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Accessibility Guide

This accessibility guide provides practical information about accessibility features at our hotel to support guests with physical, sensory, or other access needs when planning their stay.

1. Welcome 

We are delighted to have you staying with us soon. Our goal is to ensure your stay is as comfortable, relaxing, and seamless as possible. We understand that every guest has unique requirements, and we are committed to providing an environment that is accessible and inclusive. 

Your Comfort is Our Priority 

To help you settle in, please find some useful information regarding our accessible features: 

  • Your Room: Your room has been prepared with specific features to assist your stay. If you require any adjustments to the furniture layout or additional pillows/bedding, please let us know.
  • Dining: Our Grain & Grill Restaurant and Bar are fully accessible. If you would prefer a specific table location that offers more space or quieter surroundings, we are happy to reserve it for you.
  • Emergency Assistance: In the unlikely event of an emergency, our team is trained to assist guests with reduced mobility. Please familiarise yourself with the personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) information located on the back of your bedroom door. 

Here to Help, 24/7 

Whether you need help with luggage, information on local accessible transport, or recommendations for level-access sights in Galway City, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

Dial '0' from your in-room phone at any time to speak directly with our Reception team. 

We hope you have a fantastic stay in the City of Tribes. If there is anything at all that we can do to make your experience better, please contact us directly by phone on +353 091513200 or by email at reservations.sandyroad@maldronhotels.com 

Warm regards, 

MH Sandy Road Team

2. Contact Information 

Address: Headford Point, Sandy Road Galway, Ireland H91 ET6N 

General Inquiries: 

Reservations: 

Reception: 

Online: 

3. Getting Here 

Arriving by Car (GPS: H91 ET6N) 

We are located at the Sandy Road Roundabout (Headford Point), easily accessible from the M6 (Dublin) and M17/M18 (Limerick/Sligo). 

  • Parking: We offer complimentary secure underground parking for all guests.
  • Accessibility: There are 6 designated accessible parking spaces located conveniently near the elevator bank in the underground car park.
  • Height Restriction: Please note the car park has a maximum height of 2.1 meters. If you are traveling in a high-roof adapted vehicle, please contact us in advance so we can arrange suitable surface-level parking. 

Arriving by Bus 

Galway is well-served by national bus routes (Citylink, GoBus, and Bus Éireann) arriving at the Galway Coach Station or Ceannt Station.

  • Local Bus (Route 407): From the city centre (Eyre Square/Woodquay), take the 407 Bus toward Bóthar Chúil Each.
  • Closest Stop: Get off at Páirc Miondíolaíochta Thír Oileáin (Terryland Retail Park). This stop is approximately a 2–3 minute walk from the hotel.
  • Accessibility: Most city buses are low-floor and equipped with ramps. The path from the bus stop to the hotel entrance is paved and step-free.

Arriving by Train 

Galway Ceannt Station is our main rail hub, located approximately 2km from the hotel. 

  • Accessible Taxi: We recommend taking a taxi from the station for the most comfortable transfer. The journey typically takes 5–8 minutes.
  • Booking a Taxi: You can ask the station staff to assist, or call Galway Taxis at +353 91 561 111. They have a fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 

Arriving by Airport 

Shannon Airport (SNN) – Closest International Airport (~1 hour) 

  • Bus: Bus Éireann (Route 51) runs hourly directly from the airport to Galway Ceannt Station. Accessibility: These coaches are generally accessible, but it is highly recommended to book a wheelchair space 24 hours in advance via the Bus Éireann website or by calling +353 1 836 6111.
  • Taxi/Transfer: A private accessible taxi takes about 55 minutes. We recommend pre-booking at reception at least 1 day in advance.

Dublin Airport (DUB) – Major International Hub (~2.5 hours) 

  • Express Bus: Citylink and GoBus operate high-frequency, direct services from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Galway.
  • Accessibility: Both operators provide wheelchair-accessible coaches. Booking at least 24–48 hours in advance is essential to ensure the liftequipped bus is assigned to your departure time.
  • Train: Take the Dublin Express bus to Heuston Station, then the Intercity train to Galway. Accessibility: Irish Rail provides excellent assistance, but you should notify them via their "Accessible Travel" web form or phone at least 24 hours before travel. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) – Regional (~1 hour 15 mins) Bus: Bus Éireann (Route 64) connects the airport to Galway.
  • Accessibility: Similar to the Shannon route, please pre-book your wheelchair space 24 hours in advance.

