Ireland's Only Theme Park is JAM Card™ Friendly and this Summer is the Perfect Time to Visit

Pictured: Sarah Laverty and the team from Emerald Park with Nicola Tipping, JAM Card and participants from NOW Group.

With summer in full swing and families across Ireland planning their days out, we wanted to shine a light on a partnership we're incredibly proud of and that's been quietly making a big difference since 2024.

Emerald Park, Ireland's only theme park and zoo, is a JAM Card™ Friendly partner.

This is exactly the kind of partnership that matters most to us. Tens of thousands of families visit Emerald Park every year and many of those families include someone with a hidden disability. Now, every one of those visitors can walk through those gates knowing the team there has been trained to understand, to give a little extra time, and to make every moment of the day feel easier.

What does being JAM Card™ Friendly mean at Emerald Park?

It means staff have completed JAM Card™ training, giving them a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities and communication barriers. It means JAM Card™ awareness is visible throughout the park — on posters, staff lanyard badges, and signage — so guests always know they're in a safe, welcoming space. Above all it means that if you need just a minute, all you have to do is show your card.

Emerald Park went a step further too. In partnership with JAM Card™, they created a Social Stories guide, a detailed resource that helps guests with additional needs know exactly what to expect before they arrive. Which areas of the park are highly sensory. Where the quieter spots are. What the day might look and feel like. It's the kind of thoughtful preparation that can be the difference between a family staying home and a family having the day of their lives.

Charles Coyle, Managing Director of Emerald Park, put it simply: "Our aim is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all our guests feel comfortable."

That's what JAM Card™ Friendly looks like in action.

Emerald Park joins 3,500 businesses who are JAM Card Friendly.

The Just a Minute (JAM) Card is a simple and discreet tool provided by the NOW Group that allows people with learning difficulties, autism or other communication barriers to signal that they need a little extra time or patience. It is available as both a physical card and a mobile app, providing an easy, silent way for individuals to communicate their needs. There are currently 210,000 JAM Card users worldwide.

If you're planning a trip to Emerald Park check out https://www.emeraldpark.ie/plan-your-visit/park-accessibility/social-stories/.

To find out how your organisation can become JAM Card friendly, visit www.jamcard.org/for-business.