14 years designing accessible outdoor experiences across Killarney, Tollymore, Wexford Slobs, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Every route tested personally.
I spent my childhood in County Kerry, and Killarney National Park was basically my second home. My parents took us on walks most weekends — nothing fancy, just exploring the lakeside paths and forest trails. That's where my fascination with nature started. Years later, I realized those simple walks had given me something priceless: a deep love for outdoor spaces and an instinct for understanding what makes them special.
After finishing my degree in Environmental Science at UCC, I worked as a countryside ranger for eight years. It was hands-on work — maintaining trails, managing access, dealing with erosion problems. But I was always thinking about one question: who actually gets to use these spaces? The answer wasn't encouraging. Most of our trails were designed for young, able-bodied hikers. Older adults? They were essentially left out.
The real turning point came when my mother retired. She'd always been active, but suddenly she felt disconnected from the outdoors. A friend invited her to a forest bathing retreat in Wicklow, and I'll never forget how she came home that day — completely transformed. She wasn't hiking mountains or doing anything strenuous. She was just walking slowly through the forest, noticing the details. Within weeks, her mood shifted. She slept better. She had more energy. Nature was literally changing her life.
That's when I knew what I needed to do. I went back to college and completed a postgraduate qualification in Gerontology at Trinity. While studying, I worked with Age Friendly Ireland, combining both passions. The evidence was clear: nature-based activities could dramatically improve wellbeing in older adults. But nobody was creating detailed, accessible guides. Nobody was testing routes with people of varying mobility levels. That gap became my mission.
Over the past six years at evenend Limited, I've authored more than 40 comprehensive guides to Ireland's best walking destinations. But here's what makes them different: I don't just research these places online. I walk every single route myself. I test them with groups of varying mobility levels — people with arthritis, breathing challenges, reduced stamina. I time the walks. I note where the benches are, where the ground gets muddy, where the views make people stop and smile.
I've worked directly with Killarney National Park management on accessible picnic infrastructure. I established safety protocols for birdwatching groups at Wexford Slobs. I've trained over 200 enthusiasts in ornithological tourism. It's meticulous work, but it matters. When someone discovers they can actually walk to Torc Waterfall or spot a peregrine falcon or find a peaceful spot by the lake, it changes something in them.
Fourteen years working across Ireland's protected landscapes, specializing in accessible outdoor recreation for older adults.
Lakeside picnic spots, accessible walking routes, and detailed guides to Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe, and forest trails. I've personally mapped over 12 routes suitable for varying mobility levels.
Established accessibility standards for forest bathing at Tollymore Forest Park. I train guides in slow-walking practices, mindfulness techniques, and creating safe, restorative experiences in woodland settings.
Wexford Slobs is one of Ireland's premier birdwatching destinations. I've trained over 200 enthusiasts, created species identification guides, and established protocols ensuring safe, accessible observation for all ages.
The Wild Atlantic Way offers stunning coastal walks. I specialize in identifying peaceful sections with manageable terrain, adequate rest points, and genuine safety considerations for older walkers.
Postgraduate qualification in Gerontology from Trinity College Dublin. I understand the physical, cognitive, and social needs of older adults — and how outdoor experiences address all three.
Former countryside access officer with the Irish Wildlife Trust. I've consulted on trail improvements, infrastructure development, and policies ensuring that Ireland's natural spaces are genuinely accessible to everyone.
Leading editorial development for senior outdoor recreation content. Authoring guides, establishing safety protocols, and training guides across Ireland's protected landscapes.
Designed outdoor programmes for older adults. Consulted on trail accessibility. Established forest bathing standards at Tollymore. Trained birdwatching groups at Wexford Slobs.
Postgraduate qualification in Gerontology, while working with Age Friendly Ireland. Combined academic study with practical field experience.
Managed trails, coordinated access initiatives, and developed sustainable tourism practices across protected areas. Eight years of hands-on experience with landscape management.
Focused on ecology, conservation, and sustainable land management. Foundation for all subsequent work in outdoor education and environmental accessibility.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all hiking guides. A two-kilometer walk can be challenging for someone with arthritis or breathing difficulties. A ten-kilometer route might feel too long, but a scenic one-kilometer loop could be perfect. I test every route personally and describe exactly what you'll encounter: where the ground gets rough, where benches appear, where the best views are. That precision matters.
You don't need to summit mountains to feel the benefits of nature. Some of my favorite guides feature walks under 2 kilometers. The point isn't achievement — it's connection. Being outside, noticing details, breathing fresh air, moving your body gently. That's where the magic happens. Older adults often feel excluded from outdoor spaces designed for younger, faster hikers. That's a genuine loss.
When I work with park management on trail improvements, I frame accessibility as a design problem. How do we maintain the beauty and authenticity of a forest path while making it genuinely usable for someone with limited mobility? It's not about dumbing things down — it's about thoughtful solutions. Better drainage, strategic rest points, surface improvements. These benefit everyone, not just older walkers.
When I write a guide or train a group, I'm asking people to trust my information. That's a responsibility I take seriously. Every detail — terrain, weather exposure, water availability, nearby facilities — needs to be accurate. I don't exaggerate difficulty levels or gloss over real hazards. That trust is earned through honesty, not marketing language.
Comprehensive guides designed specifically for older adults, tested personally on the ground.
Five accessible locations around Killarney's lakes where you can sit comfortably, enjoy views, and rest during your walk. Includes parking details, terrain descriptions, and what to bring.
Read the guideEverything you need to know about forest bathing — the practice of slow, mindful walking in nature. Includes specific routes in Tollymore, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Read the guideA detailed guide to birdwatching at one of Ireland's most important wetland sites. Species identification, seasonal patterns, equipment recommendations, and accessibility information.
Read the guideThe Wild Atlantic Way offers stunning scenery, but not all sections are accessible. I've identified the quietest, most manageable coastal walks with the best views and proper rest facilities.
Read the guideLooking for more guides on outdoor relaxation, nature retreats, and accessible walking routes across Ireland?
Browse all articlesHave questions about a guide? Want to collaborate on an accessibility project? Or just want to share your favorite walking route in Ireland?
I'm based in Ireland and available for consultations, guide development, and accessibility training projects.
Send a messageI work as Senior Nature & Wellness Editor at evenend Limited, developing educational content on outdoor relaxation and nature-based wellness for older adults across Ireland.
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