Port information 

Galway City Docks (Local Ferry) 

Located in the heart of the city, this port is used primarily for Aran Island Ferries. 

  • Getting Here: It is a 5-minute drive from the hotel. The ferry terminal and shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
  • Tip: If guests are staying with us before heading to the islands, we can arrange an accessible taxi to the "Harbour Hotel" departure point. 

Dublin Port (~2.5 hours) 

  • Transport: Most travelers take a taxi or the Luas (tram) from the port to Heuston Station for the train, or to the city centre for the Citylink/GoBus airport coaches which also serve the city.
  • Accessibility: Irish Ferries and Stena Line offer specialized assistance for boarding. Please ensure "Assistance Required" is flagged at the time of booking the ferry. 

Rosslare Europort (~3.5 hours) 

  • Train/Bus: There are rail connections to Dublin, followed by a transfer to the Galway line.
  • Direct Drive: For guests bringing their own adapted vehicles, the drive is approximately 3.5 hours via the M11 and M6.
  • Staff Note: If a guest mentions they are arriving at an airport or port, it is a great "above and beyond" gesture to offer to call the bus or ferry company on their behalf to confirm their wheelchair space.

Arriving by Taxi 

For a stress-free arrival, we recommend using one of Galway’s established taxi services. Most local companies offer specialized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) equipped with ramps and securement systems.

Recommended Local Companies 

We suggest pre-booking your journey, especially for arrivals at the train/bus station or airport, to ensure a WAV is available: 

  • Five Stars Galway Taxis: +353 (0)91 399 999 – Known for a dedicated fleet of modern accessible vehicles.
  • Galway Taxis: +353 (0)91 561 111 – One of the city’s largest providers with 24/7 service.
  • Big O Taxis: +353 (0)91 585 858 – Located near Eyre Square, ideal for station pickups.

Booking via App 

If you prefer to book digitally, the following apps are widely used in Galway and allow you to select "Wheelchair Accessible" as an option: 

  • FREE NOW: Ireland’s leading taxi app.
  • Uber: Available in Galway for licensed taxi bookings. 

Estimated Fares & Times 

  • From Galway City Centre / Ceannt Station: * Cost: Approximately €8 – €12 (Standard rate).
    • Time: 5–10 minutes depending on traffic.
  • From Shannon Airport (SNN):
    • Cost: Approximately €120 – €140.
    • Time: ~1 hour.
  • Note: There is typically no extra charge for wheelchair-accessible vehicles in Ireland; you pay the standard metered fare.

At Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, we believe that travel should be limitless. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, because every guest deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and fully at home. We are committed to constant growth, and we are currently working on introducing even more accessible features to our property to ensure your experience is better every time you return

4. Entrance & Reception 

Accessible entrance details 

  • Level Access: The main entrance to the hotel is completely step-free with 1 meter wide automatic doors that opens by proximity.
  • Check-in: Our registration desk features a lowered section (76cm high) to comfortably accommodate guests using wheelchairs.
  • Elevators: All floors are serviced by elevators with a door width of 90cm and are equipped with Braille and tactile buttons. 

Parking 

We provide secure, on-site parking at Maldron Hotel Sandy Road to make your arrival as smooth as possible. Underground Car Park (Level -1) 

  • Height Restriction: The entrance height is 2.10m. If your vehicle exceeds this height, please contact us in advance so we can arrange alternative parking.
  • Surface: The car park and the entire hotel feature solid, level flooring throughout, making it easy to navigate for wheelchair users and those with walking aids. 

Dedicated Accessible Spaces 

We have prioritized convenience for our guests with reduced mobility: 

  • Location: Our accessible parking spaces are located on Level -1.
  • Visibility: These spaces are easily visible, clearly marked, and painted in blue.
  • Proximity: The two closest spaces are located just 8.5 meters from the main elevator entrance.
  • Step-Free Access: From these spaces, there is a completely step-free route to the elevators.

