I help seniors and mobility-limited visitors confidently explore Dublin's harbour landscapes—from Howth's dramatic cliffs to seal-watching points that actually work for older bodies.
I started out as a field researcher. During my postgraduate work at Trinity College Dublin, I was mapping coastal erosion patterns along the Dublin coastline—measuring cliffs, tracking sediment movement, studying how the landscape changes over seasons. It was fascinating work. But honestly, I spent most of my time alone with measuring tapes and notebooks.
The real turning point came when I started volunteering with a local seniors group. They wanted to walk Howth's coastal paths, but couldn't find anyone willing to show them routes that didn't involve steep scrambles or unmarked trails. I took a few of them out—maybe eight people—and something clicked. They weren't just getting exercise. They were learning the landscape's history, spotting seals they'd never seen before, reconnecting with a place they thought was closed off to them.
That was 14 years ago. I've now led over 3,000 guided walks along Dublin's coastline, spent five years doing monthly monitoring visits to Howth tracking seasonal seal populations and route conditions, and worked with accessibility advocates to document which paths actually work for people with mobility limitations. The geology degree still matters—people want to understand why these cliffs exist, what the rocks tell us, why seals choose certain viewing points. But it's really about access. Making sure that age or mobility doesn't mean exclusion from the landscape.
Completed degree in Environmental Science at University College Dublin, developing early interest in Dublin's geological landscape.
Earned postgraduate qualification in Geomorphology from Trinity College Dublin, focusing on coastal erosion patterns.
Volunteered with seniors group, discovering the intersection of coastal expertise and accessible tourism. That group of eight changed everything.
Began monthly monitoring visits to Howth, documenting seasonal seal populations, geological features, and detailed route accessibility data.
Joined saniashares Digital Ltd as Senior Coastal Heritage Guide, translating 14 years of fieldwork into accessible, research-backed content for older adults exploring Dublin's coastline.
Over 14 years of fieldwork, research, and hands-on experience across Dublin's harbour landscapes.
Detailed knowledge of every major coastal walk around Dublin. I've personally assessed path conditions, identified safe alternatives, and mapped accessibility barriers for routes from Howth to Dun Laoghaire.
Five years of monthly monitoring visits to Howth documenting seal populations, seasonal patterns, and best viewing points. I know when and where you'll actually see them—and when you won't.
Postgraduate qualification in Geomorphology. I can explain why Dublin's cliffs exist, what the rock formations tell us about Ice Age glaciation, and how the landscape continues to change.
Over 3,000 guided walks with older adults and mobility-limited visitors. I know what actually works—rest points, pace, surface conditions, realistic timeframes, and modifications that maintain the experience's value.
Making landscapes meaningful. I've developed methods for explaining geological, historical, and ecological features in ways that engage older visitors without oversimplifying complex natural processes.
Extensive network across Dublin's retirement organisations, senior centres, and accessibility advocates. I understand the real barriers older adults face when planning outdoor activities.
Age or mobility limitations shouldn't mean exclusion from Dublin's most beautiful landscapes. The coastline belongs to everyone. My job is making sure everyone can actually access it safely—without compromising on the real experience or dumbing down the geology, history, and wildlife we're seeing.
I don't guess about what works. Every route recommendation comes from actual fieldwork. Every accessibility claim is based on repeated visits under different conditions. Every detail about seals or geology is documented and verified. That's why my advice is reliable—it's not marketing. It's what I've learned doing this work.
I'm passionate about the landscape, but genuinely passionate about people experiencing it. That means being honest about difficulty levels, realistic about timeframes, and designing walks that leave people feeling accomplished—not exhausted or injured. The geology can wait. Getting people safely into the space matters more.
Degree: Environmental Science
Foundational studies in earth sciences, ecology, and landscape systems. Developed early expertise in Dublin's glacial geology and coastal systems.
Qualification: Postgraduate in Geomorphology
Specialised study in coastal erosion, glacial landscape formation, and terrain analysis. Research-based fieldwork across Dublin's harbour landscapes.
Position: Senior Coastal Heritage Guide & Accessibility Consultant
Leading creation of accessible coastal tourism content. Combining fieldwork expertise with inclusive design principles for older adults and mobility-limited visitors.
Professional experience spans 14 years in accessible tourism, coastal heritage interpretation, and geomorphological research. Network includes Dublin's senior organisations, accessibility advocates, retirement centres, and marine wildlife researchers. All content recommendations are field-tested and accessibility-verified.
Research-backed guides to Dublin's coastal walks, designed for older adults and accessibility-conscious visitors.
Complete beginner's guide to Howth's accessible coastal paths. Which routes work for seniors, where to rest, what surface conditions actually look like, and realistic timeframes based on 14 years of leading walks here.
Read Article →Five years of monthly monitoring data. When you'll actually see seals at Howth, which viewing points work best, seasonal patterns, and honest assessment of what "seal watching" realistically involves—plus which routes are most accessible.
Read Article →Practical checklist for older adults visiting Howth's coastal routes. Weather patterns, what gear actually makes a difference, footwear that won't fail on rocky surfaces, and what "preparation" really means for people with mobility concerns.
Read Article →Detailed walkthrough of Howth's East Cliff Loop. Actual terrain descriptions, accessibility modifications, geology explained, wildlife you'll encounter, and honest assessment of difficulty. Everything you need before committing to this route.
Read Article →Have questions about specific routes? Need advice on accessible walks? Want to commission content about Dublin's coastal landscapes? I'm here to help.
