Getting Started on the Barrow Way
The Barrow Way from Athy to Graiguenamanagh is genuinely flat and mostly traffic-free. Here's what you need to know before your first ride—bike setup, pacing, where the tough sections actually are.
Senior Correspondent
Making canal cycling accessible for everyone
I've spent 16 years documenting Ireland's quietest cycling routes—and helping older riders discover that age isn't a limitation, it's just a different starting point.
The Beginning
How I Got Here
2008
Geography degree from UCC
My time at University College Cork was the turning point. I wasn't just interested in maps and data—I wanted to understand how people actually move through places. That's when I realized cycling could be the answer to so many problems: sustainable transport, accessible recreation, independence for older adults.
2008–2013
Five years with the Irish Cycling Campaign
I didn't jump straight into journalism. Instead, I spent five years researching accessibility barriers—talking to pensioners about their fears, testing routes in winter weather, documenting what towpath maintenance actually meant in practice. That fieldwork was invaluable. You can't write about something credibly if you haven't lived it.
2013
Published Ireland's canal guide for active retirees
My first major guide came out in 2013. It wasn't just route descriptions—it was honest. I included information about where you'd find toilets, which sections had rough surfaces, where the hills were steeper than they looked. The cycling community and tourism boards took notice, and suddenly I was fielding requests from the Midlands and south-east.
2019–Present
Correspondent at ravontis Ltd
Joining ravontis in 2019 meant I could finally do this full-time. I've tested the Barrow Way more times than I can count—different seasons, different conditions, with different cyclists. The work's become even more specific: understanding what matters to someone cycling at 65 versus 45. It's genuinely changed how I write.
What I Do
Areas of Focus
Sixteen years of fieldwork have narrowed my focus to what actually matters for accessible cycling.
Canal Towpath Routes
Ireland's canal system is genuinely flat and mostly traffic-free. I've documented every major towpath from maintenance schedules to surface conditions. The Barrow Way from Athy to Graiguenamanagh is my specialty—I can tell you where the bumps are.
Pensioner-Specific Cycling
Age brings different considerations: joint impact, balance, confidence on unfamiliar terrain. I don't write generic cycling advice. I write about what a 68-year-old returning to cycling actually needs to know.
Practical Bike Setup
The right bike makes everything easier. I've tested comfort geometry, tyre widths, and gearing specifically for older riders. Maintenance matters too—a poorly adjusted brake can undermine someone's confidence entirely.
Safety & Accessibility
Safe cycling isn't about speed—it's about predictability and visibility. I focus on infrastructure issues, hazard awareness, and practical strategies that let people ride with genuine confidence.
Sustainable Tourism
Cycling tourism isn't just about adventure—it's about economic benefit to rural communities. I've researched how canal routes support local businesses and why infrastructure investment matters.
Detailed Route Guides
I write route guides that anticipate questions. Distance, climbing, surface type, facilities, emergency access. Every section tested personally, every detail verified.
My Approach
What I Believe In
Honesty over marketing
I don't write "family-friendly routes" when they've got steep hills. I don't claim a towpath is smooth when it's got tree roots. Tourism boards might want glowing descriptions, but cyclists need truth. That's the deal I made with myself years ago.
Age isn't a limitation
This drives everything. I've interviewed cyclists in their 70s and 80s who ride further than people half their age. They're not exceptional—they're just prepared. They've got the right equipment, the right information, the right routes. My job is making that information accessible.
Details matter
A cyclist doesn't care about "scenic" if the gravel's loose. They don't care about "peaceful" if they're worried about traffic. The practical details—surface conditions, gradient, facilities—are what determine whether someone actually enjoys a ride. I obsess over those details.
Inclusive means genuinely inclusive
Not everyone's a confident rider. Some people have been off a bike for decades. Some have physical limitations. I write for all of them. That means avoiding jargon, explaining options, and never assuming prior knowledge.
"I've tested the Barrow Way more times than I can count—different seasons, different conditions, with different cyclists. The work's become even more specific: understanding what matters to someone cycling at 65 versus 45."
Background
Education & Experience
University College Cork
Degree in Geography & Environmental Studies (2008)
Foundation in environmental systems, transport planning, and sustainable development. Thesis focused on recreational infrastructure accessibility.
Irish Cycling Campaign
Researcher & Accessibility Consultant (2008–2013)
Five years of fieldwork on towpath conditions, cyclist safety, and policy research. Contributed to national accessibility standards for recreational cycling infrastructure.
Published Guide: Ireland's Canal Routes for Active Retirees
2013 — Comprehensive route guide
First major publication. 200+ pages covering surface conditions, facilities, gradients, and safety considerations. Recognized by Fáilte Ireland and tourism boards across the Midlands and south-east.
Ravontis Ltd
Senior Cycling & Active Tourism Correspondent (2019–Present)
Editorial leadership on cycling routes and accessible outdoor activities. Specialized fieldwork on the Barrow Waterway and Midlands canal systems. Author of detailed guides for pensioner cyclists.
Recent Work
Featured Articles
Practical guides and insights for cyclists of all ages and experience levels.
Bike Maintenance for Safe Cycling
A poorly maintained bike undermines confidence. I've documented the specific checks that matter: brakes, tyres, and drivetrain. Regular maintenance isn't complicated—it just needs to happen.
Safety Essentials You Actually Need
Safety isn't about fear—it's about being prepared. Visibility, predictability, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong. I've tested gear and strategies specifically for older riders.
The Athy to Graiguenamanagh Route Explained
Complete breakdown of the 35km Barrow Way section. Surface conditions by kilometre, climbing analysis, facilities, emergency access points, and seasonal considerations based on five years of fieldwork.
Get in Touch
Have a question about routes, cycling accessibility, or want to discuss a story idea? I'd like to hear from you.
For story pitches, route questions, or media inquiries, reach out through our contact form.
Location
Based in Ireland, with fieldwork across the Barrow Waterway and Midlands canal systems.
Organization
Senior Correspondent at ravontis Ltd, specializing in accessible cycling and active tourism.