This information page has been created to make it easier for residents to find out more about what’s on offer to help those with additional support needs.
Walking Tours, Armagh
7 Hills Blues Fest
Food & Cider Weekend
Feedback received at the Disability Stakeholder Engagement Events – November/December 2025
What you thought was working well:
What you thought Council could do better:
As a result of engagements, we have:
For more information on the disability stakeholder engagement events, please email:
We work in partnership with AccessAble to provide accessibility information about our council facilities and a range of venues across the borough.
These detailed guides provide factual information and photographs to assist those with a disability to know in real terms how accessible a place or venue is prior to their visit.
A number of pre-visit guides have been developed with short descriptions to assist people visiting our venues. These guides have been designed for people with autism in mind but are also helpful for anyone unfamiliar with the environment.
Community Centres
Ashgrove Community Centre
Avenue Road Community Centre
Brownlow Hub Community Centre
Brownstown Hub Community Centre
Dobbin Street Community Centre
Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre
Mourneview Community Centre
North Lurgan Community Centre
Tommy Makem Arts & Community Centre
Leisure Facilities
Banbridge Leisure Centre
Dromore Community Centre
Gilford Community Centre
Orchard Leisure Centre
Rathfriland Community Centre
Richhill Recreation Centre
South Lake Leisure Centre
Tandragee Recreation Centre
Tourism Venues
Armagh County Museum
The Market Place Theatre (Autism Impact Award)
Navan Centre & Fort (Autism Impact Award)
Navan Centre & Fort – ASD Accessibility
FE McWilliam Gallery
Town Halls
Lurgan Town Hall
Portadown Town Hall
Virtual Tours
Craigavon Ski & Golf Centre
The Market Place Theatre (Austim Impact Award)
JAM Card allows people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.
The JAM Card is a social innovation from the NOW Group, an organisation that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment. It was their service users who said they would like a discreet way of telling people that sometimes they need a little extra time and patience.
Those with a communication barrier are often reluctant or unable to tell others about their condition. JAM Card allows this to happen in a simple, effective non-verbal manner.
The JAM Card was created first as a Credit Card sized card but has also been developed into an app for smartphones.
The card or app can be used to alert staff in leisure centres or community centres for example that the person needs a little bit of patience and understanding when interacting with you.
You can find out more about the JAM Card at www.jamcard.org and NOW Group at www.nowgroup.org
ABC Inclusive Summer Scheme
Inclusive sports and physical activity opportunities for children with a disability, along with siblings and friends. As this is primarily a sport and physical activity summer scheme, participants should have an interest in these activities. Please note that 1:1 care will not be provided and children must be able to attend independently or have a friend/sibling to assist.
ABC Inclusive Summer Scheme is taking place at the following locations:
Banbridge Leisure Centre
Orchard Leisure Centre, Armagh
Please register your interest with Colleen Connolly, Inclusive Sport & Leisure Officer by email: or call 07769 250 885.
Experience a calming and welcoming environment with our Quiet Hour Swim sessions, designed especially for individuals with additional needs and their families. These sessions take place in the small pool with restricted numbers and offer a peaceful space to relax, unwind and build confidence in the water.
Each participant with additional needs must be accompanied by a carer and up to three additional family members are welcome to join the session. 
Banbridge Leisure Centre
Orchard Leisure Centre, Armagh
South Lake Leisure Centre
Costs
Please note: members can book 8 days in advance. Non-members can book 4 days in advance.
A poolpod is a platform lift system transforming access to swimming pools for people with disabilities and restricted mobility. It can be used by a wheelchair user or you can stand on the lift, so it is ideal if you find traditional pool steps difficult, e.g. if you are recovering from an injury or stroke, are pregnant or are older.
Poolpods are available in Banbridge Leisure Centre and in both the large pool and teaching pool in South Lake Leisure Centre.
The Inclusive Sports and Leisure Initiative is a partnership programme between Disability Sport NI and council, established in 2012. It is the role of our Inclusive Sports and Leisure Officer, employed by Disability Sport NI through funding from council, to develop and sustain a programme of disability sports and physical recreation opportunities, which help improve the health and well-being of disabled people.
