Aoife O'Sullivan
Senior Walking Routes Editor
ultatech Limited
About
Who She Is
Aoife's been walking Irish trails for over a decade, and it shows. She's not just someone who writes about routes — she actually tests them. Every guide she publishes comes from real fieldwork, conversations with locals, and a genuine passion for making Ireland's landscapes accessible to everyone. Whether it's a challenging coastal path in County Clare or a family-friendly loop around Dublin's parks, she approaches each trail with the same rigor: safety first, stories second, accessibility always.
At ultatech Limited since 2018, she's authored over 200 detailed walking guides. Her background in Environmental Science from University College Dublin and five years with the Irish Wildlife Trust shaped how she thinks about trails — not just as routes, but as connections to landscape, community, and conservation. When she mapped accessibility standards for Fáilte Ireland, it fundamentally changed her approach. Now, every guide she creates considers walkers of all ages and abilities.
Background
Experience & Credentials
Education & Early Career
Graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in Environmental Science in 2010. She's not just academically trained — she applied that knowledge immediately, spending five years with the Irish Wildlife Trust leading conservation-focused walking programs across Wicklow and coastal regions.
Accessibility Standards Partnership
In 2015, she partnered with Fáilte Ireland to develop accessibility standards for walking trails across the country. This milestone project fundamentally shaped her methodology and commitment to inclusive trail documentation. It's why accessibility considerations now appear in every guide she creates.
Senior Editor at ultatech Limited
Since 2018, she's authored over 200 walking guides covering everything from challenging coastal cliff paths to family-friendly urban routes in Dublin. She combines rigorous field testing, safety verification, and genuine storytelling about the landscapes and communities walkers encounter.
Expertise
What She Specializes In
Coastal Footpath Documentation
She's mapped some of Ireland's most stunning coastal routes — from the Cliffs of Moher to the Dublin Bay waterfront. She knows which paths are safe, which offer the best views, and where families can manage the terrain. Her guides don't just tell you where to walk; they prepare you for what you'll actually experience.
Urban Walks in Dublin
Dublin's got more to offer than just the Temple Bar crowd. She's curated routes through the city's best neighborhoods, hidden parks, and historic streets. Whether you're looking for a quick lunchtime stroll or a deeper exploration of Dublin's character, her guides help you discover the real city.
Wicklow Countryside Rambles
Wicklow's her second home, honestly. She's spent years exploring the mountains, forest trails, and riverside walks. Her guides balance challenge levels — some routes are serious hikes, others are gentle countryside strolls. She knows the seasons, the weather patterns, and where you're most likely to see wildlife.
Family-Friendly Trail Design
She gets it — walking with kids is different. Not harder, just different. Her family trail guides consider pushchair accessibility, shade options, interesting stops along the way, and realistic distance expectations. She's tested routes with families and incorporated their feedback into every recommendation.
Philosophy
Why Accessibility Matters
Ireland's landscapes are incredible. That shouldn't be a luxury for people with a certain fitness level or mobility. When she was working on the Fáilte Ireland accessibility project, something clicked — every trail should be documented with everyone in mind. That means clear information about terrain difficulty, surface type, elevation gain, and accessibility features. It means admitting when a path isn't suitable for certain walkers, rather than sugar-coating it.
Her guides are honest. They'll tell you if a route has steps, loose gravel, or challenging sections. They'll explain alternatives. She believes walkers deserve complete information so they can make decisions that work for them. That's not limiting accessibility — that's respecting it.
Featured
Her Guides & Resources
Dublin City Walking Guide
Explore Dublin's neighborhoods, parks, and historic streets. From Grafton Street to the Liffey quays, she's mapped routes that show you the real city.
Read GuideWicklow Countryside Trails
Mountain walks, forest paths, and riverside routes across Wicklow. Ranges from gentle countryside strolls to serious hiking challenges.
Read GuideCoastal Walking Paths
Ireland's stunning coastlines documented with safety and accessibility in mind. Includes cliff paths, beach walks, and hidden coastal routes.
Read GuideFamily Walking Paths
Routes tested with kids and families. Includes pushchair-friendly options, interesting stops, and realistic distance expectations.
Read GuideExplore Walking Routes Across Ireland
Browse Aoife's complete collection of walking guides, from coastal adventures to urban explorations.