Siobhan O'Rourke

Senior Outdoor Recreation Specialist

theheartatschool Ltd

Who I Am

14 Years Making Trails Accessible

I've spent the last 14 years documenting forest park trails across Ireland—specifically the ones that work for older walkers. That's not marketing speak. It means I've walked every surface, tested every gradient, counted the steps to rest points, and talked to hundreds of people about what actually makes a trail feel safe and achievable.

Most trail guides don't get this right. They're written for people in their thirties who don't think about joint impact or needing a bench at the halfway point. That gap frustrated me enough to study Environmental Management at UCD, and it's been my focus ever since. My specialty is Rossmore Park—specifically the lake loop and deer walk—where I've spent two years mapping routes with community walkers aged 65+.

At theheartatschool Ltd, I translate field expertise into practical guides. No vague descriptions. No surprises. Just honest information that builds confidence in people who might otherwise stay home.

Background

Professional Timeline

Monaghan Active Retirement Association

2010 — Volunteer

Started as a volunteer and noticed older walkers didn't have access to real trail information. Most guides skipped the practical details—surface types, rest points, actual difficulty. This sparked my decision to formalize my knowledge.

University College Dublin — Environmental Management

2011–2013

Completed degree with distinction, focusing on trail assessment, accessibility standards, and gerontological fitness. Combined academic framework with the real-world knowledge I'd built in Monaghan.

Trail Assessment & Community Walking Programs

2013–Present

Assessed over 60 forest park trails working with Coillte and the Irish Trails Forum. Led community walking programmes across Monaghan, Louth, and Cavan. Two years intensively mapping Rossmore Park with older adult groups to understand real-world needs.

theheartatschool Ltd — Senior Outdoor Recreation Specialist

Current Role

Translates field expertise into accessible guides. Combines terrain data analysis with ability to write clearly for people who need honest, practical information—no jargon, no surprises.

Specialization

Areas of Expertise

Accessible Trail Design & Assessment

I've walked every major trail in the region multiple times—documenting gradient changes, surface types, rest points, and hazards. This isn't theoretical. It's built on thousands of kilometers of field work and conversations with walkers about what actually works. I understand how joint impact differs between tarmac and gravel, why benches placed at specific intervals matter, and how shade affects stamina on longer routes.

My assessments cover accessibility standards in practical terms: Can someone with a walking aid manage this section? Are there unexpected obstacles? What's the real difficulty rating compared to what the trail guide claims?

Rossmore Park Lake Loop & Deer Walk

I've spent two years mapping these specific routes with community walkers aged 65+. I know where the steep sections are, which paths flood after rain, where you'll find solid ground underfoot versus muddy patches. I've documented every bench, every view point, every spot where someone might need to catch their breath.

The lake loop is genuinely achievable for beginners if you know where to pace yourself. The deer walk offers something different—more intimate, less crowded. Both need honest description to build confidence. That's what I provide.

Gerontological Fitness & Trail Safety

Getting older doesn't mean staying home. It means understanding how bodies work differently—and designing trails that meet people where they are. I've worked with community groups, studied how stamina changes with age, and learned what actually builds confidence versus what discourages people from returning.

Safety isn't about avoiding challenge. It's about honest information so walkers can make informed decisions. That's why my guides include detail on footing, rest stops, water sources, and realistic time estimates.

Community Walking Programs & Research

I've led walking programmes where I learned what questions people ask, what worries them, and what builds confidence. Those conversations shaped everything I do now. When someone says a trail was "easy," I know that means something specific based on their age, fitness, and what they've done before. I don't use generic difficulty ratings.

My research isn't academic papers gathering dust. It's field notes from hundreds of walks, conversations with participants, and honest assessment of what actually works for older adults in Irish forest parks.

Qualifications

Education & Recognition

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Management

University College Dublin — Graduated with Distinction, 2013

Trail Assessment & Accessibility Certification

Irish Trails Forum — Completed 2014

Gerontological Fitness Specialist Training

Completed through Irish Institute of Sport & Health

60+ Forest Park Trails Assessed

Coillte & Community Partner Organisations — 2013–Present

Why Honest Trail Guides Matter

I've watched people choose not to walk because trail descriptions didn't match reality. A guide says "easy" but doesn't mention the muddy section halfway through. Or it skips the steep bit that catches people off guard. That's not helpful. That's discouraging.

Good trail information does something specific. It removes barriers. When someone knows exactly what to expect—the surfaces they'll walk on, where they can rest, what the terrain actually feels like—they make better decisions. They build confidence. They come back.

That's what I work toward. Guides that are so clear and specific, you feel ready before you even start. No surprises. No false expectations. Just honest information from someone who's walked the path.

Recent Work

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