CLASS wishes to make our events as accessible as practical for kinksters with an interest in impact play. We hope the information below will be helpful to first-time attendees who have accessibility concerns.
A video showing the general venue layout is available here (note that some modifications have been made since the video was made, though the overall layout remains unchanged). Additional photos are available on the DV8-Dublin profile **Note that as the venue is continuously being improved, furniture layout and equipment may vary from the video and photos.**
Please contact us at class.ireland@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about accessibility of our events.
Entrance
The main entrance of the back bar where CLASS events are held is level with the footpath (ramp up to footpath from street at the corner) and has manual double doors which open outward.
Layout
The main entrance to the back bar is a slightly sloped corridor where attendees will be checked in for the event. The accessible toilet is located on this corridor. The front bar (not used for CLASS events and may be open to the general public during our events) can be accessed by a through a separate entrance from the street (the street entrance has several steps).
The back bar is located through a set of manual double doors at the end of this corridor. The main floor of the back bar is level with the corridor and contains the bar and several seating areas/play stations. Additional seating and play stations are available down two steps. The upper floor is accessed by stairs (there is no lift) and contains additional seating, play spaces, and a smoking area. Attendees may also smoke on the footpath outside the main entrance.
Toilets
Main toilets are located down a flight of stairs from the ground floor of the back bar. These toilets are nominally separated by gender; we do not police who uses which toilet. The “men’s” toilet may be used as a play space for the janitor. The “women’s” toilet is considered unisex and no play is allowed in this area.
There is a non-gendered accessible toilet on the ground floor behind a single wide manual door. This toilet measures approximately 8’x7’ and contains a toilet with a pull bar on the wall, a separate sink with a long handled tap, and no other equipment (though the venue occasionally stores miscellaneous items here).
Seating and Spaciousness
The bar and first floor balcony have bar height chairs. The remaining seating (chairs, stools, benches, and sofas) is at table level. Tables are supported by central legs. Additional plastic chairs will be available for students and monitors.
The area is generally spacious, and furniture can be moved to facilitate access if needed as some spaces can become tighter when crowded.
Flooring
The flooring at the entrance, in the main area of the pub, and on the upper floor is a mixture of smooth wood and artificial hard flooring. The main stairs to the upper floor are wood (there is no lift). The back sections of the ground floor are carpeted and only accessible down two steps. The smoking area (on the upper floor) has a wooden floor. Floors may be slippery when wet.
Crowding and noise
Crowding levels vary widely, from quite spacious to moderately busy. Noise levels vary similarly. There are often quieter areas available in the lobby if a break from the noise is required.
There is background music which is set slightly lower than typical conversation level.
Lighting
The lighting in the bar can be set to varying levels. For our event, the bar will be fully lit (on the bright side of the typical pub range), and we use a variety of portable lamps to increase ambient lighting where needed.
Food/Allergens/Odours
Crisps and peanuts are available from the bar. Attendees may order or bring in food if they wish.
Beverages
Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from the front bar (open to the public). Tap water will be made available in the back bar free of charge.
Financial Access
We strive to keep our costs low to maximise financial accessibility of our event. The entry fee covers venue rental only; all setup, monitoring, and administrative work is done by volunteers and all supplies are donated.
Temperature
The back bar is large and temperatures may vary with crowd levels and seasonally. In particular, the room may be on the cold side especially at the beginning of the night during the winter, and the room tends to be very warm in summer. Fans or heaters will be set up to make the space more comfortable when needed. We recommend dressing in layers so that you can be comfortable in a range of temperatures.
Transport
The venue is located in the city centre, and is therefore within a few minutes’ walk of many public transport options. The venue does not have its own parking, and availability of parking on-street and in nearby car parks varies.
Dress Code
We do not enforce a dress code, though we encourage participants to dress for their intended roles.
Bags/backpacks are welcome.
Items may be left at coat racks at your own risk; we do not provide a cloakroom attendant. Please keep any valuables with you.
Discretion
Participants wishing to take photographs may do so in a designated area immediately after the event. A monitor will be present to ensure that no non-consenting attendees are in frame.
Area leads may take photographs of the final setup for each area. These photographs will be announced by the leads who will ensure that the area is cleared of all attendees before taking photos.
No other photography is allowed by participants at our events.
Staff Relations
All venue staff are kink-friendly, and the venue has a demonstrated history of helping make the space suitable for those wishing to attend events. We are also happy to assist with any accessibility-related conversations with venue staff.
Further Questions or Additional Information
Please contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns about accessibility of our events.
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Thanks to HollyHop for the Checklist used to guide this assessment.
CLASS Ireland 