When you walk into the No Barriers gym in Letterkenny, it might look like any other fitness centre – people lifting weights, exercising on machines, chatting over a coffee.
But behind the scenes, something powerful is happening.
Every membership, every physiotherapy session, every class booked is helping to fund life-changing services for people with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges across Donegal and beyond.
That’s because No Barriers isn’t a traditional business – it’s a social enterprise.
Put simply: when someone in Donegal signs up for a membership or pays for a physio session, they’re also helping someone else in their community access life-changing support.
What is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, and support people who are often left behind. Profits are reinvested into services that make a difference.
At No Barriers, that means specialist rehabilitation programmes, inclusive gym access, day services, and community projects that create opportunities for people to live healthier, more independent lives.
A Truly Unique Gym
No Barriers is the only gym in Ireland operating under this model, where income from public gym and physiotherapy services directly funds disability, mental health, and rehabilitation programmes.
It is also the only publicly accessible facility in Ireland with a robotic exoskeleton available for clients. This ground-breaking technology allows people with spinal injuries, stroke, or neurological conditions to walk again with support, helping to rebuild strength, confidence, and independence.
In addition, No Barriers is one of only two facilities in the entire country with HUR strength equipment. This specialist, air-pressure–based equipment is designed to be gentle on joints, wheelchair accessible, and adjustable for people at every stage of rehabilitation, from older adults to elite athletes.
We offer a range of classes including HYROX, CrossFit, F 60, CONCEPT, Yoga, and Silvers, as well as wheelchair-based strength classes and specialised classes for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and MS.
No Barriers Fitness, Mountain Top Letterkenny
How No Barriers Works
No Barriers Foundation was set up to bridge a gap in rehabilitation and inclusive health services. The organisation operates a fully accessible gym equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, serving both the general public and individuals with complex needs.
Income from these services helps fund projects such as:
- Inclusive neuro-rehabilitation programmes for people recovering from stroke, spinal injury, or other neurological conditions.
- Day services for adults with intellectual disabilities, opening in Donegal Town this year, with plans to open another in Letterkenny next year.
- Community wellbeing and mental health initiatives, from group exercise to social inclusion activities.
The No Barriers Foundation Letterkenny
Voices from the Community
For people who use the service, the impact is deeply personal.
“Before I found No Barriers, I didn’t think I’d ever walk again. Now, with the exoskeleton training and support from the team, I’m rebuilding my confidence and independence,” says Mary, a stroke survivor.
“As a parent, seeing my son included in activities and smiling again is priceless. No Barriers gave us hope when we were on a waiting list with nowhere to turn,” shares Paul, father of a son with additional needs.
A Message from the CEO
Johnny Loughrey, CEO and founder, believes the model of a social enterprise is key to sustainable community support:
“We’re proving that a gym or physio clinic can be more than just a business – it can be the engine that funds vital disability and mental health services. Every time someone chooses No Barriers, they’re directly supporting people in their own community.”
“Our mission is simple: to make sure no one is left behind. Whether it’s a person with a spinal injury learning to walk again, someone with a stroke or Parkinson’s disease waiting on therapy, or an adult with an intellectual disability building friendships, the support we receive from the public allows us to keep breaking down barriers.”
Group training at No Barriers Letterkenny
How You Can Help
The easiest way to support No Barriers is by using its services, inclusive gym memberships, personal training or Physiotherapy. Local businesses can also partner with the foundation, and donations are always welcome.
Because at No Barriers, every euro spent goes further, building not just strength and fitness, but a more inclusive community for all.
Give It A Go
Try our 2-week unlimited trial pass for only €20. Check out the class schedule below and book your session by calling 0838855056 or messaging No Barriers Fitness on Facebook here.
For more information contact hello@nobarriers.ie
Tel: 083 8855056
No Barriers: The social enterprise that’s changing lives in Donegal was last modified: September 12th, 2025 by Contributor
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