Senior Editor, Leisure & Wellness Content
Specialist in sustainable leisure planning and accessible nature tourism for older adults across Ireland's lake regions. With 14 years of hands-on experience, Siobhan has personally walked over 40 shoreline trails across the Irish Midlands, creating trusted guides for peaceful waterside exploration.
A closer look at what drives Siobhan's approach to leisure tourism and why accessible nature matters
Back in 2010, I noticed something frustrating. There weren't many travel guides designed specifically for older adults who actually wanted to explore. Most resources either treated retirement like a time to slow down completely, or they ignored accessibility entirely. I thought — that's not right. Retirees have time, curiosity, and energy. They just need trustworthy information about what's actually walkable, where the rest spots are, and what to expect on the ground.
My early years working with tourism boards across Galway and Offaly confirmed it. I'd sit down with people in their 60s and 70s who wanted adventure but felt lost without proper guidance. That's when I decided to study gerontology at Trinity College Dublin — I wanted to understand not just what people wanted to do, but how to design experiences that work with how bodies actually change.
Because I've learned that what looks fine on paper doesn't always work in reality. A trail might be marked as "moderate" but if there's no shade in summer, that changes everything for someone managing arthritis. Or a boardwalk might be technically accessible but the surface gets slippery when wet. I don't write about places I haven't walked myself.
I document seasonal changes too. Lough Derg in May looks completely different from Lough Derg in October — the crowds, the lighting, the wildflowers, the muddy patches. My guides account for all of that. I'm not writing for a hypothetical person; I'm writing for Margaret who's recovering from knee surgery and wants to feel confident again, or James who's planning a birthday walk with his grandkids.
That they want to stay safe and comfortable above all else. The truth? Most people I work with don't want to be coddled. They want to do things. They're willing to take on a bit of risk if it means experiencing something meaningful. What they want is honesty and preparation.
When I tell someone "this path has some uneven ground near the stream but the view of the shoreline makes it worthwhile," they can decide for themselves. That's respect. That's trust. That's what I build my work around.
The Midlands are genuinely underrated. Everyone talks about the Wild Atlantic Way or the Ring of Kerry, but Lough Derg, Lough Corrib, and Lough Ennell? They're quieter, more intimate, and honestly more accessible for a lot of people. You're not fighting crowds. The infrastructure exists but it's not overdeveloped. The landscape is stunning — it's just different from the coastal drama everyone expects.
Plus, the community around these lakes really values sustainable tourism. People who live there care about preserving these spaces. That matters to me. I'm not promoting mass tourism; I'm helping people discover places that can actually sustain thoughtful, respectful visiting.
A foundation in tourism management, gerontology, and field-based research across Ireland's most scenic waterside destinations
Tourism Management, University College Cork (2006)
Focused on sustainable travel planning and visitor impact management across European destinations.
Gerontology & Outdoor Recreation, Trinity College Dublin (2011)
Advanced study in how landscape design impacts outdoor recreation satisfaction for adults aged 60+.
5 Years — Tourism Board, County Galway & Offaly (2006–2011)
Direct engagement with retirees on leisure preferences, mobility needs, and accessibility requirements for waterside destinations.
40+ Shoreline Paths & Waterside Locations (2012–Present)
Personal testing and documentation of accessibility features, seasonal conditions, and rest facilities across Irish lake regions.
Senior Editor, flyingskies Ltd (2018–Present)
Creating accessible, evidence-based guides to Ireland's lakeside destinations with focus on Lough Derg, Lough Corrib, and Lough Ennell.
Lakeside Leisure, Senior-Friendly Tourism, Accessible Nature Retreats
Expert in designing and documenting leisure experiences that balance accessibility with authentic outdoor exploration for active retirees.
Siobhan's philosophy is straightforward: tell the truth about what you'll find. Not the Instagram version, not the polished tourism board description. The actual experience — the good, the challenging, the seasonal quirks.
She doesn't recommend a trail because it's famous or because the marketing is good. She recommends it because she's walked it, tested it in different seasons, and knows who it works for. That means sometimes saying "this path is beautiful but it's muddy in spring" or "the view is worth the steep bit at the end."
A core belief: older adults aren't a monolith. Someone who's 65 and training for a half-marathon has completely different needs than someone managing arthritis. Both deserve respect. Both deserve trustworthy information.
Siobhan writes with this diversity in mind. Her guides account for different fitness levels, different mobility situations, and different reasons people seek out these spaces — whether it's solitude, social connection, gentle exercise, or just the peace of being near water.
She's not interested in promoting overtourism. The Irish Midlands are beautiful precisely because they're not overcrowded. Her work focuses on thoughtful visiting — knowing where to go, when to go, and how to leave no trace. It's about helping people experience these places in ways that preserve them for future visitors.
"Adventure and exploration don't have to diminish with age. They just require thoughtful planning and trustworthy information. That's what I'm here to provide."
Documented accessible walking routes around Lough Derg with detailed seasonal conditions, rest facilities, and trail difficulty ratings for confident walkers and cautious explorers alike.
Curated guide to peaceful picnic locations around Lough Corrib, including parking accessibility, seating comfort, shade availability, and the best times to visit for calm water and clear views.
Comprehensive guide to Lough Ennell's accessible boardwalk, including surface conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, nearby amenities, and tips for comfortable waterside exploration year-round.
Expert advice on designing leisurely waterside days — from choosing the right location to your energy level, planning rest breaks, managing weather, and finding moments of genuine peace and connection.
Explore Siobhan's detailed guides to Ireland's most accessible lakeside destinations for active retirees
A complete beginner's guide to exploring Lough Derg's shoreline paths. Discover the easiest routes, best rest spots, seasonal highlights, and everything you need to feel confident walking Ireland's stunning lake region.
Read the guideDiscover peaceful picnic locations around Lough Corrib with detailed information on parking, seating comfort, shade, and water views. Perfect for a relaxing day by the water with loved ones.
Explore picnic spotsEverything you need to know about Lough Ennell's accessible boardwalk. Learn about surface conditions, wildlife viewing, nearby facilities, and how to plan a comfortable waterside visit in any season.
View the complete guideA practical guide to designing a perfect day by Ireland's lakes. From choosing your destination to managing energy, rest breaks, and weather, learn how to make the most of your waterside exploration.
Plan your retreat dayWhether you're planning your first lakeside adventure or looking for specific information about accessible routes and facilities, Siobhan and the team at flyingskies Ltd are here to help.
