Access Welcome Guide
Welcome note
West Cork Music has been bringing world-class music and literature to West Cork since 1995. We are committed to making our festivals as accessible as possible.
Because we use a wide variety of historic and community venues across Bantry and the surrounding area, accessibility varies by location. Full details for each venue are available on the individual venue pages on our website.
We also have an ongoing project to fund and build our own purpose-built, fully accessible venue in Bantry town centre.
We are constantly reviewing and improving our accessibility. If you have suggestions or questions, please contact us at info@westcorkmusic.ie.
Francis Humphrys, CEO, West Cork Music
Contact Information
Telephone: (+353) 27 52788
Email: info@westcorkmusic.ie
Website: westcorkmusic.ie
Social media:
West Cork Music & Chamber Music Festival — Facebook: facebook.com/westcorkmusic | Instagram: @westcorkmusic
West Cork Literary Festival — Facebook: facebook.com/westcorkliteraryfestival | Instagram: @westcorkliteraryfestival | Bluesky: @wcorklitfest.bsky.social
Masters of Tradition — Facebook: facebook.com/westcorkmastersoftradition | Instagram: @mastersoftradition
Box Office: 13 Glengarriff Road, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 HW72
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, year-round, excluding public holidays. Extended hours, including weekends, during festival periods.
We aim to respond to accessibility enquiries within 2 business days.
Getting Here
By Car
Bantry is on the N71 between Glengarriff and Ballydehob.
• From Cork city (via N71): approx 90km, 1 to 1¼ hours.
• From Dublin (via M7 and M8): approx 285km, 4.5 hours.
• From Killarney (via N22 and R584): approx 79km, 1¼ hours.
• From Limerick (via N20): approx 180km, 3 hours.
By train
Travel by train from Dublin Heuston Station to Cork Kent Station, then connect to Bantry by bus. Rural public transport is limited and it is advisable to book all journeys at least a day in advance. Train prices fluctuate so earlier booking is recommended.
By Bus
From Cork Airport or Cork city centre: a regular bus service runs from Cork Airport to Parnell Place bus station in Cork city centre. From there you can travel on Bus Éireann route 236 directly to Bantry, or with West Cork Connect from St Patrick’s Quay, which is a short walk across the River Lee.
>From Dublin Airport or Dublin city centre: take an Aircoach or Citylink bus to Cork, then connect to Bantry as above.
>From Kenmare or Skibbereen: Bus Éireann operates a route from Kenmare, Co. Kerry, to Skibbereen, Co. Cork, via Bantry.
Bus Éireann route 236 operates wheelchair-accessible low-floor buses with a fold-out ramp and a designated wheelchair space.
West Cork Connect daily services do not use wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted on all West Cork Connect services.
Parking
Most on-street parking and parking on Wolfe Tone Square is free with a 2-hour time limit between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Outside these hours parking is free and unlimited.
SuperValu carpark on Barrack Street is free and unlimited, except on Fridays during Bantry Market when a 2-hour limit applies.
Additional free parking is available at Bantry Boys Club and Biggs Wholesale.
Please note: Bantry Market takes place every Friday and the town is significantly busier on those days.
Accessible parking spaces in Bantry town:
• 3 spaces in Supervalu carpark, Barrack Street
• 2 spaces in the quayside carpark, Wolfe Tone Square
• 1 space in front of St Brendan’s National School, Wolfe Tone Square
• 1 space in front of Bantry Bookshop, William Street
• 1 space in front of Marino Church, Marino Street
• 1 space beside Bridewell Lane, New Street
• 1 space near Mace Supermarket, Main Street
• 1 space opposite Coakley Decor, High Street
• 1 space beside Cope, Barrack Street
If you have a disability or mobility impairment, including a temporary one, and you require reserved accessible parking to attend one of our events, please contact the Box Office. We can reserve spaces at Bantry House, St Brendan’s Church and Marino Church, and advise on the nearest accessible parking for all other venues.
Address
West Cork Music Box Office, 13 Glengarriff Road, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 HW72.
Please note that our events are held at different locations. Their addresses are included on individual venue pages.
Key Accessibility Features
Information
Detailed Accessibility Information
We provide detailed accessibility information for every venue we use across our three festivals. This information is available on the individual venue pages on our website and in this Access Guide, helping visitors make informed decisions and plan their visit with confidence.
Virtual Tour
We do not currently offer a virtual tour of our venues.
Large-Print Information On-Site
Large-print programmes or information materials are not yet available. Digital copies of programmes are available via our website.
Map or Floorplan Showing Accessibility Facilities
We do not yet have a map or floorplan showing accessible routes, parking and toilet facilities for key venues, though we are working on this.
English Braille or Audio Information
No festival materials are currently available in Braille. Many of our events are recorded and available in audio form via our archive.
Tactile Signage
Tactile signage is not available at the venues we currently use. This will be a feature of our own purpose-built venue when it is completed.
