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Frequent Asked Questions
Accessibility
Events
Shop FAQs
AddressCrúca CraftsSmithfield MarketBelfastBT1 1JEOur shop is located within Smithfield Market in Belfast city centre, opposite Coffee & Heroes, and is easily reached by public transport, with numerous bus routes and nearby transport links within walking distance.There is both a door through the inside of the market to our shop, and an external door which is opposite the Castle Court car park. The internal market door is locked at 5:30pm, however the external door remains open until 6pm and is the door to use for evening events
There are two accessible parking spaces directly outside the external entrance to the shop.Smithfield Market also has a customer car park with additional accessible parking spaces. Please note that this car park is currently open Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm.CastleCourt Shopping Centre, directly opposite Crúca Crafts, also provides accessible parking.
The entrance to the covered walkway outside the shop has two steps immediately in front of it. Approximately five metres to one side there is a ramp providing step-free access to the walkway.The external entrance door is a glass door measuring approximately 82cm wide. It opens inwards and has a slightly raised threshold measuring less than 2cm.During normal opening hours the internal shop door remains open. After 5.30pm it is locked for security. This doorway measures approximately 90cm wide and has no threshold or step.
The shop has smooth linoleum flooring throughout, with a rug beneath the sofa and armchairs in the seating area.The layout has been designed with wide aisles and generous space between displays. Most wheelchair users should be able to turn comfortably within the shop. Please note that, as with any retail space, movement may become more restricted during particularly busy periods.
You're welcome to use whichever seating feels most comfortable.Available seating includes:Two reclining armchairs that rock gently forwards and backwards to assist with sitting down and standing up.A three-seat sofa.A dining table with six chairs for workshops and crafting.A lightweight coffee table that can easily be moved if additional space is needed.For workshops, there is no expectation that you must sit at the table. You're very welcome to work from one of the armchairs or the sofa if that's more comfortable.
Our card machine is portable, allowing staff to bring it to you if reaching the counter is difficult. Payments can be made using either cash, card, or payment link.Baskets are available on request, or customers are welcome to place items on the table if necessary. Counter height measurements will be added soon.
We do not currently have customer toilets within the shop.Public toilets are available within Smithfield Market (next to the entrance to the carpark) during market opening hours (currently until 5:30pm).Public toilets are also available in CastleCourt Shopping Centre directly opposite the market.We recognise that not having a toilet within the shop isn't ideal and we're actively exploring ways to improve this in the future.
The shop has bright halogen ceiling lighting together with plenty of natural daylight during daytime opening hours.We also have several adjustable table lamps that can be switched between warm and cool white lighting to provide additional task lighting for crafting.The lighting cannot currently be dimmed.There are no flashing lights or strobe lighting used within the shop.
We usually play quiet background music through a speaker.If you would prefer less noise, please let us know. We're happy to turn the music off or adjust the volume whenever possible.Our aim is for Crúca Crafts to feel like a calm, relaxing place to spend time, and we'll always do our best to maintain a comfortable environment.Customers are very welcome to wear headphones or ear defenders
Some visitors may notice:Tea and coffee being prepared.A lightly scented lavender wax melt.Typical craft material smells during workshops.Occasionally, our elderly Basset Hound!If you have sensitivities to fragrances or particular materials, please get in touch before visiting and we'll do our best to help.
Our workshops are designed to be relaxed, welcoming and flexible.You'll receive printed instructions for every workshop. If you'd prefer a digital copy, large print or another accessible format, we're happy to provide one wherever possible.We encourage everyone to work at their own pace. There is never any pressure to finish a project within the session.You're welcome to:Take breaks whenever you need.Leave and return during a session.Stand up and stretch.Move to a different seat if you're more comfortable elsewhere.Wear headphones or ear defenders.Stim.Ask questions as often as you need.We understand that everyone learns differently and we'll always do our best to adapt our teaching style where possible.
Many of our events are attended by neurodivergent crafters, and we want our shop to feel like a safe, welcoming environment.You are welcome to:Stim.Wear sensory aids.Wear headphones.Take movement breaks.Work quietly.Socialise as much or as little as you like.There is no expectation to make conversation or participate beyond your own comfort level.Photographs of the shop will be available online so you can familiarise yourself with the space before visiting.
We aim to provide clear printed instructions and good lighting for crafting.At present, the walls and flooring are similar in colour, meaning there isn't a strong visual contrast between them. We understand this may make navigation more difficult for some visually impaired visitors and hope to improve this over time.If there's anything we can do to make your visit easier, please let us know.
We stock a range of ergonomic and easy-grip craft tools.If there's an accessible product or adaptation that would make crafting easier for you, we'd genuinely love to hear about it. We're always looking to expand our range to better support our community.We're also happy to suggest different techniques or adaptations during workshops wherever possible.
Creativity shouldn't be exhausting.Please feel free to:Take as many breaks as you need.Rest on the sofa or armchairs.Craft at your own pace.Bring cushions or other comfort aids.Move around the shop whenever you need to.Our aim is for Crúca Crafts to be somewhere you can relax, not somewhere you feel rushed.
Our resident dog is a 14-year-old Basset Hound.He's usually asleep on the sofa or rug and rarely pays much attention to visitors. He doesn't bark or jump up and is extremely friendly.If you're nervous around dogs, have an allergy or simply prefer him not to be nearby, please let us know before your visit. We'll happily make alternative arrangements wherever possible.Assistance dogs are always welcome.Water bowls are available and there's plenty of space beside seating areas.
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