A new chapter for inclusive recreation has opened on Dublin Bay. Ireland’s first electric wheelchair-accessible boating service is now operating from Dún Laoghaire Harbour, giving wheelchair users and people with disabilities a new way to enjoy the water.
The initiative, called Boathub, provides free, bookable harbour trips, fishing experiences and other boating activities. It is centred on Grace, an electrically powered Wheelyboat V20 designed to make getting on the water safer and more practical for people with reduced mobility.
Dublin news: Boathub brings inclusive boating to the harbour
Officially launched on 21 September 2026 by Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Boathub is intended to broaden access to one of the capital’s best-known maritime destinations.
The service reflects a growing focus on accessible public amenities across Dublin. By offering structured, bookable experiences, Boathub can help more residents and visitors participate in outdoor activities, connect with the coastline and enjoy the social and wellbeing benefits associated with time on the water.
What the new service offers
- Free, bookable trips within Dún Laoghaire Harbour
- Fishing experiences adapted for participants with disabilities
- Access to Ireland’s first electrically powered wheelchair-accessible vessel
- Inclusive recreational activities for wheelchair users and other visitors
The launch was supported by Green Kite and Community Foundation Ireland. Their involvement brought together environmental responsibility, community participation and equality, while Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council supported the project as part of its wider commitment to inclusive facilities.
A practical step towards a more accessible Dublin
Boathub also strengthens Dún Laoghaire Harbour’s position as a recreational and community destination. The electric vessel combines lower-impact transport with accessible design, showing how innovation can improve participation without compromising the character of the harbour environment.
For local residents, the service creates an opportunity to experience familiar surroundings differently. For visitors, it adds another accessible attraction to Dublin’s coastal offering. Its launch is particularly significant because maritime activities have not always been easy to access for people with mobility challenges.
The project’s partners have indicated that further work is being considered, suggesting that the launch may be the beginning of a broader programme of accessible and environmentally conscious initiatives around the harbour.
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Why this launch matters
Accessible recreation supports inclusion, independence and community wellbeing. Boathub gives people who may previously have faced barriers to boating a chance to participate in a memorable coastal experience, while also demonstrating the value of partnerships between local government, charities and community organisations.
With Grace now based at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, the initiative offers a clear takeaway: accessibility can be built into everyday public experiences through thoughtful design and collaboration. For Dublin, this is an important move towards ensuring that the benefits of the city’s waterfront are open to everyone.
