Overview

Ulster Museum is one of several attractions within Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Originally founded as the Belfast Natural History Society in 1821, the museum moved to its current location in 1929. There’s a real mix of exhibits here – from fossils and sealife to local, religious, and global history. A personal favourite is an unexpected exhibit: the infamous blackboard from the TV show Derry Girls. The blackboard captures so much about Belfast, with widely incorrect assumptions from either side of Catholicism and Protestantism, highlighting The Troubles, but also the wit and humour that define this proud city. Where the museum falters is in the areas where old meets new – some facilities could do with improvement, which I’ll get into. That said, it’s a great day out, with plenty of thought given to access.

Transport & Parking

travelled to the Ulster Museum via Stranmillis Embankment and through the Botanic Gardens. There’s a bus stop at the Gardens served by the 6F, 7G, 7H and EB7 routes. A car park is available near the Stranmillis Embankment entrance, with 13 accessible bays and plenty of standard parking. If you’d rather arrive closer to the main entrance, there’s a bus stop directly across the road, served by the 8A and 8D services. The nearest rail link is Botanic Railway Station, around half a mile away.

Access

As mentioned, I came uphill through the Botanic Gardens. A much easier route would be via University Road, along Stranmillis Road, and in through the entrance next to the museum. The building has ramps with grab rails on either side of the entrance, as well as steps with a central rail. You pass through two sets of automatic doors as you enter. The café is on the left, with plenty of seating, mostly soft-backed chairs and benches. There is more than enough space to manoeuvre a powerchair. The gift shop is to the right as you come in or go out, with the usual range of museum souvenirs. Some sections of the ground floor are slightly elevated, but all can be reached using ramps. There are plenty of seating areas throughout. The stairs have grab rails and clearly marked edges, and some also have platform lifts. There are several lifts throughout the building. Each has braille buttons, and you can enter and exit facing forwards. I also noticed braille inside the lift. One issue I came across was the lack of signage showing what is on each floor, both near the lifts and around the building in general. I also found one platform lift out of order on the Natural History floor, which is on level three. I have been told it is due to be repaired. Large print documents are available on request. Hearing loops are in use at this venue. I spotted one at reception and another at the gift shop.

Toilets

The museum’s "Changing Places toilet" in the Belfast Room is pretty lacklustre. There’s a portable hoist and a changing bed, but they’re awkwardly isolated from the toilet area. The bed doesn’t look especially comfortable either. Of all places, this is where you'd hope to see something a little more modern. The toilet area itself is compact, but there’s just enough space for a powerchair to manoeuvre. The seat and rails don’t contrast well with the walls, which isn’t ideal. Rails are fitted on either side of the toilet and the sink, which has a lever-style tap. The red cord was hanging freely when I visited. There is room for a left-side transfer, although a bin gets in the way. The door to the toilet opens outwards and does not need a RADAR key. At the café, there’s another accessible toilet. This toilet allows for a right-side transfer and just enough space for a powerchair user and someone assisting. The red cord hangs loosely on the floor, which makes it far too long. There are contrasting grab rails on either side of the toilet and sink, as well as a contrasting toilet seat. It’s a compact space overall, with a lever-style tap and a soap dispenser just inside the outward-opening door. No RADAR key is needed. I’m told there’s another accessible toilet on the third floor, but I didn’t get the chance to check it out.

Staff

Photos