Best Routes for Easy Walking Pace
A curated selection of Phoenix Park trails perfect for older walkers. Each route is detailed with distance, terrain difficulty, rest spots, and what you'll see along the way.
Read the guideSenior Recreation & Accessibility Specialist
Siobhan O'Sullivan
14 years designing outdoor spaces where older adults can walk, explore, and thrive. From Phoenix Park's tree-lined trails to Dublin's hidden green spaces, Siobhan's work makes nature accessible to everyone.
The Story
How a Childhood Shaped a Career
Siobhan grew up in Ranelagh and spent her childhood exploring Dublin's parks with her grandparents. Those afternoons walking through green spaces sparked something in her — a belief that nature shouldn't be off-limits for anyone. When her grandfather struggled with mobility in his later years, she watched him withdraw from the activities he loved. That's when she decided: she'd make sure other older adults didn't have to make that choice.
After completing her degree in Leisure Management at Dublin City University, she initially worked with the Irish Parks Association. But the real breakthrough came when she shifted into specialised work with senior recreation programmes. For the past 14 years, she's walked Dublin's parks with older residents, sat down with physiotherapists to understand mobility challenges, and worked directly with park management teams to identify barriers nobody else was noticing.
Her most significant project came in 2016 when she led a comprehensive accessibility audit of Phoenix Park. The findings were detailed and practical — improved signage, better bench placement, targeted trail maintenance. It wasn't flashy work. It was just the right thing to do. Today, she's recognised throughout Ireland for her evidence-based approach to senior leisure design, but if you ask her, she'll tell you the real reward is simple: seeing someone discover that they can still walk their favourite trail, just with a few thoughtful changes in place.
What She Does
Areas of Expertise
Deep knowledge built through years of hands-on work with seniors, researchers, and park professionals across Dublin.
Trail Design & Accessibility
Assessing walking routes for safety, accessibility, and enjoyment. She's audited dozens of Dublin trails and knows exactly what works for older walkers.
Senior Activity Planning
Creating programmes and experiences tailored to older adults. From gentle group walks to independence coaching, she designs activities that build confidence and wellbeing.
Phoenix Park Specialist
Intimate knowledge of Phoenix Park's landscape, history, and accessibility features. She knows which trails suit different fitness levels and what wildlife you'll encounter.
Inclusive Recreation Policy
Advising local councils and park authorities on accessibility standards. She's helped shape guidelines that make outdoor spaces work for everyone.
Community Engagement
Building relationships between older adults and outdoor spaces. She runs groups, leads walks, and helps seniors rediscover confidence in exploring nature.
Wellness & Mobility
Understanding how outdoor activity supports physical and mental health in older age. She collaborates with physiotherapists and health professionals regularly.
Background
Education & Credentials
Degree in Leisure Management
Dublin City University
Completed 2010
Postgraduate Training in Gerontological Recreation Planning
University of Limerick
Completed 2014
Accessibility Audit Certification
Irish Parks Association & Universal Design Ireland
Completed 2016
14 Years Professional Experience
Senior Recreation & Accessibility Specialist at purebastion Ltd
2010–Present
Her Approach
What Drives Her Work
"Everyone deserves the chance to experience nature, regardless of age or mobility level. It's not about grand gestures. It's about thoughtful details — a well-placed bench, clear signage, knowing which trail won't leave you exhausted. Those small things change everything."
Evidence-Based Design
She doesn't guess. Every recommendation comes from research, direct observation, and conversations with older adults. What works in theory often doesn't work in practice — she makes sure it does both.
Dignity & Independence
Accessibility isn't about making things easier in a patronising way. It's about removing unnecessary barriers so older adults can explore independently, at their own pace, with confidence.
Community Over Isolation
She's passionate about group walks, shared experiences, and building connections. Nature is better when you're not alone. Her programmes create friendships alongside fitness.
Practical Expertise
She's walked every trail she recommends. She's worked with people of varying abilities. She knows what actually works because she's lived it alongside the communities she serves.
Questions & Insights
In Conversation with Siobhan
What's the biggest misconception about older adults and outdoor activity?
That they're not interested or that they can't do it. That's completely wrong. What I've found is that older adults want to stay active — they just need the right conditions. A steep hill might be off-limits, but a gentle, well-maintained trail with rest spots? Most people will surprise you with what they're capable of. The barrier isn't always physical. Sometimes it's confidence. Sometimes it's just not knowing where to start.
Why is Phoenix Park so important for your work?
Phoenix Park is Dublin's green heart. It's 1,752 acres with tree-lined trails that've been walked for centuries. What makes it special for older adults is the variety — you can walk the quieter, flatter routes or take on more challenging terrain depending on your fitness. The park has water features, wildlife, open spaces, and trees for shade. It's not just exercise. It's an experience. And because it's so central, it's accessible to people across Dublin. I've dedicated years to understanding which routes work best for different abilities, and that knowledge comes from being there regularly, walking with real people, understanding their struggles.
How do you help someone regain confidence after a health setback?
Slowly. Carefully. With a lot of listening. I'll start by understanding what they used to do and what they're worried about now. Then we'll walk together, at their pace, on routes I know won't overwhelm them. It might be a short loop the first week. Then slightly longer. Over time, I've watched people go from being terrified to walk alone to exploring trails independently. The key is meeting them where they are, celebrating small progress, and never pushing beyond what they're ready for.
What should councils and park authorities be doing differently?
They need to involve older adults in the design process. Too often, accessibility decisions are made by younger planners who don't understand the lived experience of aging. When I conduct accessibility audits, I walk trails with seniors, I ask detailed questions about what works and what doesn't. That direct feedback is invaluable. Councils should also invest in maintenance — a loose stone or overgrown vegetation is minor to some people but a serious hazard to someone with balance issues. And they should provide clear, practical information: Which trails are flat? Where are the benches? Is there water access? Small details make all the difference.
What do you want people to know about aging and activity?
That it's not a decline you have to accept passively. Yes, things change. Joints might hurt. Energy levels shift. But staying active, staying engaged with nature, being part of a community — these things matter tremendously for both physical and mental health. I've worked with people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s who are genuinely vibrant because they've found activities that work for their current life. It doesn't mean running marathons. It means walking a trail you love, breathing fresh air, seeing seasons change, maybe meeting friends along the way. That's accessible to almost everyone if we design spaces thoughtfully.
Featured Work
Siobhan's Recent Articles
Practical guides based on her expertise, written for older adults and their families.
What to Bring on Your Walk
A practical checklist for older walkers heading out in Dublin parks. From sun protection to hydration to comfort items, she covers everything you'll actually need.
See the checklistWildlife and Nature You'll See
A guide to the birds, plants, and wildlife you'll encounter in Phoenix Park. Understanding what you're seeing makes walks more enjoyable and engaging.
Discover the wildlifeSafety Tips for Solo Walking
Practical advice for older adults walking alone. How to stay safe, what to tell someone before you go, when to walk with others, and how to build confidence gradually.
Read the safety guideDiscover Senior-Friendly Walking Trails
Explore our complete guide to accessible walking routes across Dublin's parks, developed with input from accessibility specialists like Siobhan. Find trails that match your fitness level and interests.