This is a lovely way to make fun events more inclusive.

Fota Island Resort will be running special sensory-friendly hours for their two upcoming family events in 2019 – Spooky Town and the Wonder Christmas experience.

Aimed at children and adults with sensory needs, these tailored experiences are ‘softer’ versions of the two hugely popular experiences, with significantly reduced crowds and more gentle volume and lighting.

On set dates, the music at both Spooky Town and Wonder will be softer and the lighting dimmer to create a calming and soothing atmosphere. There are also different exit options available throughout, as well as full wheelchair accessibility.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at both events and accompanying care assistants will receive complimentary admission.

“We hope to make Spooky Town and Wonder as inclusive as we possibly can and we will have help from Santa and his elves in this regard,” said Séamus Leahy, Director of Marketing.

“For any assistance people need during the events, the public are welcome to email us at christmas@fotaisland.ie and we can advise those with sensory needs how best to enjoy Spooky Town and Wonder.”

The Spooky Town sensory day is on Sunday, October 27th from 6.15pm – 6.30pm. Tickets start at €14 and kids under two go free for the 45-minute experience.

This year’s Wonder sensory friendly days are:

· Saturday 23rd November: 7:20pm – 7:40pm
· Friday 29th November: 2pm – 2.20pm
· Saturday 7th December: 9.10am – 9.30am
· Sunday 8th December: 9pm – 9.20pm
· Tuesday 10th December: 8.10pm – 8.30pm
· Sunday 15th December: 9.10am – 9.30am
· Thursday 19th December: 2pm – 2.20pm

The Wonder Christmas experience lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Individual tickets for Wonder at Fota Island Resort cost from €14 to €18 per adult and €21 to €28 per child, children under one go free.

To keep these slots exclusive to anyone who wishes to avail of the sensory friendly times at Spooky Town and Wonder, call or email the Fota booking agents on 021 202 4024 or spookytown@fotaisland.ie.

Fota Island Resort’s charity night will see twenty local charities attend, along with approximately 1,000 family members.