This programme is open to anyone with a disability and also offers support and training opportunities for mainstream schools and sports clubs to help make their programmes more inclusive of disabled people.
What’s on offer?
For further information, please contact Colleen Connolly, Inclusive Sports & Leisure Officer by email: or call 07769250885.
Click here to read more the Inclusive Sports and Leisure Initiative.
Information coming soon!
Sensory pods are available in 3 leisure facilities, including Banbridge Leisure Centre, Dromore Leisure Centre and Orchard Leisure Centre, to provide a calming and relaxing space, allowing personalised sensory regulation.
The pods include self-selected lighting colours and music / video content via speakers and a monitor.
Available for use by anyone visiting the centre who needs a quiet space, and in particular for children/young people with autism or other sensory processing needs.
To use the sensory pods, please contact a member of staff at reception in the centres.
South Lake Leisure Centre has a Sensory Room.
Gulliver’s Soft Play at the Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh, offers quiet hours on Saturdays from 10am – 11am and on Sundays from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
Click here for more information.
We have a range of support groups who meet in community facilities across the borough to offer advice and support. Please feel free to contact the group directly, using the contact details below.
| Group | Nature of Group | Contact Details | Meeting Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don’t Box Me In | This is an arts based All Inclusive opportunity for young people to interact and engage through the medium of arts regardless of ability.
Age Range – 8 – 25 years old. Best way to find out more: |
Kathryn Leyburn | 4 hours weekly. For more information, contact the group. |
| Alzheimers Society | For more information, contact the group on the email address provided. | ||
| Huntingtons Disease NI | https://www.hdani.org.uk/cgi-bin/greeting?instanceID=1
Social Media contacts for more information: HDANI Facebook |
For more information, contact the group using the website provided. |
If you are living with a disability and would like the opportunity to boost your CV and chances of getting a job, you can apply for the Disability Employment Support programme. Participants will receive:
The programme will work around your current needs and ensure you are supported throughout.
For more information, please contact Carla at Stepping Stones on 07717738804 or email
ABC LMP Disability Upskilling Programme
Are you currently employed but feel stuck in a role that doesn’t reflect your skills or potential? This programme is designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to advance their careers, increase their earning potential, or explore new opportunities.
Whether you’re aiming to progress within your current workplace or transition into a new role, we’ll provide one-to-one mentoring, to explore the right path for you.
Let’s take your career to the next level—together.
If you would like more information about this course, please contact:
Andrea Lupari
07525896803
We are a member of the National Disability Network Radar (The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation). This means, that if you are disabled and living within the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon borough, you can get a radar key to use in any of our public toilets. These keys also provide access to any public toilet in the UK that has been locked to protect it from vandalism or misuse.
Who can acquire a Radar key?
Anybody with a disability can get a radar key.
Where can I get a Radar key?
You can get a Radar key from the following facilities:
How long can I keep the key?
The key is yours for as long as you require it.
How much is a Radar key?
It costs £3.50 per key.
Contact
For more information please call: 0330 056 1020 or email:
There are currently 8 Changing Places toilet within council facilities.
Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for severely disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. The toilets give disabled people and their carers the space and equipment they need to have the confidence to leave their homes and go out.
The dry side changing room was recently upgraded at Banbridge Leisure Centre, thanks to funding from Department for Communities. A portable hoist is available on request.
The Mobile Accessible Toilet is a fantastic facility for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments. Key features of the unit include:
The Mobile Accessible Toilet is funded by the Department for Communities.
