Resources for Parents in Meath and Cavan

This page contains links to resources in the Meath and Cavan area. We are always adding to this page so please check back regularly for new resources added. 

Disclaimer: Links to third-party articles and/or websites are for general information purposes only and are not an endorsement of any product or service. The other parties are responsible for the content on their website(s).

Benefits and Entitlements

This leaflet has been designed to provide you with some basic information about the various benefits & entitlements that you and your child may be eligible to apply for. This document is intended for information purposes only. Updated February 2025.

Benefits and Entitlements for parents and carers.
Occupational Therapy Advice Sheet Toileting and Toilet Training
Occupational Therapy Advice Sheet Toileting and Toilet Training.
Toe-walking information leaflet
Toe-walking information leaflet.
Balance Falls Information Leaflet
Balance Falls Information Leaflet.
Coordination Leaflet

Information leaflet from our physiotherapy team on coordination

Coordination information leaflet
Understanding Your Child's Autism Diagnosis

Resource by AsIam on Understanding your Child's Autism Diagnosis.

Understanding your Child's Autism Diagnosis
Hypermobility Leaflet

Home guide about hypermobility.

Hypermobility Information Leaflet
Scoliosis Leaflet

Home guide to scoliosis monitoring.

Scoliosis Information Leaflet
Services Supporting Families

AsIam
Tel: 01 445 3203 | Email: support@asiam.ie
Autism Information Line (Mon–Thu, 10am–3pm): 0818 234 234
Facebook: AsIAmIreland | Website: asiam.ie

Meath Partnership (SICAP Programme)

Supports inclusion, training, mentoring, and wellbeing for families and those with disabilities.
Contact: Monica Nelson – monica.nelson@meathpartnership.ie | 046 928 0790

Young Carers

Supports under-18s who care for a family member with an illness or disability. Offers peer support, events, and resources.

Freephone: 1800 24 0724

Email youngcares@familycarers.ie  | Website www.youngcarers.ie

Family Carers Ireland

Supports family carers with training, respite, and local services.
Freephone: 1800 24 07 24

Email  info@familycarers.ie | Website familycarers.ie

Parentline

Offers confidential support, guidance, and a listening ear to parents and guardians facing parenting challenges.
Tel: 01 873 3500 or 1890 927 277
Email: info@parentline.ie|  Website: www.parentline.ie

Community Sports & Activities

Meath Sports Ability
Tel: 046 906 7337 | Email: elaine.banville@meathcoco.ie
Facebook: MeathSportsAbility | meathsports.ie/disability-sports

Castle Villa AFC
Inclusive football (ages 6–16).
Gary: 087 961 6826 | Pat: 087 211 5899

Spectrum Kids Fitness (Huntstown)
Autism-spectrum fitness & social classes.
Tel: 087 256 8678 | Facebook: Spectrum Kids Fitness

Aura Swimming (Navan/Trim)
Mainstream swimming lessons for children with disabilities (age 3+).
Navan: 046 907 995 | Trim: 046 943 8730 | auraleisure.ie

Knightsbrook Leisure Centre (Trim)
Saturday swimming lessons for children with disabilities.
Tel: 046 948 2100 | knightsbrook.com/health-club-swimming.htm

Surf2Heal
Annual surf event for children with autism.
surf2heal.org

National Aquatic Centre

Offers swimming lessons and inclusive camps:

  • 10-week swimming lessons
    • Age 4+: Tuesdays 3:00pm – 5:30pm
    • Age 8+: Thursdays 7:45pm – 8:30pm
  • Seasonal multi-sport camps offered during:
    • Summer
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Mid-Term Breaks
  • Sensory Areas located in the building (free to use)

Contact:

Learn to Cycle

A six-week program led by a qualified Cycling Ireland instructor. Includes various games during sessions.
Runs at different times throughout the year in various locations around Meath.

Contact:

Run-Jump-Throw

A six-week program supporting gross motor development through sports, fun games, and obstacle challenges.
Adaptable to each child’s needs.
Runs at various times throughout the year in various locations around Meath.

Contact:

Inclusive Rugby
GAA For All

Inclusive GAA programs are available across several counties:

Locations & Clubs:

  • Meath:

    • Ratoath GFC
    • Clann na nGael GFC
    • Moynalty GFC
    • Dunboyne GFC
    • St Colmcilles (East Meath)
    • Navan O’Mahony’s
    • Dundalk Ballrotherm GFC

  • Louth:

    • Mattock Rangers (Collon)
    • Dundalk Gaels
    • Naomh Martin (Monasterboice)
    • Cooley Kickhams (Cooley)
    • Ballymun Kickhams (Ballymun)

  • North Kildare:

    • Sarsfields (Newbridge)
    • Celbridge GAA Club (Celbridge)

Contact:

  • Through team websites or local clubs
Football for All
  • Weekly training sessions held in various locations around Meath, including East Meath United

Contact:

Balrath FC

Contact Information:

Football for All (Club Programme)

Participating Clubs:

Football-for-All – Vision Impaired Football

Contact:

Enjoy Tennis

Contact:

  • Richard Turner (Kells Tennis Club Coach)
  • Phone: 086-8542410
  • Sessions: Weekly training at Kells Tennis Club, Sundays 12pm–1pm
  • Website: tennisireland.ie/enjoy-tennis
Drumshaughlin Dance
  • All classes are inclusive
  • Dance styles offered:
    • Hip-Hop
    • Acrobatic Dance
    • Ballroom/Latin
    • Jazz
    • Baby Boppers
D.P. Gymnastics

Contact:

Braveheart Martial Arts Academy
  • All classes are inclusive to all children.
  • Instructors are able to adapt the class to suit each child’s needs.