Services
Disability Awareness or Equality Training
Many of our staff and volunteers have received disability awareness and equality training. Members of our team have also completed training in dementia awareness and communication in order to support festival attendees with dementia or memory issues, and their companions.
Staff and volunteers wearing the blue Dementia Inclusive Community badge are available to help at all events. We offer a Meet and Greet service at evening events – if you would like us to meet and stay with your companion while you park your car, or if you would like assistance settling in on arrival, let us know. This is a service we are piloting in 2026, in collaboration with the Bantry Dementia Inclusive Alliance.
Emergency Evacuation Plan for Visitors with Disabilities
Formal emergency evacuation procedures for visitors with disabilities are in place at the Maritime Hotel and Westlodge Hotel. At main evening concerts, the Red Cross is present and available to provide assistance, including helping wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties to evacuate safely. Please speak to a member of staff on arrival if you would like to make specific evacuation arrangements.
Free Familiarisation Visits
Free familiarisation visits can be arranged in advance, with the consent of our venue owners. Please contact the Box Office to arrange.
Fast-Track Queueing
Fast-track queueing is available for disabled visitors at events. Please let a member of staff know on arrival.
We also offer a Meet and Greet service: you can ask us to meet your companion at the venue entrance, and a member of our team will stay with them while you park. If there is any other practical help you require, please let us know and we will do our best to help.
Touch Tours
Touch tours are not applicable to our festival events, which mostly involve music or the spoken word. However, they can be arranged for exhibitions or other events with tactile content on request.
Designated Quiet Times
We do not have designated quiet times before or after events. However, if you would like a quieter arrival or departure, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances are not currently offered. We are actively looking to introduce these across our programmes and will update this information when available.
Sign Language Services
Where Irish Sign Language interpretation is provided at an event, this will be clearly indicated in the individual event listing. Please check the event details on our website or contact the Box Office for information on specific events.
Facilities and Equipment
Assistive Listening System
A hearing induction loop is installed in the main event room at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry during the Literary Festival. If you are Deaf or hard of hearing and would benefit from a reserved seat near a speaker or at the front of the room at any other venue, please contact the Box Office when booking and we will do our best to accommodate this.
Emergency Alarm with Flashing Lights
Emergency alarm systems with flashing lights are not installed at the venues we use, most of which are historic or community buildings.
Designated Quiet Space or Room
We do not have designated quiet spaces at our events. However, if you would like a quiet space, please speak to a member of staff and we will do our best to help.
Facilities for Assistance Dogs
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at all venues. Water bowls are available on request and we are working on identifying designated relief areas at our main venues.
Enclosed Outdoor Area
Our venues do not have enclosed outdoor areas. Please contact the Box Office if you have specific requirements and we will advise on the most suitable options.
Wheelchair and Scooter Loan
Wheelchair and scooter loan is not currently available. West Cork Music has a portable wheelchair ramp which can be brought to any venue with prior notice. Please contact the Box Office when booking.
Sensory Equipment
Sensory equipment is not currently available, but this is something we are looking to address.
Wheelchair or Scooter Charging Point
We do not currently have charging points for wheelchairs or mobility scooters at our venues. We are working with our venue partners to identify suitable options.
Adapted Equipment On Site
A wheelchair is available at the Maritime Hotel.
Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet in Public Areas
Wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities vary by venue. Full details are provided on each individual venue page on our website.
Venues with confirmed wheelchair-accessible toilets:
- Maritime Hotel: accessible toilets on both the ground floor and first floor
- Westlodge Hotel: accessible toilet available
- St Brendan’s School Hall, Wolfe Tone Square: accessible toilet on site
The following wheelchair-accessible toilets are also available in Bantry town. These are a mix of public and privately operated facilities. None are owned or operated by West Cork Music.
- Bantry Courthouse (Arás Beanntraí), Wolfe Tone Square: step-free access, wheelchair accessible toilet, open during courthouse hours
- Public toilet beside Bantry Tourist Office, Wolfe Tone Square: wheelchair accessible, open 24 hours
- Wheelchair-accessible public toilet opposite Paradise Flowers, Marino Street (directly across from Marino Church)
- Public toilets across from Bantry Garda Station at the quay: step-free access, not wheelchair accessible, open 24 hours
- Bantry Library, Bridge Street: wheelchair accessible entrance, toilet not wheelchair accessible
Most bars and restaurants in Bantry will allow use of their toilet facilities without requiring a purchase.
Changing Places Toilet
There is no Changing Places facility at any of our venues or in Bantry town. We are advocating at local level for the addition of this facility.
Seating at Regular Intervals
Our venues are compact and all our events are seated. Seating is available in waiting areas around event spaces.
Wheelchair-Accessible Viewing Area
Reserved seating is available for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues at all venues where possible. We are happy to seat your companions alongside you if you let us know in advance. Please contact the Box Office to arrange.
Parking
Designated Accessible Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available throughout Bantry town. A full list is provided in the Getting Here section. If you require reserved accessible parking for a specific event, please contact the Box Office in advance.
