Fabulous visit
5
5
Date of visit: August 2024
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The Gate Theatre shows the best work of Irish and International playwrights. It has excellent step free access. The entire auditorium is step free with 370 seats.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
The main entrance to the theatre is on Parnell Square East is accessed by a short flight of about 8 stairs with handrails on both sides. Step free access is via a locked, gate the far right hand side of the building. It is staffed during performance times. This provides access into the Rotunda Hospital car park, and from there a member of staff will escort you into the rear of the theatre where there is a lift. On exiting the lift on the first floor, you will be taken through the auditorium into the first floor foyer, where there is a cafe dock and some seating. The bar area is only accessible via step with handrails on both sides. The entire auditorium is step free and on one level. There are no upper floor or dress circle. I sat in S12, an aisle seat on the back row of the stalls and close to the door to the lift. This was the perfect seat as it meant I could exit quickly down the lift. Sorry my photo of the auditorium didn't turn out.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Several buses stop close by. Please note that on some routes, those that are traveling north to south into the city centre will stop immediately outside the theatre on a one way street, but on the south to north route will spot round the corner or in O'Connell Street Upper. The buses in Dublin have their access ramp at the front of the bus.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
On the first floor next to the lift is the accessible toilet. It is spacious, clean and tidy. There are grab rails but no emergency cord.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful. I was taken through to be met by Vincent, the member of staff who everyone knows as he is very smartly dressed in a DJ. He was extremely helpful, took me through the auditorium into the foyer to the cafe area. I made my own way to my seat when the doors opened, and made my own way out at the end of the performance as all the rear seats exited via the door at the back of the stalls.
Additional Information
I went to see Dancing at Lughnasa in August 2024. I loved the performance and my trip to the theatre. Prices were cheaper than for comparable productions in London. Would definitely attend the theatre again if in Dublin.
