(Ireland) Cork to be "as autism-friendly as possible"

Mar 31, 2025, Echo Live: TV: Cork town’s mission to be autism-friendly in focus 

The mission of a Cork town to become as autism-friendly as possible for locals and visitors is recognised next week.

To mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Nationwide on RTÉ1 on Wednesday at 7pm heads to Clonakilty to assess its credentials.

The West Cork town has adapted many of its shops and businesses into spaces to better support and accommodate those who are neurodivergent.

Those on the autism spectrum face additional challenges while navigating their way through life, and reporter Brian Hurley sees how Clonakilty has made great strides in its efforts to welcome people on the spectrum.

Also in the episode, the team visits Trinity College Dublin to learn about a new map designed to inform the college community about different sensory environments across the campus.

The college has recruited two neurodiverse students to develop the interactive digital maps, and reporter Valerie Waters visits its Botany Department to meet the team behind the project.

In Monday’s Nationwide, we meet two young men who are champions in their sport of downhill biking. Ronan Dunne and Oisín O’Callaghan have taken the international racing circuit by storm, competing at the highest levels and proving Irish riders can go head-to-head with the best in the world.

But beyond podium finishes and high-speed descents, theirs is a story of friendship, competition and the sacrifices it takes to chase a dream. Reporter Reem El-Hassany hears about their journey.

Plus, the team meet a Wexford man whose travel blogs draw attention to the challenges he faces on travelling around Ireland.

Finally, Nationwide on RTÉ1 on Friday at 7pm focuses on artistry and craft as we meet creatives who draw their inspiration from nature.

Will Fogarty, an ex-construction worker based in Hospital, County Limerick, took a leap of faith during the economic downturn and found his true passion in chainsaw carving.

Now known as ‘Fear na Coillte’, he travels the country creating eye-catching sculptures for individuals and groups such as the Tidy Towns or local authorities.

Will has also built up a following on social media as he documents his work.

We also pay a visit to the Lafcadio Hearne Japanese Garden in Tramore, Co. Waterford, a place of peace and tranquility, where a collaboration between a local photographer and print artist, provided a perfect inspiration for them both.