The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Certified as Autism- and Sensory-friendly
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery has made history by becoming the first taproom and brewery in Ireland to be certified as autism- and sensory-friendly by AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity. This accreditation signifies a major step forward in accessibility for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
To earn this certification, staff at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery underwent specialised training to enhance their understanding of autistic customers, as well as those with sensory processing differences. Starting in November, the venue will offer dedicated sensory-friendly hours, featuring adjusted lighting and sound levels.
"Achieving this accreditation with AsIAm is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to making the taproom as accessible as possible," said Catherine Toolan, Managing Director of Diageo Irish Brand Homes. "With the Guinness Open Gate Brewery now certified, all of our Brand Homes, including the Guinness Storehouse, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, and the Roe & Co Distillery, have now received this accreditation, allowing us to offer inclusive experiences for all visitors."
Enhancements for Sensory-Friendly Experiences
The certification process, guided by AsIAm, included a thorough review of the brewery's environment and recommendations to increase accessibility. Visitors will now benefit from clearer sensory guide signage, a quieter seating area in the reception, and adjustments to the overall customer experience to create a more welcoming space for neurodivergent individuals.
As part of the AsIAm certification, the brewery's staff received training to better cater to the needs of autistic visitors. Sensory kits will be available at the indoor bar, and customers will have access to visual guides and sensory maps of the premises. To further enhance accessibility, these resources, along with a sensory map, a Charter of Inclusion, and a visual guide, will be made available on the brewery's website.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, expressed his pride in the initiative: "We’re proud to support such a fantastic experience, which may have previously been inaccessible to members of our community. Diageo’s commitment to autism accessibility is particularly important as we work towards making Dublin the world’s first Autism-Friendly capital city."
Sensory-Friendly Hours
Beginning on 3rd November, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery will introduce sensory-friendly hours, scheduled once a month on Sundays from 1pm to 3pm. During these hours, the venue will adjust its environment with reduced lighting and sound, creating a more comfortable experience for neurodivergent visitors. Bookings for these time slots can be made via OpenTable.
To ensure clarity, additional signage will be placed around the taproom, highlighting areas with heightened sensory stimuli, allowing visitors to better navigate the space according to their needs.
This development sets a new benchmark in inclusivity within Ireland’s hospitality sector, paving the way for more venues to consider how they can better serve neurodivergent and autistic customers.