Siobhan O'Sullivan
Senior Coastal Trails Specialist
14 years making Ireland's most dramatic cliff walks safe, accessible, and unforgettable for older adults
The Journey That Led Here
Siobhan grew up in Cork exploring the Irish coastline with her grandmother. Those childhood adventures weren't just about the views — they were about connection, confidence, and discovering what's possible at any age. Her grandmother taught her that the best places aren't reserved for the young and athletic. They're for anyone brave enough to step outside.
That perspective shaped everything. When Siobhan studied Outdoor Education at University College Dublin, she was already thinking about access and inclusion. After five years leading guided walks and wilderness programs, a question changed her career direction: Why weren't more older adults on coastal tours? The answer wasn't simple. It required looking at terrain differently, understanding how bodies change, and rebuilding trails from a completely different point of view.
In 2012, she began her specialization in senior-friendly trail design. She didn't just read research — she spent time on every major Irish coastal walk, documenting challenges, mapping rest points, and learning from hundreds of older adults about what actually works. Her work caught the attention of tourism boards and accessibility experts across Ireland.
Today, her approach is evidence-based and practical. She combines gerontology knowledge with field experience, working alongside physiotherapists and local communities to create guidelines that don't compromise on safety or experience. At Factorygas Limited, she's dedicated to one mission: helping seniors confidently explore Ireland's most stunning coastal trails.
Questions About Her Work
What makes a cliff walk truly accessible for seniors?
It's not one thing. You're looking at terrain surface — loose gravel is harder than packed earth. Incline matters enormously. Handholds and railings need to be at the right height and material. Rest points need to be genuinely comfortable, not just a bench at the top of a hill. And honestly, it's about psychology too. People feel more confident when they understand what's coming. A detailed guide removes anxiety.
You've worked on Howth, Cliffs of Moher, and Slea Head. What did you learn from each?
Howth taught me about urban coastal access — it's close to Dublin, well-maintained, but crowded. That changes everything about pacing and safety. The Cliffs of Moher showed me how official infrastructure helps, but visitor trails still need better signage for older adults. Slea Head was different. It's more remote, requires more planning, but the dramatic scenery makes the effort worthwhile. Each trail has its own personality and its own accessibility story.
What's the biggest misconception about older adults and coastal trails?
That they can't do them. I've worked with people in their 80s who walked Howth without issue. What changes isn't ability — it's pace, rest frequency, and trail selection. A 70-year-old who walks regularly isn't fundamentally different from a 50-year-old who doesn't. The body changes, sure, but it's adaptable. The real barrier is usually confidence and access to good information.
Why does cliff-edge etiquette matter so much?
Because one mistake becomes a tragedy. Cliff edges aren't forgiving. People get distracted — taking photos, talking with friends, looking at the view. They step back without checking. On windy days, balance changes. I've seen near-misses that made my heart stop. Etiquette isn't rules for the sake of rules. It's respect for the environment and awareness of real risk. When people understand why we do things a certain way, they actually follow through.
What's your approach to creating educational resources?
Practical first, academic second. I want someone to read a guide and feel ready to actually go. That means specific details — where to park, how long sections take, which rest spots have seating, what the terrain really looks like. It means acknowledging challenges without exaggerating them. And it means listening to older adults. They know their bodies. They know what works. My job is to provide information so they can make confident decisions.
What drives your work now?
The emails I get from people who didn't think they could do a walk, followed my guide, and did it anyway. That's real. One woman in her mid-70s wrote to say she walked the Cliffs of Moher trail for the first time in a decade. She'd convinced herself she was too old. But she wasn't. She just needed better information and the right approach. That's what keeps me going — removing barriers that were never real in the first place.
Education & Expertise
University College Dublin
BA Outdoor Education
2006
Postgraduate Training
Gerontology & Landscape Accessibility
2010–2011
Accessibility Audits Conducted
3 Irish tourism boards adopted guidelines
2012–Present
Direct Field Experience
Over 3,000 seniors on Irish coastal trails
2008–Present
Conference Presentations
International outdoor recreation & accessibility
2014–2025
Current Role
Senior Coastal Trails Specialist at factorygas Limited
2019–Present
How She Works
Evidence-Based, Not Assumed
Every guideline comes from real data and real people. She doesn't assume what older adults can or can't do. She asks, observes, tests, and adjusts. Research matters. Field experience matters more.
Safety Without Scaremongering
Risk is real on coastal trails. But fear stops people from experiencing something incredible. The goal is honest assessment, clear protocols, and the confidence to walk safely — not warnings that keep people at home.
Practical Information First
Guides should be usable. Where to park. How long it takes. What the surface feels like. Where to rest. What weather conditions change. Specific details remove guesswork and build confidence.
Respect for Individual Choice
No two people are the same. Some 70-year-olds walk faster than some 50-year-olds. The information exists to help people make their own decisions, not to tell them what they should do.
Areas of Expertise
Detailed knowledge across Ireland's most dramatic coastal trails and the science of senior-friendly outdoor recreation
Howth Cliff Walk
Dublin's accessible urban coastal walk. Step-by-step guidance for older adults, including parking, terrain details, rest points, and realistic pacing.
Cliffs of Moher
Ireland's most visited cliff formation. Navigation of visitor trails, understanding official infrastructure, and safety protocols for managing crowds.
Slea Head Drive
Dingle Peninsula's scenic route. Remote viewpoint access, stopping points for comfort, and planning for longer driving days with multiple viewing stops.
Cliff-Edge Safety
Evidence-based protocols for safe behavior near drop-offs. Etiquette, wind awareness, footwear choices, and group management on exposed terrain.
Senior Wellness
How outdoor activity impacts older adults' physical health, confidence, and mental wellbeing. Integration of gerontology principles into trail planning.
Accessibility Audits
Systematic evaluation of terrain, infrastructure, signage, and facilities. Recommendations for improving access without compromising experience or safety.
Featured Resources
Explore Siobhan's detailed guides for Ireland's most dramatic coastal trails
Howth Cliff Walk: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors
Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Dublin's accessible urban coastal walk. Parking, terrain breakdown, rest points, and realistic timing.
Read GuideCliffs of Moher Visitor Trail: What You Need to Know
Complete Guide
Navigation of Ireland's most visited cliff formation. Official infrastructure, visitor trail options, and safety protocols for managing crowds.
Read GuideSlea Head Drive: Scenic Viewpoints & Stopping Points
Complete Guide
Dingle Peninsula's scenic route mapped out for older adults. Viewpoint access, rest stops, and planning tips for longer driving days.
Read GuideCliff-Edge Safety: Essential Etiquette & Best Practices
Safety Guide
Evidence-based protocols for safe behavior near drop-offs. Wind awareness, footwear, group management, and practical etiquette on exposed terrain.
Read GuideReady to Explore?
Browse all of Siobhan's educational resources on cliff walks and coastal trails for seniors across Ireland. Detailed guides, safety information, and practical tips for experiencing some of the country's most dramatic scenery.