Slieve Russell 'proud' to be Ireland’s first dementia-inclusive hotel

The Slieve Russell Hotel was proudly launched as Ireland’s first dementia-inclusive hotel in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI).

Officially launched by the Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell T.D yesterday (November 17) the hotel offers a safe, supportive environment for guests living with dementia and their families.

The ASI collaborated with the hotel to provide specialist training to staff across all departments, with a number of team members becoming dementia champions to lead a compassionate and informed service.

Dementia-friendly bedrooms designed with input from Dementia Inclusive Design Specialists from the University of Stirling are an important part of this initiative. The rooms feature clear signage and simplified layouts, non-reflective surfaces, minimal clutter, contrasting colours for visibility, and mirror blinds.

The hotel also offers designated accessible parking, and all public facilities include accessible restrooms with grab rails and emergency pull cords.

Communal areas are easy to navigate and fully accessible, and signage throughout the hotel uses high-contrast visuals and intuitive design to reduce confusion.

Meanwhile there are also quiet zones to reduce sensory overload, providing guests with comfort, safety, and autonomy.

Just a short walk from the hotel’s front door, guests can find a tranquil garden which features an all-weather brick pathway and shaded seating to support relaxation and the well-being of those living with dementia and their families.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell T.D. said he was "pleased" to officially launch Ireland’s first dementia-inclusive hotel.

"The Government remains deeply committed to supporting people to live well with dementia, and we wholeheartedly commend efforts like this initiative that enable everyone to enjoy travel and leisure with dignity and confidence.”

As someone whose parent is living with dementia, Barry Egan of the Slieve Russell Hotel explained how he has seen first-hand how small changes in understanding and environment can make a "huge difference."

"That personal experience inspired me to bring the idea of becoming a dementia-inclusive hotel to our team. It means so much to know that we’re creating a place where families like mine can relax, feel supported, and truly enjoy their time together.”

Meanwhile People and Culture Manager at Slieve Russell Hotel Orla Murphy, said the Slieve Russell is "proud" to be the first dementia-inclusive hotel in Ireland.

"We recognise that dementia care requires more than general awareness, and we are committed to lead by example in inclusive hospitality and will continue to invest in training and service improvements to foster connection and awareness for people living with dementia.”

The National Community Engagement Manager at The ASI Cathryn O’Leary described it as "a privilege" to work alongside the "dedicated" team at the Slieve Russell Hotel.

She hopes the leadership shown there "inspires" other hotels across the country to "embrace inclusivity."