Our Expert Staff
At Great Outdoors, we like to make sure our staff is every bit as interested in the outdoors as you are. Our team comes from a lot of different backgrounds and have a wealth of adventure experiences between them. On any given day, we have over 240 years of outdoor experience to call on. We’ve all tried and tested the gear we sell and between us all, there’s a wealth of information to be had. Enthusiasm can be electric and we can shock you by how much we know. Check out the complete profile for each member of our staff below and get to know us a little better!
Meet our dedicated team!
Ken Costigan
Ken is the Co-Owner / Co-Director of Great Outdoors and Columbia Store Dublin. Starting back in 1985 as a Saturday boy in the camping department, Ken has been working non stop since then at Great Outdoors. Ken's biggest outdoors achievement was when he summited Mount Elbrus in Russia. As a former scout with a passion for engineering too, Ken is rarely seen too far from his trusty Leatherman, signed by Tim Leatherman himself.
Ken's Favourite GearDerek Moody
Derek is the Co-Owner / Co-Director of Great Outdoors and Columbia Store Dublin, coming up through the scouting system Derek has always had an eye for adventure, participating in almost every outdoor sporting activity Derek loves the challenge. Derek's biggest outdoor boast would be Off-Piste skiing in Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe or cross-country skiing in Norway. He's walked most mountains in Ireland and most recently achieved his life ambition of climbing Kilimanjaro.
Derek's Favourite GearPaul Donnelly
Paul works for our Corporate team, and has over 35 years of kayaking experience and a love for the outdoors. Using all of his experience, Paul makes sure Government agencies and outdoor adventure groups are supplied with the best of the best that Great Outdoors has to offer. Paul's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is all the amazing places he has seen along the way. Paul is also a high ranking black belt in Kempo karate and is known to be a DJ of some regard too.
Paul's Favourite GearIan Conneely
Ian manages all departments on our shop floor, with an interest in all things outdoors Ian has a well-rounded list of experience from running, hiking, biking, climbing, and snowboarding. Ian's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is getting to work with and sell all the cool gear. Ian's biggest outdoors achievement was his 130km, 9-day unsupported backcountry walk around Stewart Island off the coast of New Zealand.Ian's favourite item we sell is the MSR Windburner 1.0 because nothing is better than a quick meal and hot drink after a long days trip.
Ian's Favourite GearPaul O'Neill
Paul works across a large range of departments in the store, but, mainly known for his role as E-commerce Manager. With a background in the scouts of 37 year it’s no surprise Paul has such a vast knowledge of the outdoors. Paul’s biggest achievement is learning to swim as an adult which is up there with his first Liffey descent canoe race finish and surviving a fall into Pinnacle Gully on Benbulben. Paul’s favourite thing about working at the Great Outdoors is hearing about everyone’s great trips and adventures both from colleagues and customers. Paul's favourite item we sell is the Snugpak Softie sleeping bag saying while using it he’s “never ever had a cold night”
Paul's Favourite GearMark Smith
Mark manages all departments on our shop floor, with 13 years of experience in the outdoors stores industry Mark is an inspirational leader. Mark's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is "Everyone who shops in Great Outdoors is going on an adventure, big or small. Being able to help people to enjoy these adventures is a great feeling". Mark's biggest outdoors boast was when he trekked throughout Australia and New Zealand, also taking part in Gaelforce adventure races. Mark's favourite item we sell is the Icebreaker Baselayers because "Merino wool is the most amazing natural fibre and able to handle a wide variety of conditions".
Mark's Favourite GearSophie Glynn
Sophie works in our Equipment department, Sophie keeps our equipment section stocked up with the best of the best and ensures customers find the right items for their trips. Sophie’s favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the friends she’s made along the way. Sophie’s biggest outdoor achievement is climbing an active volcano in Bali.Her favourite item we sell is the Thermarest Hyperion 20F/-6C sleeping bag, “a well thought out design, so many features of the bag that just make sense, like the Synergylink connecters for your mattress. one of the lightest bags I’ve seen for that temperature and it’s super comfortable”.