Upcoming events
7 Hills Blues Fest
Food & Cider Weekend
| Name: | Opening Days: | Opening Hrs: (A)= Auto opening | Radar Key | Disabled Access | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dobbin St, Armagh | 7 Days | 6.00am – 6.00pm (A) | Yes | Yes | 3xUnisex 1xDisabled |
| McCrums Court, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Yes | Yes | 1xLadies 1xGents 1xDisabled |
| Shambles, Armagh | 7 Days | 6.00am – 6.00pm(A) | Yes | Yes | 1xLadies 1xGents 1xDisabled |
| Mall, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm | No | Yes | 1xUnisex |
| Palace Stables, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Yes | Yes | 1xLadies 1xGents 1xDisabled |
| Markethill, Armagh | 6 Days. Mon - Sat | 9.00am – 6.00pm (A) | Yes | Yes | 1xMale 1 Female 1xDisabled |
| Richhill, Armagh | 6 Days. Mon - Sat | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Yes | Yes | 1xLadies 1xGents 1xDisabled |
| Middletown, Armagh | 7 Days (TBC) | 9.00am – 6.00pm (A) | No | No | 2xUnisex |
| Tandragee, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm (A) | No | No | 2x Unisex 1xUrinal |
| Clare Glen, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm (A) | Yes | Yes | 1xUnisex 1 Disabled |
| Poyntzpass, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm (A) | No | No | 2xUnisex |
| Poyntzpass Tow path Toilets | 7 days | 24 hours | No | No | 1xUnisex |
| Killylea, Armagh | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Yes | Yes | 1xLadies 1xGents 1xDisabled |
| Ardmore/ Balinahone Cemetery, Armagh | only open when there is a Funeral. | only open when there is a Funeral. | Yes | Yes | 1xLadies 1xGents 1xDisabled |
| Loughgall, Armagh | 7 Days, | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Yes | Yes | 5x Ladies 5x Gents 1x Disabled |
| Solitude Park, Banbridge | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-7pm (A) | Yes | Yes | 5 unisex 1x disabled |
| Kenlis Street, Banbridge | Monday-Saturday | 8am-5.30pm | Yes | Yes | 5x ladies 5 x gents 1x disabled |
| Dromore Square, Dromore | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-6pm (A) | Yes | Yes | 2 x unisex 1 disabled |
| Downpatrick Street, Rathfriland | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-6pm (A) | Yes | Yes | 3x unisex 1 disabled |
| Loughbrickland Park, Loughbrickland | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-6pm | Yes | Yes | 1x ladies 1x gents 1x disabled |
| Corbet Lough, Corbet | Sunday-Saturday | Fishing season only | Yes | Yes | 1x ladies 1x gents 1x disabled |
| Katesbridge Park, Katesbridge | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-6pm | Yes | Yes | 1x ladies 1gents 1x disabled |
| Scarva Park, Scarva | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-6pm Winter 8am-9pm Summer | Yes | Yes | 1x ladies 1x gents 1x disabled |
| Scarva Tearooms, Scarva | Sunday-Saturday | 8am-6pm | Yes | Yes | 1x ladies 1x gents 1x disabled |
| Banbridge Cemetery | 7 Days | 24hrs | Yes | Yes | 1 x unisex, 1 x disabled access |
| Dromore new Cemetery | only open when there is a Funeral. | only open when there is a Funeral. | Yes | Yes | 1x ladies, 1x gents, 1x disabled access |
| Drumballyroney old School | only open when function is on | only open when function is on | yes | yes | 3 x unisex 1x disabled |
| Acton Lake Scarva on Towpath | 7 days | 24hrs | no | yes | 1 x unisex |
| Edenvilla Park, Steel container beside walled Garden | Mon to Sunday | 10am to 430pm | No | No | 1 x unisex |
| Portadown Peoples Park, Pavilion building, Portadown | All 7 days | 8am to seasonal closing times between 5pm and 9pm | Yes | Yes | 2 x male, 2 x female, 1 x disabled all outdoor. 1 x male, 1 x female and 1 x disabled indoor (5 outdoor and 3 indoor ) |
| Brownstown Park, Portaloo on 3 g, Portadown | Open when site booked | Open when site booked | No | No | 1 x unisex |
| Farm Building, Tannaghmore Gardens, Portadown | Mon to Sun | 10am to 1hr before dusk | Yes | Yes | 5 x unisex |
| Pavilion building, Tannaghmore Gardens, Portadown | Mon to Sun | 8.30am to 6pm | Yes | Yes | 2 x male, 3 x female. |
| Cush Pavilion, Lurgan Park | 7 days | 7am-5pm | No | No | 3 |
| Gate-Lodge, Lurgan Park-Disabled Toilet | 7 days | 7am-5pm | Yes | Yes | 1 |
| Castle Lane, Lurgan | 7 Days | 9.00am – 6.00pm | Yes | Yes | |
| Portaloo on 3 g, Lurgan Junior High School | Open when site booked | Open when site booked | No | No | |
| Millenium Court | Mon - Sat | 9.00am – 5.00pm | Yes | Yes | 2 |
| Kernan Cemetery | 8am to 4pm | only open when there is a Funeral. | No | Yes | 1x male, 1x female, 1x disabled access |
| Seagoe Cemetery | 7 Days | 24hrs | No | Yes | 1x male, 1x female, 1x disabled access |
| Lurgan Cemetery | 7 Days | 24hrs | No | Yes | 1x male, 1x female, 1x disabled access |
Discounted membership for carers is available across the council’s getactiveabc leisure facilities.
