May 22, 2026
Glenveagh to Roundwood — Flat and Scenic
A detailed guide to one of the easiest and most rewarding sections of the Wicklow Way. No elevation gain, stunning views, and perfect for a full day or split into two gentle walks.
"Retirement isn't the end of adventure — it's when the best walking starts. I've spent 16 years proving that the Wicklow hills belong to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Every gentle trail has a story, and every retiree has the right to discover it."
Professional Journey
From Passion to Expertise
How a personal challenge became a 16-year career helping retirees rediscover the outdoors
2008
The Beginning
Completed Environmental Science degree at University College Dublin. Wasn't sure yet where outdoor knowledge would lead, but loved the subject deeply.
2010
The Turning Point
Father retired and couldn't find hiking options suited to his pace. Realized there's a massive gap in accessible outdoor recreation for older adults. Decided to act.
2011
Formal Training
Earned Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor qualification from the Irish Outdoor Education Association. Combined field knowledge with proper credentials.
2011–2024
Building the Practice
Guided over 300 walks on the Wicklow Way's gentler sections. Worked with retirement communities across Dublin and Wicklow. Developed specialized knowledge in accessible trails, pacing, and age-appropriate activity planning.
2024–Present
Current Role
Senior Outdoor Recreation Specialist at dactars Limited. Combines field expertise with detailed research to create practical guides for active retirees. Still guides walks regularly — that's where the real knowledge lives.
Areas of Specialization
What I Know
Sixteen years of field experience focused on making outdoor recreation genuinely accessible for older adults
Gentle Hiking Routes
Specialized knowledge of low-impact trails across the Wicklow Way and surrounding areas. Know which sections work for different fitness levels, where the footing is solid, and which routes build confidence without causing injury.
Senior Wellness Programming
Understand the physiological realities of aging — cardiovascular capacity, joint protection, recovery times. Design activity plans that maintain independence, build confidence, and prove retirement is an ideal time for exploration.
Route Planning & Pacing
Develop detailed guides that account for rest points, accessibility, parking, and amenities. Know how to pace a walk so everyone finishes feeling accomplished rather than exhausted. This isn't one-size-fits-all thinking.
Wicklow Geography & Access
Intimate knowledge of Wicklow's terrain, seasons, weather patterns, and accessibility features. Know which towns have good amenities, where to rest safely, and how conditions change throughout the year. This is lived experience.
Health & Outdoor Activity
Trained in how outdoor activity benefits older adults — cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing, social connection, and independence. Know how to encourage participation safely and responsibly.
Accessible Recreation Guides
Create detailed, practical guides that translate field experience into actionable information. Write for real people facing real challenges — not generic hiking blogs that ignore the specific needs of retirees.
The Person Behind the Expertise
Siobhán's journey into senior leisure outdoor activities wasn't planned. It started with frustration — watching her father struggle to find hiking options suited to his pace after retirement. She recognized something important: there's a massive gap between generic hiking advice and what actually works for older adults.
She studied Environmental Science at UCD, but it was her personal experience that became the real education. Earning her Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor qualification in 2011 formalized what she'd already learned from listening to retirees, observing what worked and what didn't, and spending thousands of hours on Wicklow trails.
What drives Siobhán is seeing retirees discover or rediscover their love of walking in nature. She's heard countless stories of people telling her these experiences transformed their retirement years. Not because the hikes are extreme — they're the opposite. It's because they're accessible, thoughtfully planned, and genuinely designed around how older bodies work.
She's particular about understanding the physiological considerations of aging — cardiovascular capacity, joint protection, recovery times — and applies this knowledge to every route recommendation. She doesn't just know the Wicklow Way. She knows which sections work for which people, where the footing is solid, and which walks build confidence without causing injury.
At dactars Limited, she combines her field expertise with detailed research to create practical, evidence-based guides for active retirees. She still guides walks regularly. That's where the real knowledge lives.
16
Years of Experience in Senior Recreation
300+
Guided Walks Led on Wicklow Way Gentle Sections
4
Professional Certifications & Qualifications
1000s
Retirees Guided to Accessible Outdoor Experiences
Education & Credentials
Formal qualifications combined with 16 years of practical field experience
BSc Environmental Science
University College Dublin • 2008
Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor
Irish Outdoor Education Association • 2011
First Aid & CPR Certification
Irish Red Cross • Current
Senior Recreation Programming Specialist
National Council on Aging (Professional Development) • 2015
Published Work
Recent Articles & Guides
Practical guides and insights from the field, designed specifically for active retirees
May 20, 2026
Laragh Valley Loop — Best Views Without the Climb
How to experience dramatic Wicklow scenery without tackling steep terrain. This loop is proof that you don't need to climb mountains to see mountains.
May 18, 2026
What to Pack for Wicklow Walks — Essential Checklist
A practical checklist for retirees heading into Wicklow. Covers footwear, weather protection, hydration, and recovery items that make a real difference on longer walks.
May 15, 2026
Towns Near Easy Trails — Where to Rest and Refuel
Guide to villages and towns along the Wicklow Way's gentle sections. Know where to stop for tea, find a proper toilet, or rest if a walk gets tougher than expected.