The Slieve Russell Hotel offers a safe, supportive environment for guests living with dementia and their families.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) in partnership with the Slieve Russell Hotel, Co. Cavan has proudly launched Ireland’s first dementia-inclusive hotel.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell T.D., the hotel offers a safe, supportive environment for guests living with dementia and their families.
This initiative is another important milestone in The ASI’s mission to make Ireland’s towns, cities, and communities dementia-inclusive. 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 compassionate, 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.
There are 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, 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:
“I am pleased to officially launch Ireland’s first dementia-inclusive hotel, a partnership between The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Slieve Russell Hotel here in Cavan. 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.”
Orla Murphy, People and Culture Manager at Slieve Russell Hotel said:
“We are proud to be the first dementia-inclusive hotel in Ireland, dedicated to creating a warm, safe, welcoming and understanding environment for guests living with dementia and their families. 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.”
Cathryn O’Leary, National Community Engagement Manager, The ASI said:
“We applaud the Slieve Russell Hotel for setting a powerful precedent in the Irish hospitality industry by becoming Ireland’s first dementia-inclusive hotel. This milestone ensures that people living with dementia can travel with confidence, knowing they will be welcomed, supported and understood. It has been a privilege to work alongside the dedicated team at the Slieve Russell Hotel, and we hope their leadership inspires other hotels across the country to embrace inclusivity – helping to build a more compassionate and dementia-friendly Ireland, one community at a time.”
Barry Egan of Slieve Russell Hotel said:
“As someone whose parent is living with dementia, I’ve seen firsthand 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.”
About Dementia
- There are 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland, and the number of people with the condition will double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.*
- There are 11,000 new cases of dementia in Ireland each year. That’s at least 30 people every day, and anyone can get dementia – even people in their 30s/40s/50s.**
- Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions that cause brain changes and damage.
- Dementia is progressive. There is currently no cure. Dementia is not simply a health issue but a social issue that requires a community response.
- The majority of people with dementia (63%) live at home in the community. Over 180,000 people in Ireland are currently or have been carers for a family member or partner with dementia, with many more providing support and care in other ways.
- 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland is under 65.
Alzheimer National Helpline:
The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at [email protected] or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie.