Eligible caregivers can receive 20% discount to normal membership fees providing access to gym, swimming pools, classes in all centres, watersports and footgolf at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre!
The getactiveabc carers card is open to any ABC borough carer of an adult or child who uses the Southern Trust’s Learning Disability and Fostering services.
To find out more on the getactiveabc carers membership, please email Bernie Marshall or Majella Gorman from the SHSCT
Inclusive Paddle Sports Week
Click here for more information and to book online.
Wheelyboat Inclusive Sessions
To register your interest for these sessions, email
Watersports Clubs (April – October)
Inclusive Aqua Park Sessions
Individuals and groups can access a range of inclusive bikes for use around Craigavon Lakes, including trikes, hand cycles, tandems (inline and side-by-side) and a wheelchair transporter. An induction will be provided and an instructor can be booked to lead the session.
This initiative is supported by Disability Sport NI and the Department for Communities and Sport NI.
Summer Inclusive Cycle Hire Sessions
For more information, please contact Colleen Connolly by email or call 077 6925 0885.
Everyone can paddle! South Lake Inclusive Paddlers Club welcomes people with a range of disabilities, medical conditions and health challenges to enjoy a paddleboarding experience in a safe, supportive environment. Our experienced watersports instructors provide guidance, supervision and adaptive support to ensure everyone can get on the water with confidence. 
Inclusive sessions are suitable for ages 10 years+.
For more information and to discuss your specific needs, please contact Mark Cahoon or visit www.getactiveabc.com/activities/watersports
The Get Out Get Active (GOGA) programme delivered in partnership with Live Active NI aims to provide inclusive physical activity opportunities for the least active people in our community and encourages people of all ages and abilities to become more active together.
Options are available for larger groups, e.g. group of 16 people, 5hr programme with lunch option.
The all terrain buggies are suitable for both disabled and non-disabled riders, enabling inclusive participation in a beautiful parkland setting. All sessions are guided by trained staff and bespoke packages can be organised for larger groups [16+].
Choose from:
Minimum age 12 years. Minimum height 5ft. Maximum weight Quadrix 110kg & Terrainhoppers 160kg.
Sit skis and a hoist are available to enable people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users to access the slope.
Glamping pods at Gosford include a level access, widened door and large internal turning space, sleeping a maximum of four people. Facilities include a kettle, fridge, heater and picnic table. Visitors have access to the accessible toilet and shower room in the centre of the campsite. Guests need to bring their own bedding/pillows.
Glamping pods are available to book online here.
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
Inclusive Play Park Equipment
Armagh Area
| Site | Parking | Toilets | Inclusive Play Park Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackwatertown | Yes (roadside) | No | Basket Swing, Spinning Bowl |
| Cathedral Road | Yes | Toilets in community centre | Wheelchair Roundabout, Harness Swing, Play Panels, Basket Swing |
| Clady, Cladymore, Markethill | Yes | No | Spinning Bowl |
| Derrynoose Play Area | Yes | Toilets in GAA hall | Basket Swing |
| Drumbeda Park | No | No | Wheelchair Roundabout, Harness Swing, Play Panels, Basket Swing |
| Glen Road, Keady | Yes | Toilets in Tommy Makem Centre | Basket Swing Double with Slide Panels |
| Gosford Forest Park | Yes | Yes | Play Park: Basket Swing, Wheelchair Swing & Sensory Play Panels.