Sophie's Favourite GearBen Costigan
Ben works in our Web department, Bens day to day consists of assisting with order fulfilment online, product upload and digital marketing. Bens outdoor experience comes from his years spent in Scouts, alongside this he is first aid trained and a qualified lifeguard. Ben's favourite thing about working at the Great Outdoors is the staff and customers. Ben's biggest outdoors achievement was skiing the winter Olympic alpine routes in Innsbrück. His favourite Item we sell is the Rab Electron Pro, "extremely warm for the weight and size, extremely packable and the hydro down keeps it perfect after rain"
Ben's Favourite GearJessie Garland
Jessie works in our clothing, watersports and travel department, her day-to-day tasks consist of restocking the floor and helping customers find what they need, Jessie's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the "good times with the staff and I also enjoy helping the customers". Jessie's biggest outdoors achievement was when she climbed Carrauntoohil or when she climbed Mount Batur an active volcano in Bali. Jessie's favourite items that we sell are the Hydro flasks "I use them every day and they are guaranteed to keep my water cold all day"
Jessie's Favourite GearRoel Van Schagen
Roel works in our footwear department, he has a huge interest in outdoor footwear and is great to talk to about hiking boots. Roel's previous outdoor experience comes from his time spent in the scouts. Roel’s favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is being surrounded by outdoor products that he loves. Roel’s biggest outdoor achievement would be hiking Mont Blanc. His favourite item we sell is the Salewa Mountain Trainer due to its comfort.
Roel's Favourite GearNathan Browne
Nathan works in our Stores department, he deals with taking in stock and organizing where it is stored before it hits the shop floor. Nathan is a big festival goer and enjoys the camping involved in longer-lasting festivals. Nathans's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is getting to appreciate and check out all the cool equipment.His favourite item we sell would be the rain covers as they helped to protect his things during torrential rain.
Nathan's Favourite gearShane Carolan
Shane is a true utility man in our team. Having come through the "Shacko" ranks with flying colours, as well as a long time spent, and still spending, in scouts, he is a wealth of information on all aspects of our gear. His own personal favourite is the ThermaRest NeoAir X-Lite for a good night's sleep while adventuring. He is all about customer service and keeping whichever section he is working in, well turned out. He will keep you entertained with stories of his greatest achievement, Mount Toubkal. Yes, he's told all of us too.
Shane's Favourite GearRodolfo Vera
Having travelled the world, looking for adventures, Rodolfo came all the way from Argentina and found our little store. With lots of mountain experience with hiking, climbing, skiing and mountaineering achievements and having spent his younger years scouting in South America, Rodolfo is a treasure trove of advice and information. His favourite other past time is long boarding and having made skateboards previously, he knows a thing or 2 about carving up the pavement. Ask him about the adventure he had crossing the Andes, he will keep you entertained. Nothing makes Rodolfo happier than chatting with customers about their adventures and upcoming projects and then seeing what kind of new tech he can advise them to make it even better.
Rodolfo's Favourite GearFrancesca Borsari
Fran has been working in our clothing department since the summer of 2023 and has tons of hiking and climbing experience behind. A big fan of hiking in the Dolomites, she knows a thing or 2 about how to pack for a great day on the trail. One of her proudest moments in the outdoors was completing a 12 hour hike and scramble around Gruppo del Catinaccio in the Dolomites and the steps descending Passo del Vajolon sure helped her to overcome her fear of heights. She's a big fan of keeping her area tidy and takes care of the restocking of her department when she arrives into work in the morning and she loves helping customers to find the right combination of layers for their next adventure.
Francesca's Favourite GearJoin our staff
Here at Great Outdoors we are always looking to hire motivated, outdoor enthusiasts. We always strive to equip outdoor adventurers with the best gear possible, think you could help us out? If you've got the outdoor knowledge we've got the sales skills to help you shine!
Find Out MoreJoin our staff
Here at Great Outdoors we are always looking to hire motivated, outdoor enthusiasts. We always strive to equip outdoor adventurers with the best gear possible, think you could help us out? If you've got the outdoor knowledge we've got the sales skills to help you shine!
Find out more