When you're planning a wedding, communion or corporate function in Swords, Co. Dublin, it's easy to get swept up in the fun details — the flower wall, the Chiavari chairs, the champagne reception. But one area that quietly makes or breaks a safe, welcoming event is often overlooked: emergency exits and accessibility in marquee events. Getting this right protects your guests, keeps you compliant, and ensures nobody feels left out on the day.

At Grand Occasion Rental, we've set up marquees across north Dublin, from garden parties near the Ward River Valley Park to larger functions closer to the Pavilions and the old Swords Castle. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about emergency exits and accessibility so your event in Swords runs smoothly for every single guest.

Why Emergency Exits Matter in a Marquee

A marquee is a temporary structure, but that doesn't mean the safety standards are relaxed. In fact, because you're gathering a crowd in an enclosed space — often with lighting, catering equipment and, in cooler months, heaters — clear emergency exits are essential. The whole point of good emergency exit planning is that in the unlikely event of a problem, everyone can leave calmly and quickly without confusion or bottlenecks.

As a general rule, any marquee should have at least two separate exits, positioned so guests are never far from a way out. For larger marquees hosting 100 guests or more, you'll need additional exits distributed around the structure. The key principles are simple:

Exits on multiple sides — never rely on a single doorway, especially where the catering or bar is positioned near the main entrance.
Clear, unobstructed routes — tables, speaker stacks and the DJ booth should never block an exit path.
Adequate width — exit openings should be wide enough for guests to pass through comfortably, including anyone using a wheelchair or walking aid.
Visible signage and lighting — for evening events in Swords, emergency exits should be marked and lit so they're obvious even when the main lights are dimmed for dancing.

Planning Your Marquee Layout for Safe Exits

The best time to think about emergency exits is before the marquee goes up, not on the morning of the event. When our team assesses your garden or venue in Swords, we look at the ground, the access, and how the space naturally flows.

Keep gangways clear

Between tables and around the dance floor, leave generous gangways of at least a metre so people — and staff carrying trays — can move freely. These same gangways double as your evacuation routes, so they should always lead directly toward an exit.

Mind the heaters and cables

In an Irish climate, even a summer evening in Co. Dublin can turn cool, so patio heaters and lighting rigs are common. Position these away from exit routes, and make sure any power cables are matted down or routed overhead so nobody trips near a doorway. If you'd like guidance on this, our post on planning power and lighting is a good companion read, and you can browse the full range of what we supply on our products page.

Think about wind and weather

Exit doors and side panels can flap or catch the wind. A well-secured marquee — professionally set up, as all of ours are — keeps those exits functioning properly rather than billowing shut at the wrong moment.

Making Your Event Accessible for Everyone

Accessibility is about more than ticking a box — it's about making sure every guest at your event in Swords feels comfortable and included, whether that's an elderly relative at a communion or a wheelchair user at a wedding.

Level, firm access into the marquee

The biggest accessibility challenge with marquees is the threshold. Grass can be soft, and there's often a small lip at the entrance. Wooden flooring or a firm carpeted floor makes a huge difference, creating a level, stable surface for wheelchairs, buggies and anyone unsteady on their feet. Ramps at the entrance eliminate that step altogether.

Wide doorways and turning space

Ensure at least one exit doubles as an accessible entrance — wide enough for a wheelchair, with a smooth approach from the driveway or garden path. Inside, leave enough turning space around tables so wheelchair users aren't boxed in.

Accessible seating and facilities

When laying out tables and chairs, reserve a few spots near an accessible entrance so guests don't have to navigate the whole room. If you're hiring accessible toilet facilities, position them on a firm path close to the marquee. Whether you choose Chiavari chairs or comfortable padded seating, think about guests who may need armrests or extra support.

Local Considerations for Events in Swords

Swords and the wider north Dublin area has a real mix of venues — from spacious suburban gardens to community grounds and sports clubs. Access down some of the older lanes and driveways can be tight, which affects how and where we position the marquee and, in turn, your exits. When we deliver to the Swords area (part of our Dublin delivery zone), our crew assesses all of this on site so your emergency exits and access routes are practical, not just theoretical.

If you're combining your event with a bit of local sightseeing for out-of-town guests, Visit Kildare and the neighbouring Fingal tourism resources are worth a look for things to do around the area. And if you're unsure about anything regarding layout, exits or accessibility, our FAQ page answers many of the common questions we get from hosts.

Get the Layout Right From the Start

Emergency exits and accessibility might not be the glamorous part of event planning, but they're the foundation of a day that feels safe, relaxed and welcoming for everyone. With a well-planned layout, firm level flooring, clear exit routes and thoughtful seating, your marquee event in Swords, Co. Dublin will look after every guest from arrival to the last dance.

Ready to plan a marquee that's both beautiful and safe? Our team is happy to talk through layouts, exit positions, flooring and accessibility for your event in Swords or anywhere across Dublin. Call or WhatsApp us on 085 156 3498 or email info@grandoccasionrental.ie and we'll help you get every detail right.

Emergency Exits and Accessibility in Marquee Events in Swords, Co. Dublin: What You Need to Know