Getting to Reception 

Elevator Access: The elevators are located right on Level -1. These will take you directly to the Main Reception for check-in and to all guest room floors. Assistance: If you require help with your luggage from your car to the elevator, please use the intercom at the car park entrance or call us at +353 (0)91 513 200 upon arrival.

 

5. Lift Access

Accessible Elevators: Our elevators are equipped with Braille buttons for the convenience of our visually impaired guests.

6. Accessible Public Toilets

For your convenience while dining or visiting our lobby, we have two fully adapted public restrooms.

  • Location: One is situated on the ground floor, easily accessible from the Grain & Grill Restaurant and the second in the -1 Level, just after the carpark main entrance.
  • Emergency Safety: Just like our guest rooms, these public facilities are also equipped with emergency pull cord alarms connected to our 24-hour monitoring system.

7. Accessible Bedroom

Guest Room Floors (Levels 1 – 4) 

All floors are serviced by two large elevators with tactile buttons. 

  • 1st Floor: All bedrooms are step-free.
  • 2nd Floor: Important Note: Most of this floor is step-free; however, there are steps leading to Rooms 210 through 224. Our reservations team ensures that guests with mobility requirements are prioritized for rooms on our fully level floors.
  • 3rd Floor: All bedrooms are step-free.
  • 4th Floor: All bedrooms are step-free.

At Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, all our bedrooms are designed for comfort and ease of use.

  • In-Room Amenities: For your convenience, many of our rooms are equipped with a fridge, ideal for storing medication or specific dietary items. Please request a room with a fridge when making your reservation to ensure availability.
  • Most furniture in the room can be rearranged so please do not hesitate to inform reception if you need extra space.

Wheelchair Accessible Bedrooms

 Room Dimensions & Layout 

  • All Wheelchair accessible bedrooms have a double bed in the room. If you need a different configuration please ask our team prior your arrival.
  • Entrance & Corridors: Our corridors are 148 cm wide with easy-access push buttons at a height of 110 cm. The room entrance door width is 79 cm.
  • The Bed: Our adapted rooms feature a comfortable double bed.
  • Height: The mattress is 55 cm from the floor.
  • Hoist Clearance: There is 17 cm of clear space under the bed to accommodate a mobile hoist (please note: the hotel does not provide hoists; guests must bring their own).
  • Flexibility: Most furniture in our rooms can be reorganized to create more space for your specific needs.
  • Safety Features: The room peephole is set at a lower height of 121 cm. Please note these rooms are not intercommunicating.

8. Accessible Bathrooms/En-Suites

At Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, all our bedrooms are designed for comfort and ease of use. 

  • Ensuite Facilities: Every bedroom in the hotel features a private ensuite bathroom.
  • Bath vs. Shower: We offer a variety of bathroom layouts. Many of our rooms feature showers, while others include a full bathtub. If you have a specific preference for a low-entry shower, please let us know at the time of booking.

Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms

  • Entrance: The bathroom door is 77 cm wide and opens outwards to maximize interior space.
  • Shower: These rooms feature a step-free walk-in shower (no bathtub) with a fixed wall-mounted shower chair (47 cm high) and sturdy grab bars.
  • Toilet: The toilet seat height is 47 cm and is equipped with support bars.
  • Safety & Flooring: The bathroom features slip-resistant flooring and an emergency pull-cord alarm for immediate assistance.

Fully adapted accessible rooms 

  • We provide eight modern, fully accessible facilities throughout the hotel to ensure your comfort and safety.
  • In Your Guest Room: Our specially designed accessible rooms feature bathrooms that are fully adapted for ease of use, including:
  • Step-free access and wide doorways.
  • Emergency Pull Cord Alarms: Located next to the toilet and the shower. In the unlikely event that you need assistance, simply pull the red cord. This triggers an immediate alert at our 24-hour Reception desk, and a member of our trained team will come to your room instantly to help.
  • Support Rails: Strategically placed grab rails for stability.