Nature Play: various outdoor inclusive play on a 2km trail. All out trekking (for 12 years+) |
| Ivy Park, Middletown | Yes | No | Basket Swing |
| Killylea | Yes | No | Spinning Bowl |
| Kingston Memorial Playing Fields | Yes | No | Wheelchair Roundabout, Harness Swing, Basket Swing, Play Panels including sensory play |
| Loughgall Village Park | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Spinning Bowl |
| Markethill Primary School | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Panels, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout |
| Milford | No | No | Inclusive Roundabout |
| Mossfield Estate, Glenanne | Yes (roadside) | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Panels, Wheelchair Roundabout |
| Navan Fort, Armagh | Yes | Yes | Sensory Play Equipment |
| Palace Stables, Armagh | Yes | Toilets at Orchard Leisure Centre | Harness Swing, Basket Swing, Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels |
| Poyntzpass | Yes (roadside) | Toilets at railway crossing | Harness Swing, Wheelchair Spin, Panels, Basket Swing |
| Richhill Community Centre | Yes | Toilets in recreation centre | Inclusive Roundabout, Basket Swing |
| Tandragee Recreational Grounds | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing |
| The Pond, Laurevale | Yes (roadside) | No | Inclusive Roundabout, Basket Swing, Panels |
| Tullysaran, Benburb | Yes (roadside) | No | Basket Swing, Panels |
Banbridge Area
| Site | Parking | Toilets | Inclusive Play Park Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castleview | Yes | No | Basket Swing |
| Dromore Town Park | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels, Ramped Junior Unit |
| Ervine Place, Warringsford | No | No | Swings & Dish Roundabout |
| Fairview Park | Yes (in estate) | No | Swings & Slides |
| Finnis Play Area | No | No | Swings |
| Fraser Park, Annaclone | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Play Panels, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout |
| Katesbridge Play Area | Yes | No | Swings & Basket Swing |
| Kinallen Play Park | Yes | No | Swings |
| Knock Terrace | No | No | Swings |
| Lawrencetown | No | No | Swings & Basket Swing |
| Lenaderg Play Area | Yes (residents) | No | Swings |
| Lissize Park | Yes (in estate) | No | Swings, Talk Tubes, Rocker |
| Loughbrickland Park | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels |
| Maglion Terrace | No | No | Spinning Dish |
| Millstone Close, Moneyslane | Yes (roadside) | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels |
| Mount Charles | No | No | Roundabout |
| Rathfriland Play Area | Yes | Yes | Swings |
| Scarva Park District Play Park | Yes | Yes | Wheelchair swing, Harness swing, Inclusive Roundabout, Inclusive Basket Swing, Inclusive Trampoline’s, Inclusive house, Inclusive bridge, Sensory Panels, Talking tubes |
| Solitude Park | Yes | Yes | Trampoline, Roundabouts, Play Panels, Basket Swings, Play House & Swings |
| Woodlands Play Park | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Play Panels, Inclusive Roundabout |
Craigavon Area
| Site | Parking | Toilets | Inclusive Play Park Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avenue Road Community Centre | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Inclusive Panels, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Birches Play Park | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Bleary Play Park | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Brownlow Hub | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Brownstown Community Centre | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Donacloney | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Drumilly Green | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Edenvilla Park | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Kernan Play Park | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Killicomaine Community Centre | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Kinnego Marina | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Lord Lurgan Park | Yes (on street) | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Lurgan Park | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Trampoline, Sensory Play Panels, Ramped Junior Unit, Wheelchair Swing, Sand Pit |
| Maghery Country Park | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels, Sandpit |
| Mahon Road Play Park | Basket Swing, Inclusive Roundabout, Harness Swing, Inclusive Panels | ||
| Malcomson Park, Magheralin | Yes (in estate) | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels |
| Oxford Island | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Trampolines, Sensory Play Panels, Accessible Tower Unit, Accessible Mounds, Accessible See-Saw, Communication Board |
| People’s Park | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Inclusive Diggers in Sand, Wheelchair Swing, Inclusive Panels, Sand |
| Rectory Park | No | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Dollingstown | No | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Taghnevan Estate | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
| Tannaghmore Gardens | Yes | Yes | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Sensory Play Panels, Trampoline, Sand Pit, Spinning Bowl |
| Waringstown | Yes | No | Basket Swing, Harness Swing, Wheelchair Roundabout, Panels |