Step-Free Route with Firm Surface
Information on step-free routes from accessible parking to each venue entrance is available on the individual venue pages on our website.
Building Entrance
Entrance accessibility varies by venue. Our events range across a variety of West Cork locations, and some require a ferry crossing. West Cork Music has a portable wheelchair ramp which can be brought to any venue in Bantry town with prior notice. Please see the individual venue pages on our website for full details, or contact the Box Office.
Step-Free Entrance
Step-free access is available at a number of our venues. Please check the individual venue pages on our website for details.
Automatic Door at Accessible Entrance
Most of our venues are community and historic buildings and do not have automatic doors. The Westlodge Hotel and Maritime Hotel do have this facility. Volunteers are available at the entrance to all events to assist if needed.
Access to Public Areas
Step-Free Access to All or Most Areas
Step-free access availability varies by venue. Please check the individual venue pages on our website for specific details. The Box Office can advise on the most accessible options at any event.
Single-Level Venue
Several of our venues are single-level. Please check the individual venue pages on our website for details.
Lift and Accessible Stairs
Lifts are available at the Christian Fellowship Church, the Maritime Hotel and the Westlodge Hotel. Where stairs are present at other venues, details including handrails are provided on the individual venue pages. Evacuation chairs are available at the Maritime Hotel and Westlodge Hotel.
Restaurant, Café or Bar
The Maritime Hotel Bantry has a wheelchair accessible bar and restaurant with step-free access, and options for varied dietary needs. Our other venues do not serve food or drink on site.
Retail
West Cork Music does not operate retail outlets, but books and CDs are sold at events. Our staff will be happy to assist you with your purchase.
Gallery of Images
We are working on creating a gallery of images to support pre-visit planning for each of our venues, including arrival points, accessible parking, venue entrances, indoor spaces, toilet facilities and outdoor areas. As we have many venues, this is a work in progress.
Sensory Story
We are developing a Sensory Story to help visitors understand what they may see, hear, smell, touch or taste during their visit to our main venues, using simple language and images.
Accessible Destination Highlights
Bantry and the surrounding area offer a range of accessible facilities for visitors. We recommend confirming accessibility details directly with any business or attraction before visiting.
Public toilets in Bantry town:
- Bantry Courthouse (Arás Beanntraí), Wolfe Tone Square: step-free access, wheelchair accessible toilet, open during courthouse hours
- Public toilet beside Bantry Tourist Office, Wolfe Tone Square: wheelchair accessible, open 24 hours
- Wheelchair-accessible public toilet opposite Paradise Flowers, Marino Street
- Public toilets across from Bantry Garda Station at the quay: step-free access, not wheelchair accessible, open 24 hours
- Bantry Library, Bridge Street: wheelchair accessible entrance, toilet not wheelchair accessible
Details about other accessible venues, restaurants and accommodation in Bantry and the wider area will be added to this site as information becomes available. In the meantime, do feel free to contact our team with queries, and we will do our best to help.
Emergency and Medical Information
Defibrillator locations in Bantry town:
- Forest and Flock, New Street
- St Finbarr’s Church, New Street
- Biggs Office, Wolfe Tone Square
- Bantry Boys Club
- Bantry Sailing Club
- Dr Cotter’s Surgery
- Bantry Blues GAA Ground
- Public toilets opposite Bantry Garda Station
Hospital:
Bantry General Hospital, Hospital Road, Bantry, P75 DX93. Tel: 027 50133.
The hospital has an Injury Unit (open 7 days, 8am to 8pm) and a Medical Assessment Unit. It does not have a full emergency department.
The nearest full emergency department is Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork city. It is over an hour away from Bantry.
GP surgeries:
- Marino Medical Centre, Wolfe Tone Lane, Bantry. Tel: 027 50504. Fully wheelchair accessible.
- Nua Medical Practice, Bantry Primary Care Centre, Dromleigh South, Bantry, P75 T611. Tel: 027 56789. Fully wheelchair accessible.
- Bantry Bay Medical Centre, The Quay, Bantry. Tel: 027 50574. Accessible parking outside and underground car park with elevator access.
Out-of-hours GP service:
SouthDoc, Bantry Primary Care Centre, Dromleigh South, Bantry, P75 T611. Tel: 1800 335 999.
SouthDoc provides emergency GP appointments outside of normal surgery hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
If you need a doctor when GP surgeries are closed, call SouthDoc before going to the hospital.
Pharmacies:
- Coen’s Pharmacy, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry
- Drinagh Pharmacy, New Street, Bantry, P75 AY65
- Newtown Pharmacy, Glengarriff Road, Bantry
- Glengarriff Pharmacy, Glengarriff
Testimonials
We welcome testimonials from visitors with disabilities or access needs. Sharing your first-hand account will help others feel confident when planning their visit.
Date Produced and Last Updated
This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Visitors are encouraged to contact us with feedback or suggestions to help us continue improving our accessibility.
Last updated: 26/05/2026 | Next review: 20/01/2027