9. Dining & Social Spaces

We have 7 levels in total, designed for easy, step-free navigation across almost the entire property. 

Lower Levels (Step free parking ) 

  • Level -2: Underground Car Park.
  • Level -1: Underground Car Park (2.10m height) with dedicated blue accessible spaces just 8.5m from the elevator. Includes a fully adapted public toilet. 

Ground Floor 

Completely Step-Free. This level houses all our main services: 

  • Reception: Features a lowered desk for comfortable check-in.
  • Grain & Grill Restaurant & Bar: Fully accessible seating.
  • Meeting & Event Rooms: All suites are level-access.
  • Fitness Room: Step-free entry for all guests.
  • Public Toilets: Fully adapted facilities with emergency pull-cords.
  • Guest Bedrooms: One accessible bedrooms is located here.

Clear Navigation: All hotel signage is designed with high-contrast, large-print lettering for easy reading.

Dining at Grain & Grill Restaurant 

We invite you to enjoy a relaxed dining experience in our Grain & Grill Restaurant and Bar, which is 100% step-free and designed for easy navigation. Your Dining Experience: 

  • Breakfast: We offer a full, fresh breakfast buffet. For guests who prefer not to use the buffet or require assistance, we are delighted to offer full à la carte table service. Just let our team know your preference.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Served à la carte with a wide range of seasonal dishes.
  • Room service available if you prefer to enjoy your meal in the room.
  • Special Dietary Needs: Our chefs are experienced in preparing meals for various dietary requirements. Please inform your server of any allergies or sensitivities. 

Comfort & Measurements 

To help you plan your visit, here are the dimensions of our dining furniture:

  • Table Height: 77 cm (Standard clearance for most wheelchairs).
  • Chair Height: 46 cm.
  • Flexible Seating: Our team can easily move or remove chairs to create more space for wheelchair users or to accommodate larger mobility aids.

 

Quiet room 

We understand that travel can sometimes be overwhelming. We are committed to providing a calm and inclusive environment for all our guests. Need a break from the noise? Upon request, we can transform one of our private meeting rooms into a dedicated Quiet Space for you or your family. This room provides a neutral, low-sensory environment where you can relax away from the busier areas of the hotel. 

Customized for You: We can adjust the lighting and seating to ensure the space is as comfortable as possible for your needs. 

Advance Notice Required: Because we use our professional meeting suites for this service, we kindly ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance (or at the time of booking). This allows us to ensure a room is reserved and prepared specifically for you. 

How to Book: Simply speak with our Front Office team or email us before your arrival.

10. Assistance Dogs

We are proud to be a fully dog-friendly environment for all registered guide and assistance animals because we understand an assistance dog is an essential part of some our costumers independence 

To Make Your Dog’s Stay Comfortable: 

  • Dining & Public Areas: Your dog is welcome to join you in all public areas of the hotel, including our Grain & Grill Restaurant and bar.
  • In-Room Amenities: We are happy to provide complimentary food and water bowls for your room. Just let our reception team know if you would like these set up before you arrive.
  • Convenient Relief Area: For your convenience, there is a designated grass area located directly in front of the hotel entrance. Complimentary
  • Waste Bags: To help keep our environment clean, we provide biodegradable waste bags at the front desk. Please feel free to ask for a supply at any time.
  • Staff Tip: If you are heading out to explore Galway, our team can recommend the best dog-friendly parks and walking routes nearby!

11. Safety & Staff Training

Your safety and well-being are our priority. We have prepared the following directory of local medical services to give you total peace of mind during your stay at Maldron Hotel Sandy Road. 

In-House Emergency Features 

  • Defibrillator (AED): The hotel is equipped with a life-saving automated external defibrillator located at Main Reception. Our duty managers are trained in its use.
  • Emergency Power: In the event of a local power cut, the hotel is equipped with a backup generator. This ensures that essential lighting, elevators, and life-safety systems (including our fire alarms and emergency cords) remain fully operational.
  • 24-Hour Assistance: Our reception desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Simply dial ‘0’ from your room phone for immediate help. 

