Síle O'Connor

Senior Recreation & Wellness Correspondent

Delphora Ltd

Who I Am

Recreation Specialist & Woodland Guide

I've spent 16 years helping older adults discover that woodland walking isn't something you need special abilities for — it's something that gets easier and more rewarding the more you do it. My work focuses on one simple idea: removing the barriers that keep people from nature. That means designing trails where the terrain is manageable, adding rest spots where you actually want to sit, and training guides who understand that recreation isn't about pushing limits.

Growing up in rural East Galway, I developed a passion for forest conservation early on. After completing my Environmental Science degree at University College Galway in 2008, I worked with the Irish Wildlife Trust for five years before transitioning into aging services. That shift changed everything for me. I realised that many older adults had simply given up on outdoor activities because of perceived obstacles — steep slopes, unclear paths, nowhere to rest — that were entirely preventable through thoughtful design.

My work with Coillte over the past decade has directly influenced trail accessibility standards across Ireland. I've conducted over 200 guided experiences at Portumna Forest Park alone and mentored 14 junior guides in inclusive hiking practices. In 2019, my research on forest bathing benefits for adults over 65 was published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. But honestly, the numbers matter less than the conversations I have with people who've rediscovered walking and want to do it more often.

Background

Professional Experience

Trail Accessibility & Design

Led retrofitting of over 40 forest trails across Ireland with Coillte. Developed accessibility guidelines now used at facilities nationwide. Expertise in terrain assessment, signage standards, and rest facility placement for older walkers.

Guide Training & Mentorship

Trained 14 junior guides at Portumna in safe, inclusive hiking practices. Created guide curriculum covering gerontology basics, pace management, and adaptive techniques. Currently mentor guides working with Age Action groups across East Galway.

Research & Health Benefits

Published research on cardiovascular benefits of forest bathing for adults over 65 in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (2019). Conducted over 200 guided woodland experiences with measurable health outcomes tracked.

Ecosystem Knowledge & Conservation

Deep expertise in East Galway's forest ecosystems developed through 5 years with the Irish Wildlife Trust. Understand seasonal changes, wildlife patterns, and low-impact practices that protect natural environments while supporting recreational use.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science

University College Galway, 2008. Specialisation in forest ecosystems and conservation management.

Postgraduate Certification, Gerontology

Completed specialised training in aging populations and age-friendly service design.

Outdoor Recreation Management Certification

Postgraduate qualification in accessible outdoor recreation design and inclusive guide practices.

Published Research

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (2019): Cardiovascular benefits of forest bathing for adults over 65.

Specialisation

Areas of Focus

Accessible Woodland Hiking for Seniors

I specialise in designing and promoting gentle forest walking experiences that work for older adults. This isn't about fitness levels or pace — it's about removing unnecessary obstacles. I focus on trail selection, pacing techniques, proper footwear and walking poles, and understanding how woodland environments affect seniors differently than younger walkers. My approach combines practical field knowledge with research on aging and physical activity.

Portumna Forest Park & East Galway Trails

Over 200 guided experiences at Portumna Forest Park have given me intimate knowledge of this landscape. I understand which lakeside trails work best for different ability levels, where rest spots should be placed, what seasonal changes affect walking conditions, and how the forest ecosystem supports recreational use. I've contributed directly to trail improvements here and trained guides who work the park regularly. My expertise extends across East Galway's forest systems — terrain, water features, wildlife patterns, and seasonal variations.

Philosophy

How I Work

My philosophy is straightforward: excellent recreation isn't about pushing limits — it's about removing unnecessary obstacles. Too many older adults have given up on woodland walking because of barriers that are entirely preventable. A steep slope, unclear signage, no place to rest, uncertainty about what you'll encounter — these aren't reflections of ability. They're design problems.

When I assess a trail, I'm not looking at it as a younger person would. I'm thinking about pace, terrain variation, sight lines, rest opportunities, and what happens when someone needs to turn back safely. I train guides to understand that a slower walk isn't a failed walk — it's often a better walk because you actually notice things. I write about woodland experiences not as achievement goals but as genuine reconnection with nature.

Everything I do comes back to one observation: people want to spend time in forests. They've been doing it for millennia. The only thing that's changed is we've made it unnecessarily complicated. My job is to untangle that.

Content

Get in Touch

Have questions about woodland hiking, trail accessibility, or our guides? I'm here to help.

Whether you're planning your first woodland walk, developing trails for older adults, or interested in our guide training program, I'd love to hear from you.