Senior Leisure Activities Specialist
Designing accessible outdoor experiences for retirees along the Dún Laoghaire coastline
Mairead's journey into senior leisure activities began during her studies at Dublin City University, where she developed a genuine passion for creating inclusive recreational opportunities. After graduating in 2010, she spent five years working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's community development team, where she helped establish the first accessible walking programme along the pier and seafront.
Her breakthrough came in 2015 when she published a comprehensive guide to accessible leisure activities in coastal Dublin — it's now a reference document for retirement communities across the region. She joined getvaridesk Ltd in 2019 to expand her reach and share evidence-based content on gentle outdoor activities, accessibility features, and wellness benefits for older adults.
What drives Mairead is the conviction that retirement should be an active, vibrant phase of life—not a period of diminishment. She approaches every article with meticulous attention to practical detail, drawing on her direct experience with hundreds of retirees and their honest feedback on what truly works.
Years in senior leisure activities
Years with County Council
Retirees guided on routes
Her expertise covers accessible outdoor recreation design, gentle coastal walks, and age-friendly urban spaces
Designing and documenting accessible coastal walks tailored to different fitness levels. Mairead knows the Dún Laoghaire pier and seafront promenade inside out — every bench, ramp, and scenic viewpoint.
Creating and evaluating outdoor spaces for older adults. She's worked with councils and retirement communities to ensure pathways are safe, well-lit, and feature proper rest areas.
Evidence-based content on health benefits of outdoor activity for retirees. She draws from research and real feedback from hundreds of older adults who've discovered new energy through regular gentle exercise.
Detailed guides to wildlife and landmarks along coastal routes. Mairead's passion for the natural environment means her walks aren't just exercise—they're opportunities to connect with nature.
Real-world advice on comfort, safety, and logistics. What to bring, best times to visit, how to prepare for different weather, and how to make outdoor activity sustainable as a regular habit.
Building programs and initiatives that bring retirees together. She's launched walking groups, organized community events, and created networks where older adults support each other's active lifestyle goals.
"I've worked with hundreds of retirees over the years, and I've learned that the biggest barrier to staying active isn't fitness level—it's confidence. Once someone takes that first walk, once they discover they can do it, everything changes. That's what I'm trying to create: moments where older adults realize they're more capable than they thought."
Practical guides and insights on gentle coastal walks and accessible outdoor activities for retirees
May 16, 2026
A step-by-step guide to the Dún Laoghaire pier walk, including distance, difficulty level, facilities along the way, and what you'll see. Perfect for first-timers and experienced walkers alike.
Read ArticleMay 13, 2026
Not feeling up for the full pier? Mairead shares shorter, gentler routes along the seafront promenade that are just as rewarding. These walks are accessible for all mobility levels.
Read ArticleMay 9, 2026
Transform your walk into a nature-spotting adventure. Mairead highlights the birds, marine life, and historic landmarks you'll encounter along the Dún Laoghaire coastline throughout the seasons.
Read ArticleDiscover all of Mairead's articles on gentle walks and accessible outdoor activities for retirees. Whether you're looking for practical tips, detailed route guides, or inspiration to get outside, you'll find evidence-based, real-world advice.
