The Lagan Towpath is a particularly popular trail, as it takes you along the beautiful riverside.

Barnett Demesne boasts stunning natural beauty. It is home to various tree and plant collections, as well as woodlands and wildflower meadows. Over 70 species of wildflower grow in Barnett Demesne in the summer months. The estate also features various fascinating creatures, including grey and red squirrels, badgers, rabbits, rooks, jays and a plethora of songbirds. April in particular is a great time to visit, as Barnett Demesne holds its annual Spring Fair, with entertainment, wildlife and music.

On the grounds, you’ll also find Malone House. This provides everything from information on the park to refreshments in its popular café and restaurant. Barnett Demesne is free to enter and open all year round. However, it is worth noting that Malone House opens from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays, with an earlier start time of 9am on Sundays. Barnett Restaurant opens from 12 noon to 3pm every day.

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Accessibility

Barnett Demesne is one of the Belfast area’s most accessible attractions. You can reach the park by public transport from Belfast City Centre. It is also accessible by car, with entrances through Dub Lane, Milltown Road and Shaw’s Bridge. There is a car park at Barnett Demesne based just outside Malone House which provides free accessible parking.

You can take a level path from the car park around to the front of Malone House. The café and restaurant in Malone House are accessible to mobility scooter users. The complex also features fully accessible toilets. You can contact Malone House on 028 9068 1246 to speak to staff and find out more.

The Lagan Towpath is perfect for mobility scooter users, with two options available. You can take the short, circular Lagan Towpath, which carries you on a one mile circular route along the edge of the River Lagan from Shaw’ Bridge to Lock Keeper’s Cottage, allowing you to view some stunning historical attractions. You can also take the 11 mile linear Lagan Towpath route down a tarmac path.

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Where Are The Best Accessible Holidays in Ireland?

Now that the weather is showing signs of improving and we’re full steam ahead to summer, Quingo Scooters wanted to share with you some ideas for the perfect getaway! We’ve recently shared with you some of the best accessible holidays in Scotland and England, so naturally we’re moving across to Ireland this week.

Ireland has much to offer and many sights to appreciate. Whether you fancy a city break in the popular tourist destinations of Dublin or Belfast, or you want to escape to the hills and countryside of Irelands Ancient East – Ireland really does offer something for everyone.

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Countryside Cottages – Kerry

County Kerry is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for rugged coastline and picturesque mountains. Situated in the southwest of Ireland, Kerry offers the Killarney National Park which boasts forests, moorland and landmarks such as Torc Waterfall and Torc Mountain.

The Countryside Cottages are self-catering holiday homes, within close proximity to the heart of the town. The centre offers plenty to do for everyone – there’s many shops, restaurants and pubs. Also nearby you’ll find the Tralee Aquadome with waves, slides and rapids for the younger members of your group and a sauna, steam room and water massage for the adults. Back on site, there’s a play area for any toddlers in your group.

The wheelchair adapted cottages have widened doors and a ground floor bedroom. This includes twin beds, a roll in shower with support rails and a hoist for the bed if required. Country cottages are nationwide and you can find more information including how to book online.

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Academy Plaza Hotel – Dublin

If it’s more of a city break you’re fancying, and you love the vibrant city life, the capital is the place for you. Dublin offers picturesque historical buildings such as Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. However, it definitely doesn’t lack in modern offerings either. Temple Bar is the riverside nightlife and cultural quarter and Grafton Street is the city’s famous shopping area. Whatever you fancy doing, you’re sure in for a busy trip!

The accessible Academy Plaza Hotel will put you right in the middle of all the action, located just off O’Connell Street. Dublin’s new tram, LUAS stops within minutes of the hotel connecting to both mainline railway stations.

This stylish and contemporary hotel offers 14 accessible rooms, all complete with a roll in shower and low level lights and plugs. All of the floors of the hotel are accessible by lift, with the main entrance on one level and an accessible toilet in the lobby.

Ocean View Guest House – County Donegal

If you’re looking for some sea and sand, this is the place for you. Situated in the North West of Ireland, County Donegal borders the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its castles, rugged coastline and mountains.

Ocean View Guest House is located in Greencastle, on the Inishowen peninsula of Donegal, and is Ireland’s most northerly point. It’s full of fine sandy beaches, though we strongly recommend you don’t use your Quingo on sand, amazing scenery and lots of history. In the immediate vicinity there is the Blue Flag beach at Stroove strand and Sweet Nellie’s beach in Greencastle. Donegal has 11 Blue Flag standard beaches in total, with some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland.

The fully accessible ground floor deluxe rooms have their own private bathroom which is especially designed for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Throughout there are accessible lifts and ramps and an accessible garden. There is also a private and secure off road car park available for guests.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.