Location:

  • Oak Tree Industrial Estate, Trim, Co. Meath

Contact:

Spectrum Fitness Huntstown
  • Spectrum Kids Fitness organizes evening classes with a variety of activities each week.
  • Focuses on building fitness, social skills, and self-confidence.
  • Classes are specifically designed for autistic children.

Contact:

Scouts (Inclusive Scouting Groups in Ireland)

Locations & Contacts:

 

 

Soft Play & Children’s Classes

Huckleberry Den (Navan)
Soft play centre; monthly special needs events + toddler mornings.
Tel: 046 909 3377 | huckleberrysden.ie | puddenhill.com

Ship Shape Kids Play (Castleknock)
Soft play (1–11 yrs); autism-friendly monthly sessions.
Tel: 01 829 4123 | shipshapekidsplay@gmail.com | shipshapekidsplay.com | Facebook: shipshapekidsplay

Gymboree (Meath)
Art, music, sports & baby massage; summer camps.
Contact (Navan/Dunshaughlin): Karla – 086 814 1534 | playandmusic.ie

Equestrian & Therapy Riding

Brookfield Stables, Navan
Summer camps and lessons for children of all abilities.
Tel: 087 138 1716
Email: info@brookfieldstables.ie
Website: brookfieldstables.ie

Riding for Disabled Association Ireland (RDAI)
Therapeutic riding and carriage driving in Pelletstown and Kells.
Contact: Helena O’Reilly
Email: helenaoreilly@eircom.net

Old Town Riding Stables, North Co. Dublin
Special needs-friendly riding school, affiliated with Special Olympics Ireland and RDAI.
Tel: 01 835 4755

Ability Equine Assisted Therapy, Castletown, Navan
Therapeutic riding, children’s camps and carer mornings.
Tel: 086 159 4997
Website: aeat.ie

Support Groups

 

Down Syndrome Louth Meath Branch
Parent-run support group offering family supports and activities.
Website: dsilmb.com
Facebook: facebook.com/downsyndromeirelandlouthmeathbranch

Autism Support Louth & Meath
Parent-led group offering youth clubs, family events and support meetings.
Website: autismsupportlouth.com

Special Hands Group, Meath
Activity group for children with learning delays and disabilities. Support for new parents.
Tel: 046 924 1004
Email: theresaolohan@gmail.com
Website: specialhandsgroup.com

Music, Arts & Creativity

Music Matters Inclusive Choir
Community choir welcoming people of all abilities. Fully accessible venues.
Location: MACRO Centre, Dublin 7
Email: inclusivcechoir@gmail.com

Best O’Matz, Kells
Sensory playroom for children with specialised lighting, toys and stimulation.
Tel: 046 929 3432

The Bricks Club
Inclusive Lego-based activity clubs for all ages and abilities.
Navan Contact: Sarah – 089 212 9802
Website: thebrickxclub.com

 

Libraries & Cultural Activities

Navan Library
Sensory Hour: Saturdays 2:00–4:00pm
Website: meath.ie

Athboy Library
Free parent and baby group Fridays 10:30am–12:00pm
Tel: 046 943 2539

Ashbourne Library
Events for ages 0–6 including stories, music, Lego, drama and massage classes.
Tel: 01 835 8185
Website: meath.ie

Kells Library
Regular children’s and baby groups.
Contact via meath.ie

Solstice Arts Centre, Navan
Autism-friendly film screenings and events.
Tel: 046 909 2300
Website: solsticeartscentre.ie

Odeon Newbies (Various Locations)
Parent and baby cinema screenings with softer volume and lighting.
Website: odeoncinemas.ie/newbies

Sensory Shops & Resources

Adam and Friends, Dublin 11
Sensory toys and equipment. Multi-sensory room installations.
Tel: 01 899 1041
Website: specialneedstoys.com

Sensational Kids, Kildare
Developmental toy store supporting therapy services.
Tel: 045 520 900
Website: sensationalkids.ie

Sensory Kids Store (Online)
Products tailored to sensory needs.
Website: sensorykidstore.com

Thinking Toys (Online)
Irish-run store with toys for children with additional needs.
Tel: 061 374 402 or 085 889 4855
Email: info@thinkingtoys.ie
Website: thinkingtoys.ie

Delta Sensory Gardens, Carlow
2.5-acre accessible sensory gardens with themed areas.
Tel: 059 914 3527