Local Medical Services 

  • Nearest Hospital (A&E): University Hospital Galway (UHG) Location: Newcastle Road, Galway (Approx. 2.5km / 8-minute drive) Phone: +353 (0)91 524 222
  • Closest GP Surgery (Doctor): Terryland Family Practice Location: Directly adjacent in Terryland Retail Park (Step-free access). Phone: +353 (0)91 566 411
  • Pharmacy: Castlegar Pharmacy Location: Located in the Terryland Retail Park. Phone: +353 (0)91 756 014
  • Out-of-Hours GP (Westdoc)0818 360 000 (Mon–Fri 6pm–9am; 24h Weekends) 

Mobility Equipment & Repairs 

If you require a rental, repair, or purchase of mobility aids during your stay: 

  • Galway Mobility: Specialty in wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility scooters. Phone: +353 (0)91 762 552 

Emergency Contact Numbers (Ireland) 

  • Fire / Ambulance / Gardaí (Police): Dial 999 or 112.
  • Non-Emergency Garda Station (Galway): +353 (0)91 538 000

Trained & Supportive Staff: All our team members undergo comprehensive Disability Inclusion Training through the Dalata Online platform. We are here to provide 24-hour assistance whenever you need it.

Safety & Evacuation (PEEP): We offer a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to any guest with specific needs. Our team will work with you to ensure a tailored and safe exit strategy. Emergency Equipment: In the event of a fire, we have a specialized 

Fire Evacuation Chair on-site to safely assist wheelchair users if the elevators cannot be used. 

Available Formats: This Welcome Guide and all essential guest information are available in both Digital PDF and Hard Copy formats.

We understand that every guest’s needs are unique, and sometimes you need to see a space to know if it works for you. Maldron Hotel Sandy Road is proud to offer complimentary familiarisation visits. If you or a family member would like to visit the hotel prior to booking to check our room layouts, bathroom features, or public area access, our team will be happy to give you a personal tour. We want you to feel 100% confident that our hotel is the right fit for your stay. Call us at +353 (0)91 513 200 to book your tour.

 

Vibrating pillows 

At Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, your safety and comfort are our absolute priorities. We want every guest to sleep soundly, knowing they are fully protected. Vibrating Pillow Alarms for Guests with Hearing Impairments: For our deaf guests or those who are hard of hearing, we provide specialized Vibrating Pillow Alarms. 

  • How it Works: This is a discreet, battery-operated unit with a thin vibrating pad that slides comfortably under your pillow.
  • Immediate Alert: The device "listens" for the sound of the hotel’s fire alarm. The moment the alarm sounds, the pad under your pillow will vibrate strongly to wake you instantly. 

How to Request Your Alarm If you haven't already requested one, please let our Reception Team know upon arrival or by dialling '0' from your room. We will personally deliver the unit to your room and ensure it is set up.

Our Commitment to You: Our team maintains a "Priority Assistance List" at the Front Desk. In the unlikely event of an emergency, our Fire Wardens are trained to provide direct, face-to-face notification and evacuation assistance to guests in our accessible rooms.

On-Site Mobility Support 

We strive to make your movement around the hotel and the local area as effortless as possible. 

Complimentary Wheelchair Hire: We have a manual wheelchair available on-site for use by any guest. Whether you need it for the duration of your stay or just for a quick trip to the nearby shops, please speak with our Front Office team to check availability. Electric Scooter Charging: If you travel with an electric mobility scooter, we provide a dedicated charging point. Please inform Reception upon arrival, and we will ensure you have a safe and convenient space to charge your battery overnight so you are ready for the day ahead.

12. Date Produced & Last Updated 

At Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, we are committed to providing an inclusive experience for every guest. We are constantly reviewing and improving our customer journey, and any enhancements to our facilities or services will be reflected in this guide. 

We welcome your feedback! 

Your experience helps us grow. If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback regarding accessibility at our hotel, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

Email: info.sandyroad@maldronhotels.com 

Phone: +353 (0)91 513 200 

This Access Welcome Guide was produced on: 04/03/2026 Last Updated: 04/03/2026