Accessible Culture and Heritage Experiences in Belfast

The MAC is a cultural hub, home to all kinds of exhibitions, theatre performances, experimental works and endless goings-on. 

There’s also a family room and ‘Imagination Stations’, which are full of art supplies and activity sheets that kids can enjoy at any time. 

There is level access and lift access throughout with accessible toilets on each floor. Accessible performances include audio description, captioning, sign language interpretation and relaxed performances.  

There is also a downloadable Welcome to the Mac Access Pack for those who may need to familiarise themselves with the building, an access guide and further information on AccessAble.  

“This is a great place to bring the family. It is very friendly, and there are helpful front-of-house staff and welcome volunteers.”  

Ciara is mum to two Autistic boys, one in his teens and one under 10, who is non-verbal. They enjoy arts and creativity, and the MAC has a good blend of things to do and places to relax for both Mum and the boys.  

The Linen Hall is Belfast’s oldest library with famous Irish and genealogy collections. It is housed in a listed Victorian linen building which has been adapted and expanded over several floors. 

Step-free access is available through the Fountain Street entrance, where a lift to all floors can be found, and wheelchair access is available throughout the building.   

There is a café and accessible toilets that are accessed using a code from the library desk.  

Their website has an access video guide with captioning and BSL and a virtual tour. You can also find more information on AccessAble. 

“The Linen Hall is a great place to browse, soak up the atmosphere and feel like a local.”  

Julia is a powerchair user in her 40s. She loves books and reading. Wherever she goes in the world, she loves to explore local libraries, and she think the Linen Hall is easily one of the best!  

St Anne’s Cathedral has level access. Motorised scooters are welcome, and there is an accessible toilet. Visitors can also take part in a guided tour or a self-guided tour using a guidebook or audio guide.  

You can find out more information on AccessAble .

“It’s a quiet space in the heart of the city. You can feel and sense the scale of the building and hear the sounds reverberating.”  

Julia is a powerchair user in her 40s who loves reading books, learning languages and dancing. She recommends St Anne’s a great place to pause and reflect away from the bustle of the city.  

City Hall is one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings. There is a self-guided visitor exhibition and guided daily tours.   

Located at the city centre, it is best reached by bus, taxi or on foot. The nearest train station is Lanyon Place, and your rail ticket gives you a free ride in to the centre on any purple Glider or pink Metro bus service from outside the station.  

The grounds include a cenotaph, Titanic Memorial Garden, sculptures and statues. There is a cobbled path around lawns with access to the main entrance on the Donegall Square North side of the building via steps or a ramp.  

A limited number of wheelchairs and scooters can be borrowed from the reception desk just inside the main entrance. Induction loops are available at different locations in the building, including in the visitor exhibition, at reception and in the café. Exhibition audio headsets are compatible with hearing aids. There are BSL, ISL and International sign language video guides to the exhibition.   

There are accessible toilets and a Changing Places on the ground floor.  

The Bobbin Café is managed by Loaf Catering and Cafes, which provide training and work for people with a learning disability, Autism or Asperger’s. 

You can find out more information on AccessAble.   

A listed former bank, 2 Royal Avenue is now a cultural and community hub at the heart of Belfast’s main shopping district.   

There is a sensory dome with light and sound display, a quiet room, a “cosy” play area and comfy seating. An accessible toilet is located in a portable cabin to the rear of the building. Wheelchairs, fidget toys and headphones are available to borrow.  

“The staff and volunteers are very friendly and really support your visit.” 

Holly is a Deaf, BSL user. When she is shopping in the city centre, she always calls in to 2RA (as the locals call it) for a coffee or a bun. There’s usually an exhibition and often an event on, and she always gets a warm welcome.