Community Services and Initiatives
AsIAm – Purple Card
  • The Purple Card allows individuals to access discounts at various venues across Ireland, including:
    • Emerald Park
    • Dublin Zoo
    • Titanic Belfast
    • And other locations nationwide
  • Website: asiam.ie/shop
Just A Minute (JAM) Cards
  • A card that signals the need for extra time and patience in public or social situations.
  • Widely accepted across Ireland at:
    • Transport Services: Bus Éireann, DART, Luas, Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, TFI Local Link
    • Grocery Stores: Lidl, EuroSpar, Spar
    • Banks: AIB, Bank of Ireland
SuperValu Autism Friendly Shopping
Lidl Autism Friendly Shopping
  • Weekly sensory-friendly shopping time:
    • Tuesdays: 6:00–8:00pm
  • Locations: Bettystown, Dunshaughlin, Ashbourne, Balbriggan, Clonee, Navan, Trim, Creighan
Aldi Autism Friendly Shopping
  • Weekly sensory-friendly shopping time:
    • Tuesdays: 6:30–8:30pm
  • Available at all 156 Aldi locations across Ireland
Penneys – Autism Friendly Shopping
  • Sensory-friendly shopping during the first hour of trade on Sundays.
  • Locations: Blanchardstown, Navan, Liffey Valley
  • Website: primark.com/en-ie/autism-friendly
Down Syndrome Louth Meath Branch
Autism Support Louth and Meath
  • Parent-led support group for families of autistic children and adults.
  • Based mainly in Drogheda.
  • Offers:
    • Monthly support group meetings
    • Weekly youth clubs
    • Training courses
    • Family events
    • Advocacy and information sharing
  • Website: autismsupportlouth.com
  • Check the ‘News’ section for event updates.
Best O’Matz
  • Offers a therapeutic sensory playroom based on:
    • Smell
    • Sound
    • Sight
    • Touch
  • Features include:
    • Sensory activity equipment
    • Sensory lighting
    • Exotic fish tank
  • Location: Kells Business Park, Cavan Road, Kells, Co. Meath
Walking Trails Around Meath
1. Boyne Ramparts Walk
  • Time: 2–2.5 hours
  • Length: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start Point: Stackallen or Navan Ramparts
2. Mullaghmeen Forest
  • Time: 120 minutes
  • Length: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start Point: Mullaghmeen Forest Car Park
3. Summerhill Woods
  • Time: 40 minutes – 1 hour
  • Length: 2 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start Point: Summerhill Wood Car Park
4. Hill of Tara
  • Time: 40–60 minutes
  • Length: 5 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start Point: Church Car Park, Tara Hill
5. Trim Castle River Walk
  • Time: 40 minutes
  • Length: 1.5 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start Point: Trim Castle Car Park
6. Littlewood Forest Walk
  • Time: 40 minutes
  • Length: 2 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start Point: Forest Entrance Car Park
Special Olympics Ireland – Sports
Athletics

Club Locations & Times:

  • Ashbourne: Ashbourne Community Centre – Saturday 10:00–11:00am
  • Dunshaughlin: Dunshaughlin Community Centre – Tuesday 6:00–7:00pm
  • Navan: Claremont Stadium – Friday 7:00–8:00pm
  • Drogheda: Stag Hall – Monday 6:00–8:00pm & Friday 5:00–6:00pm

Find Athletics Club

Basketball

Club Locations & Times:

  • Navan (Arch Club): Beaufort College – Thursday 7:30–8:30pm
  • Drogheda: Drogheda Institute of Further Education – Wednesday 7:30–8:30pm

Find Basketball Club

Bocce

Club Locations & Times:

  • Navan (Arch Club): Beaufort College – Thursday 7:30–8:30pm
  • Drogheda: Stag Hall – Monday 4:00–5:00pm

 Find Bocce Club

Equestrian

Club Location & Times:

  • Meath Equestrian Centre:
    • Tuesday 4:00–5:00pm
    • Wednesday 4:00pm

 Find Equestrian Club

Special Olympics Ireland – Sports
Floorball

Club Locations & Times:

  • Navan (Arch Club): St. Mary's Hall – Wednesday 7:00–8:00pm
  • Navan (Royal Rovers): Claremont Stadium – Tuesday 6:00–7:00pm
  • Ashbourne: Ashbourne Community Centre – Saturday 10:00–11:00am

Find Floorball Club

Football

Club Locations & Times:

  • Ashbourne: Ashbourne Community Centre – Thursday 7:00–8:00pm
  • Drogheda: Drogheda Leisure Park – Thursday 6:00–7:00pm & Saturday 12:00–1:00pm

Find Football Club

Golf

Club Location & Time:

  • Drogheda: County Louth Golf Club – Thursday 11:00am–12:00pm

Find Golf Club

Kayaking

Club Location & Time:

  • Cavan Town: Cavan Canoe Centre – Wednesday 6:30–8:00pm

 Find Kayaking Club