kinzastore Logo Kinzastore Contact Us
Contact Us
Fiona O'Rourke, Senior Walking Routes Editor at kinzastore Ltd, portrait photo

Fiona O'Rourke

Senior Walking Routes Editor

Kinzastore Ltd

14

Years of Trail Expertise

2,800+

Kilometers Explored

47

Detailed Trail Guides

6

Years with Irish Parks Service

Professional Journey

How Fiona Became Ireland's Trail Expert

Growing Up in Wicklow

Fiona grew up in County Wicklow, where her father—a geography teacher—introduced her to the region's mountains on regular weekend hikes. These weren't casual strolls. Her dad believed understanding landscape meant really knowing it. By her teens, she'd already mapped favorite routes in her head, noticed how conditions changed between seasons, and developed an almost obsessive curiosity about trail ecology and hiking safety.

Environmental Science at UCD

At University College Dublin, Fiona studied Environmental Science, graduating in 2010 with honors. Her thesis focused on trail degradation in high-traffic mountain areas. She wasn't interested in purely academic work. She wanted practical knowledge that'd actually help people understand how to walk responsibly in sensitive ecosystems.

Six Years with Irish National Parks

From 2010 to 2016, Fiona worked as a ranger with the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service. This role took her across Ireland's most iconic landscapes—from the dramatic sea cliffs of County Clare to the rolling mountains of Wicklow to the coastal paths around Howth. She managed trails, documented seasonal hazards, worked with hikers of all abilities, and learned what makes a good guide. She's not just read about these places. She's walked every kilometer in every season, tested conditions after storms, and watched how trails change year to year.

Full-Time Content Since 2016

In 2016, Fiona spotted a gap. Most walking guides felt either too basic or too dense. They didn't account for seasonal realities. They didn't explain why a route was actually good, just that it existed. She started writing detailed guides combining scientific observation with practical advice. Now at Kinzastore Ltd, she creates educational resources that serve experienced hikers and beginners equally. Every guide reflects real field work, meticulous research, and years of hands-on experience.

Areas of Focus

Specializations & Knowledge

Fiona's work covers Ireland's most celebrated walking routes with particular depth in coastal and mountain trails.

Cliffs of Moher Trail

Complete walking guide covering the famous cliff edge path, seasonal conditions, coastal hazards, and accessible viewpoints. Fiona has tested every section in wind, rain, and clear weather.

Howth Head Loop

Urban coastal walking near Dublin. She's documented the loop's hidden viewpoints, tide conditions that affect trail access, and how to navigate this route in all seasons without crowds.

Dingle Way Short Walks

Bite-sized adventures across the Dingle Peninsula. Her guides break the longer Dingle Way into manageable sections, each with detailed route notes and practical advice.

Wicklow Mountains Seasons

Seasonal walking guides for Ireland's premier mountain region. Spring blooms, summer crowds, autumn color, winter snow—Fiona covers how conditions change and what you need for each season.

Trail Documentation

Evidence-based route documentation. She maps trails, documents hazards, tests accessibility, and writes guides that actually match what you'll find on the ground.

Accessible Hiking

Creating walking experiences for all abilities. She understands mobility challenges, surface conditions, and how to find routes that work for families, older walkers, and beginners.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science

University College Dublin (2010)

Thesis: Trail degradation in high-traffic mountain ecosystems. First-class honors.

Ranger Certification, Irish National Parks

Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service (2010-2016)

Six years managing trails, wildlife protection, and public education across Ireland's protected areas.

Mountain Leader Award

Mountain Training UK (2015)

Qualified to lead groups on mountain terrain. Maintains current outdoor first aid certification.

Route Development & Trail Management

Professional Experience (2010-Present)

Over 2,800 kilometers of documented trail work. Expertise in sustainable trail design and seasonal condition assessment.

Get in Touch

Questions About Walking Routes?

Fiona regularly responds to inquiries about trail conditions, route planning, and seasonal recommendations.

Contact Fiona

Have questions about specific trails, seasonal conditions, or accessibility for a particular walk? Fiona's based in Dublin and works with kinzastore Ltd. She's always happy to discuss Ireland's walking routes and help you plan your next adventure.

Send a Message

What She Can Help With

  • Route recommendations for your fitness level and time
  • Seasonal conditions and what to expect in each month
  • Accessibility information for specific trails
  • Family-friendly walks with kids and young children
  • Trail safety and hazard information
  • Photography locations and scenic viewpoints