Senior Cycling & Wellness Correspondent
Máire O'Sullivan has spent 14 years documenting Ireland's greenway network and cycling routes designed specifically for older riders. She's cycled over 2,000 kilometres across Ireland's major greenways, testing routes and facilities with the same care she'd want for her own parents. Her work combines rigorous research with genuine understanding of what accessible cycling actually means.
Máire specializes in accessible cycling infrastructure and leisure greenway routes designed for older adults. Her knowledge spans Ireland's entire network of recreational cycling paths.
In-depth knowledge of Ireland's major greenways including the Great Western Greenway, Waterford Greenway, and Royal Canal path. She's tested each route multiple times, documenting surface conditions, gradients, and facilities.
Specializes in designing and documenting cycling routes for older riders and those with varying fitness levels. Understands that accessible cycling isn't about age — it's about honest route information and realistic expectations.
Extensive experience documenting gentle cycling routes through Ireland's countryside, including hidden gems in the Burren and other regions. Knows which routes offer genuine relaxation versus exhausting terrain.
Combines practical cycling knowledge with engaging travel writing. Her articles don't just describe routes — they capture why these routes matter and what makes them genuinely enjoyable for different riders.
Honestly, it started with my parents. They're both in their late sixties and loved cycling when they were younger, but thought those days were behind them. I became obsessed with finding routes they could actually enjoy without struggling. That research turned into articles, and the articles turned into this career. I realized there's a massive gap in cycling information for older riders — most guides assume you're training for something competitive, not just wanting a nice afternoon ride.
I ride every route multiple times under different conditions. First time I'm just getting a feel for it. Second time I'm taking measurements — gradients, surface conditions, width of the path. Third time I'm actually timing it and noticing the practical stuff like water fountains, parking, bench locations. I'll also interview locals and other cyclists who've used the route. You can't just look at a map and say "this is good for older riders." You need to experience it at different paces, in different weather, and honestly assess where it's challenging.
Cycling should remain enjoyable throughout your whole life. That doesn't mean lowering standards — it means being honest about what different routes offer. A gentle route isn't inferior to a challenging one. They're just different. My job is giving people accurate information so they can choose routes that match their goals and fitness level. Some riders want to push themselves. Others want to enjoy scenery and conversation. Both are valid. Too much cycling content assumes everyone wants the same thing, and that's just not true.
The Waterford Greenway, genuinely. I expected a nice coastal route, but I wasn't prepared for how well-maintained it is or how varied the scenery becomes. You get seaside sections, then you're inland through farmland, then you're in forest areas. It's got everything — and the surface is excellent for all ability levels. Plus the stopping points are actually useful. Too many routes have benches in random locations. The Waterford Greenway's facilities feel thoughtfully placed. That's the kind of detail I try to capture in my writing.
Confidence and accurate expectations. If you're reading about the Great Western Greenway and I tell you there's a challenging section near Mulranny, that's not criticism — it's useful information. It helps you prepare, or it helps you decide that's not the right route for you that day. I want people finishing my articles thinking "I know exactly what to expect, and I'm excited to ride this" rather than showing up unprepared and having a frustrating experience. Good cycling writing removes surprises. Bad cycling writing creates them.
Dublin City University
2012
University College Cork
2009
willowmanor Limited
2018 – Present
Contributing to national publications
2013 – 2018
Tourism Ireland
2010 – 2012
Irish Tourism Board & Regional Councils
Presentations on accessible cycling infrastructure
50+ articles in cycling and travel publications
Máire's approach to cycling journalism is built on one core belief: cycling should remain accessible and enjoyable throughout your entire lifetime. That sounds simple, but it changes everything about how you think about routes and facilities.
Most cycling content is written for people training for something — a race, a challenge, a personal best. There's nothing wrong with that. But it leaves out a massive group of people who simply want to ride their bike and enjoy the experience. They're not training. They're not pushing themselves. They just want a pleasant afternoon outdoors with good scenery.
That's who Máire writes for. Her articles focus on honest route information: surface conditions, realistic gradients, facilities, and whether a route genuinely feels relaxing or if it's going to frustrate you. She's not interested in hype or marketing angles. She's interested in whether her readers will have a good time.
What makes her work unique is the empathy. She doesn't write from a distance. She's tested every route she recommends multiple times. She understands what "gentle cycling" actually means versus what tourism marketing claims it means. She knows the difference between a route that's easy and a route that's genuinely enjoyable.
"Cycling should remain enjoyable throughout your whole life. My job is giving people accurate information so they can choose routes that match their actual goals and fitness level."
Whether you're 25 or 75, whether you've been cycling your whole life or you're picking it back up after years away, you deserve routes and information written with your experience in mind. That's what Máire delivers.
Representative work showcasing her expertise in Ireland's cycling infrastructure and accessible greenway routes.
Complete guide to Ireland's longest dedicated cycling path, spanning 42 kilometres from Westport to Achill Head. Máire covers surface conditions, elevation changes, facilities, and practical tips for different ability levels.
Read Full ArticleIn-depth exploration of the Waterford Greenway's 46-kilometre route through County Waterford. Máire details the varied scenery, stopping points, and why this greenway consistently surprises first-time riders.
Read Full ArticleComprehensive guide to cycling Dublin's Royal Canal path, from the city centre through suburban areas. Máire covers navigation, facilities, and how to structure different ride lengths depending on your fitness.
Read Full ArticleMáire explores gentle cycling routes through the Burren's unique limestone landscape in County Clare. She highlights quiet roads, scenic viewpoints, and routes that offer genuine relaxation without overwhelming difficulty.
Read Full ArticleDiscover Máire's complete collection of articles on Ireland's cycling greenways and gentle bike routes designed for older riders.
