Autism Friendly
Shopping & Sensory Hub
Here in City Square Waterford, we aim to make shopping with us an enjoyable experience for everyone. We have prepared a storyboard to help people with autism, and their families, navigate their way through City Square Shopping Centre with ease.
Parent & Child Sensory Hub
In Partnership with Autism Friendly Waterford & AsIAm
A calm, supportive space designed to help children relax, regulate, and engage with sensory-friendly equipment.
How to Visit the Sensory Hub
Before using the hub, parents or guardians are asked to complete a short disclaimer form confirming that participation is voluntary, that children will be supervised at all times, and that all equipment will be used safely and appropriately.
Step-by-Step Access Guide
1
Book Your Visit
Email info@city-square.ie in advance, OR call the number on the Hub door upon arrival on Level 4.
2
Fill Out the Form
Parents/guardians must complete a short online form before or upon entry.
3
Enjoy Your Session
Staff will unlock the door for your booked 20-minute slot (sessions start on the hour and half-hour).
4
Call When Leaving
Simply call the supervisor number on the door again when your session is finished.
Essential Rules for Your Visit
Important information to help keep the Sensory Hub safe, calm, and fair for everyone.
20-minute time limit per visit (slots run on the hour & half-hour).
Full parent/guardian supervision required at all times.
No eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping inside the hub.
Equipment must be used safely and appropriately for everyone's comfort.
“Today, I am going to City Square Shopping Centre.”
Arriving on Foot
There are three main entrances to City Square.
I can enter the centre by walking through either of these entrances.
OR
Arriving by Car
There is also a Car Park in City Square if I come by car. When I drive into the car park I see a ticket machine on my right-hand side. When I press the button, the machine will give me a ticket and the barrier will go up.
📌 I must remember to Pay my ticket before I come back to my car when I am leaving.
What will I see when I enter the shopping centre?
When I enter City Square Shopping Centre, I will find lots of cool shops. There are shops that sell clothes, groceries, books, tech and lots more.
There is also a pharmacy, an opticians, a barbers and hairdressers.
Upstairs on Level 4, I can visit the FOODHALL.
Where can I go if I need a break?
I can come here to sit down if I need a break.
I can ask at ANY of the Food Outlets in the Foodhall for a Sensory Support Kit.
Available in these Food Outlets:
Starbucks
The Pantry
Abrakebabra
O’Brien’s
And if I am feeling a bit overwhelmed or fidgety…
Getting around City Square Shopping Centre.
By Escalator
There is one escalator in the Shopping Centre. I can use this to get to Level 4.
When I get on, I should stand still and hold the railing. The escalator will move upwards. Once it reaches the top, I can step off.
By Lift
There is also a lift in City Square Shopping Centre. I can use this lift to get to any level in the Shopping Centre.
When the doors open I will step into the lift.
I will choose which floor I want to go to and press the button.
LIFT FLOOR GUIDE:
Level 4 – FOODHALL & TOILETS
Level 3 – SHOPPING MALL
Level 2 – CAR PARK (A, B, C)
Level 1 – CAR PARK (D & E)
Using the toilet at City Square Shopping Centre.
If I want to use the toilet I can go to Level 4.
To get to Level 4, I can use the escalator, the lift or the stairs.
For Men
The entrance to the men’s toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing toilets look like this.
For Ladies
The entrance to the ladies toilets look like this.
Leaving City Square Shopping Centre
Leaving on Foot
When I am finished my Shopping at City Square I can leave through the same door I came in.
This is what they look like from inside the shopping centre.
OR
Leaving by Car
Or if our car is parked in the car park, I will leave this way.
When I reach the end of the travelator, I will step off and turn right. In this area I will see the PAY STATION where I will pay my parking ticket.
Upcoming Sensory Events
Stay updated on sensory-friendly events happening at City Square
Sensory Santa Experience Returns this 2026!
We are excited to welcome back our low-sensory Santa visits, tailored specifically for neurodivergent children and sensory-sensitive families.
Designed to provide a calm, gentle, and unhurried environment, these visits allow families to enjoy a festive experience at their own pace without the usual noise and crowds.
Booking details and time slots will be announced soon!
