Skip to main content

Armagh Planetarium

College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The Observatory, Planetarium and the Astropark all share the same car park.

Opening Times

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 11:30 - 17:00.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Armagh.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Portadown.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located between the Planetarium and the Astropark.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 460cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is shared with the Astropark and Armagh Observatory.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the building.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the ramp (if you are coming from the car park) or directly in front of the entrance as you face the building.
    • There is/are 15+ step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Reception (Reception and Gift Shop)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/10/2021.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the public areas.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • There are fixed hearing loops at reception and in the theatre.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located along the ground floor main corridor.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the ramp.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The photographs show the level change in the main corridor and to one of the exhibition areas off the corridor respectively.

Entrance (First Floor - Theatre)

  • This information is for the entrance located beyond the reception desk.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 145cm.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in at the rear of the auditorium.
  • Designated seating with limited views is very good.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • It is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair, please ask at reception.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Eating and Drinking (Ground Floor - Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • The cafĂ© is located beyond the reception area to your left.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is cold snacks.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left past reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 130cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Ground Floor - Sensory Room

  • Access to the sensor room is via a set of heavy double doors.
  • The doors open away from you (push) and to a width of 140cm.
  • The lighting is varied throughout the sensory room.

Changing Places (First Floor)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on the first floor, left after you exit the lift, at the end of the corridor.
    • The facility is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the first floor lift.
    • The facility is not in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall .
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 290cm x 500cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 60cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located off the ground floor main corridor.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 237cm (5ft 2in x 7ft 9in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet on the first floor.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.