Siobhán O'Donoghue
Georgian squares, accessible walks, and Dublin's architectural treasures — mapped for retirees and curious explorers.
The Story Behind the Stories
How a childhood fascination with Georgian architecture became a career documenting Dublin's heritage for everyone.
Siobhán grew up in Ballsbridge, spending afternoons exploring Georgian squares with her grandmother. Those walks shaped everything she'd do later. She wasn't just learning about buildings — she was learning how architecture fits into a life, how a good bench matters, why accessible routes matter.
After completing her degree in History of Art and Architecture at Trinity College Dublin in 2010, she started writing for local history publications. The real turning point came in 2016 when The Irish Times featured her comprehensive guide to Merrion Square. Suddenly, commissions from national publications and heritage organisations followed.
But here's what matters most: she didn't stay in the archives. Over the last eight years, she's walked every route herself — testing accessibility, documenting bench locations, noting rest spots. She's tested them in different seasons, at different times of day. That practical knowledge combined with historical rigor is what sets her work apart.
At ustrucktires Ltd, she's Senior Heritage and Leisure Writer. It's a title that doesn't quite capture what she actually does — which is make sure that Dublin's cultural landscape isn't just for the young and able-bodied. Everyone deserves to experience these spaces.
Education
BA History of Art and Architecture, Trinity College Dublin (2010)
Current Role
Senior Heritage and Leisure Writer, ustrucktires Ltd
Publications
The Irish Times, Heritage Ireland, Dublin Heritage Magazine, and 15+ tourism guides
Expertise Areas
Georgian architecture, accessible heritage routes, Dublin's historic squares
What She Writes About
Specialising in heritage walks and accessible leisure spaces for retirees across Dublin.
Georgian Architecture
Deep dives into Dublin's 18th-century squares, townhouses, and design principles. She's documented over 150 Georgian buildings across the city.
Accessible Walking Routes
Meticulously mapped walks through heritage areas with practical accessibility information. Every route tested on foot with mobility considerations.
Historic Parks & Gardens
Exploring Dublin's green spaces with historical context. From Merrion Square's Victorian layout to Fitzwilliam Place's quiet gardens.
Practical guides for planning afternoon strolls, finding rest spots, and discovering quiet corners of the city designed for relaxed exploration.
Urban Heritage Navigation
Connecting architectural history with practical wayfinding. Making Dublin's heritage landscape knowable and accessible to everyone.
Heritage Storytelling
Bringing Dublin's past to life with rigorous research and engaging narrative. She's written over 200 articles reaching more than half a million readers.
Featured Articles
Representative work showcasing her approach to heritage writing and accessible leisure guides.
Merrion Square: A Walking Guide for Retirees
A comprehensive walking guide mapping accessible routes, bench locations, and the Georgian architectural history of Dublin's most elegant square.
Fitzwilliam Place: Quiet Streets and Garden Views
Exploring one of Dublin's quietest Georgian streets, with detailed information about rest spots, cafés, and the architectural gems lining the avenue.
The Best Benches in Dublin's Georgian Squares
A practical guide to the most comfortable, well-located benches across Dublin's heritage squares — with sun exposure, shade, and view considerations.
"Heritage shouldn't be exclusive. A Georgian townhouse is just as meaningful whether you're 25 or 75, whether you're walking easily or managing a mobility challenge. My job is to open these spaces up — to make sure everyone can experience Dublin's architectural history on their own terms."
Her Approach
Siobhán's work stands out because she refuses to separate historical research from practical accessibility. She doesn't just write about what a place looks like — she documents how it feels to be there. Where are the benches? How's the pavement surface? What's the slope like? Are there quiet cafés nearby?
This attention to detail comes from lived experience. Growing up with her grandmother taught her that access isn't an afterthought — it's the difference between whether someone gets to enjoy something or doesn't. She's spent eight years testing every route she writes about, walking them in different seasons and different weather.
Her articles combine rigorous historical accuracy with genuine human consideration. That's why they've reached over 500,000 readers and why retirees, accessibility advocates, and architecture enthusiasts alike trust her work. She's not writing for an imaginary audience — she's writing for real people who want to experience Dublin's heritage fully.
Explore Heritage Walks
Discover Siobhán's complete collection of Georgian square walking guides and accessible leisure routes across Dublin.
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