Autism Friendly Connemara is a nonprofit initiative working to make the region genuinely welcoming and accessible for autistic individuals and their families — as visitors, as residents, and as full participants in community life.

The programme works with local businesses, tourism providers, schools, and community organisations to develop autism-friendly practices, sensory-considerate environments, and training that moves beyond awareness into meaningful inclusion. Connemara's landscape — its quiet spaces, open horizons, and slower rhythms — already offers much of what many autistic people find restorative. Our work is to ensure the communities within that landscape are equally welcoming.

How It Began

Our Journey

October 2025

Connemara took the first steps to becoming autism friendly in October 2025, with the start of a volunteer committee to help Connemara secure AsIAm's Autism Friendly Town accreditation. Since then, we've been working with local businesses, community organisations, and families to build something lasting — a region where autistic people are not just accommodated, but genuinely welcomed.

Our Focus

What We're Building

Three areas of focus for a more inclusive Connemara

Training & Understanding

Practical autism awareness and inclusion training for businesses, tourism operators, and community organisations — built for real application, not just certification.

Sensory-Considerate Spaces

Working with local venues to create environments that account for sensory needs — from quieter hours and clear signage to comfortable spaces for regulation.

Community & Belonging

Building connections between autistic individuals, families, and the wider Connemara community — so that inclusion is lived, not just promised.

Leading the Way

Meet Our Champions

Autism Friendly Connemara Champions have committed to putting sensory accommodations in place. There is no limit to what these can include — from designating a quiet space or quiet time on site, to visual guides or social stories that tell a person what to expect when using a service.

What's Next

Coming Soon: Our Experiences

Curated sensory-friendly experiences across Connemara — walks, workshops, cultural visits, and more, designed with autistic individuals and families in mind.

Experiences launching soon

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Reach out to us by email and we'll walk you through the process — whether you're a business looking to become a Champion, a family seeking resources, or a volunteer ready to help.

We're not a single town — we're working across an entire region. Connemara's landscape already offers sensory restoration. Our job is to make the human welcome match what the land already provides.

Email us at hello@autismfriendlyconnemara.ie — we read and respond to every message.

Membership tiers support the programme financially and give you access to updates, events, and direct involvement in building an autism-friendly Connemara. See details below.

Collaborative, practical, and human. We work alongside businesses and organisations at their own pace, providing training and support that fits real working environments.

Support the Programme

Explore Our Memberships

Choose a tier that works for you

Tier 1

Bronze

€100

Annual subscription

Sign Up
Popular

Tier 2

Silver

€200

Annual subscription

Sign Up

Tier 3

Gold

€300

Annual subscription

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The People Behind the Work

Our Team

The volunteer committee driving Autism Friendly Connemara forward

Team profiles coming soon

Part of a National Movement

As I Am — Autism Friendly Towns

Autism Friendly Connemara is seeking certification through As I Am's Autism Friendly Towns programme, Ireland's national initiative to build communities where autistic people can participate in all aspects of life — socially, educationally, and professionally.

Learn more about As I Am

Get Involved

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, educator, or family — there's a role for you in making Connemara more inclusive. We'd love to hear from you.