Building Adventure Without Limits
The Challenge
Barretstown has been transforming the lives of children affected by serious illness and their families for more than 30 years. Their programmes focus on building confidence, resilience and connection through fun, adventure and shared experiences.
The challenge was clear: create an aerial adventure experience that could be enjoyed by the widest possible range of participants, regardless of physical ability, while maintaining the excitement and sense of accomplishment that comes from a traditional ropes course.
Accessibility could not be treated as an add-on. It had to be embedded into every aspect of the design.
Our Solution
Working closely with Barretstown and specialist accessibility partners, 7×19 developed a fully bespoke ropes course and giant swing experience designed around inclusion from the ground up.
The project included:
- Fully accessible ramped access, ensuring everyone reaches the course together.
- A unique dual belay system for side-by-side participation and support.
- Inclusive rope course elements that deliver both challenge and achievement.
- An accessible zip wire designed to create shared moments of adventure.
- A bespoke giant swing offering excitement, confidence-building and fun.
Every design decision was guided by a simple principle: more people, experiencing adventure together.
The course offers challenge by choice, allowing participants to engage at a level that feels right for them while still delivering the excitement, achievement and shared memories that adventure activities are known for.
A key feature of the project is the fully accessible ramped approach, allowing participants to access the ropes course in the same way as everyone else. Rather than creating separate routes or experiences, the design promotes a shared journey from the very first step onto the course.
The experience is further enhanced through a bespoke dual belay system, enabling carers, family members, support workers and instructors to move alongside participants throughout the course. This side-by-side access creates opportunities for encouragement, reassurance and shared achievement, ensuring adventure becomes a truly inclusive experience rather than an individual challenge.
By removing barriers and designing for togetherness, the course enables more people to participate confidently, safely and with greater independence.
Technical Design
Design, Engineering and Construction
As a complete design-and-build partner, 7×19 managed the project from concept through to completion.
Our in-house team combined specialist engineering, adventure experience design and practical construction expertise to create a robust, long-lasting installation capable of supporting Barretstown’s programmes for years to come.
Throughout the project, close collaboration with the Barretstown team ensured the finished experience reflected the needs of participants, camp staff and volunteers alike.
The result is a facility that doesn’t simply meet accessibility requirements but actively creates opportunities for participation that may not be possible elsewhere.
Creating Lasting Impact
What makes this project special is not the structure itself but what happens on it.
Every climb, swing and shared challenge becomes an opportunity for participants to discover new confidence, overcome barriers and experience moments they may never have thought possible.
For children and families facing significant challenges in their everyday lives, these moments matter.
The completed ropes course and giant swing now provide a centrepiece attraction within Barretstown’s adventure offering, helping to create unforgettable experiences for thousands of participants now and into the future.
Project Highlights
Client: Barretstown
Location: County Kildare, Ireland
Sector: Charity & Therapeutic Recreation
Scope: Design, Manufacture, Build & Training
Features:
- Accessible High Ropes Course
- Bespoke Giant Swing
- Inclusive Design Features
- Specialist Safety Systems
Why This Project Matters
At 7×19, we believe adventure should be for everyone.
The Barretstown Accessible Ropes Course and Giant Swing demonstrates how thoughtful design, specialist engineering and collaborative working can remove barriers to participation while delivering genuinely exciting experiences.
It’s a project we’re incredibly proud to have delivered and one that perfectly reflects our commitment to building adventure that changes lives.