Getting Started on the Old Kenmare Road Route
A practical guide to this popular Kerry greenway — terrain, distance, difficulty, and what to expect if you're new to cycling or returning after time away.
Read Full ArticleSenior Cycling & Accessibility Correspondent
I help people understand accessible cycling routes in Ireland.
For over 14 years, I've been mapping greenways, interviewing cyclists, and reporting on what actually works for seniors on Irish cycling infrastructure.
Get in Touch
My Journey
How I Found My Focus
2010
I was working as a community development officer in Cork. That's when I noticed something obvious but overlooked — older cyclists and people with mobility concerns didn't have detailed, honest information about cycling routes. They'd get generic promotional material instead of real route data. Gradients. Surface conditions. Where facilities actually are. It bothered me.
2012
I studied Environmental Science at University College Cork. The coursework wasn't just academic — it shaped how I think about evidence. Data matters. Real-world conditions matter. Marketing claims don't replace honest fieldwork.
2014
Postgraduate training in accessible tourism at the Irish Tourism Institute gave me the framework I needed. I learned how to measure accessibility properly, how to interview people of different abilities, and how to spot the difference between good infrastructure and infrastructure that just looks good in photos.
2015–Present
I've spent the last decade mapping Ireland's 1,000+ kilometres of greenways. Three years of that was focused on Kerry's cycling infrastructure — the Old Kenmare Road, surrounding routes, gradient profiles, surface conditions, everything. I've interviewed hundreds of local residents and visiting cyclists. I don't rely on manufacturer specs or marketing material. I test routes. I talk to real cyclists. I report what I find.
What I Know
Specialised Knowledge Areas
My work focuses on one core area: making cycling accessible and understandable for people of all abilities.
Greenway Route Design & Accessibility
Understanding how routes are built, what makes them accessible, and how to evaluate them for different ability levels. Not just the marketing version — the real story.
Senior & Recreational Cycling
What older cyclists actually need. Gear recommendations. Route difficulty. Recovery time. Community. I've spent years interviewing cyclists aged 55–80+, so I understand what works in practice.
Kerry Cycling Infrastructure
Three years of intensive fieldwork mapping Kerry's routes — the Old Kenmare Road, gradients, surface conditions, amenities. I know this network in detail.
Evidence-Based Reporting
My work combines quantitative data collection with qualitative interviews. I measure. I test. I talk to real people. No guessing, no relying on promotional material.
Community Insights & User Experience
I've interviewed hundreds of cyclists — locals, tourists, experienced riders, beginners. Their experiences shape how I understand and report on cycling infrastructure.
Sustainable & Accessible Tourism
How to promote cycling as a sustainable transport and tourism option while ensuring it's genuinely accessible to people across ability levels and ages.
My Approach
What I Believe In
Evidence Over Claims
Manufacturers and marketing teams make promises. I don't rely on that. I test routes myself, I collect data, and I interview actual cyclists. What I report reflects reality, not promotional material.
Older Cyclists Deserve Better
Senior cyclists are often an afterthought in cycling infrastructure discussions. They shouldn't be. They've got specific needs, real concerns, and decades of cycling experience. My work centres their voices and concerns.
Details Matter
A route's gradient profile isn't a minor detail — it's the difference between a enjoyable ride and a miserable one. Surface conditions matter. Where facilities are located matters. I don't gloss over the details.
Accessibility Isn't Optional
Cycling should be for people of all abilities, ages, and experience levels. When I evaluate infrastructure, I'm thinking about older cyclists, people with mobility concerns, and those returning to cycling after time away.
Honest Writing
If a route has problems, I say so. If it's genuinely good, I explain why. My articles aren't promotional — they're reporting. That's the trust I've built with my readers over 14 years.
Real Experience Counts
I don't write about routes I haven't cycled. I don't interview people I haven't spoken to directly. My expertise comes from thousands of kilometres on Irish greenways and conversations with real cyclists.
Senior cyclists deserve detailed, honest information about route conditions, gradient profiles, and amenity access — not generic promotional content.
Background
Education & Experience
BSc Environmental Science
University College Cork, 2012
Focused on sustainable infrastructure and environmental impact assessment. Thesis work examined greenway development in Ireland.
Postgraduate Training in Accessible Tourism
Irish Tourism Institute, 2014
Specialised training in accessibility assessment, universal design principles, and inclusive tourism planning.
Community Development Officer
Cork City Council, 2010–2014
Identified accessibility gaps in cycling infrastructure. Initiated community consultation on greenway development.
Senior Cycling & Accessibility Correspondent
sentientwater Ltd, 2015–Present
Specialist cycling journalist. 14 years mapping Ireland's greenways. Three years focused on Kerry cycling infrastructure.
My Work
Recent Articles & Guides
Detailed, evidence-based writing on greenway cycling, senior cycling, and Kerry's cycling infrastructure.
Basic Bike Maintenance for Greenway Cycling
Essential maintenance tasks every cyclist should know. No complex mechanics — just the fundamentals to keep your bike safe and running smoothly.
Read Full ArticleFinding Cycling Groups & Communities in Kerry
Where to find local cycling groups, what to expect, and how to connect with other cyclists in Kerry. Cycling's more enjoyable with company.
Read Full ArticleSafety Tips for Cycling on Greenways
Practical safety advice for greenway cycling — visibility, signalling, sharing space with other users, and common hazards to watch for.
Read Full ArticleBrowse all articles on greenway cycling for seniors and accessible cycling routes.
View All Articles
Get in Touch
Let's Talk About Cycling
Got a question about cycling routes in Kerry? Want to discuss accessible cycling infrastructure? I'm always interested in talking with cyclists, communities, and organisations working on cycling accessibility.
How to Reach Me
The best way to get in touch is through sentientwater Ltd. I respond to inquiries about cycling routes, accessibility questions, and collaboration opportunities.
Contact FormMy Focus Areas
- Accessible cycling route evaluation
- Senior cyclist needs & accessibility
- Kerry greenway infrastructure
- Cycling tourism & sustainable transport
- Community cycling programs