Our Expert Staff

Ken Costigan - Irish

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 for 35 years at Great Outdoors. Ken's biggest outdoors achievement was when he summited Mount Elbrus in Russia. Ken's favourite item that we sell is the Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28. 

Derek Moody – Irish

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. 

Join 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!

Paul Donnelly – Irish

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. His favourite item we sell is the Helly Hansen Manchester crew mid-layer for its snug fit that offers comfort and protection from the cold.

Ian Conneely – Irish

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. 

Paul O'Neill – Irish

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”

Mark Smith – Irish

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".

Miguel Castellano - Venezuelan

Miguel manages our Stores department, with a major interest in the outdoors Miguel has pursued adventures in the Amazon jungle and been to the highest peaks all in seek of a thrill. Miguel's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the team environment. Miguel's biggest outdoor achievement was conquering his fear of heights in the best way possible when he jumped out of a plane over the Caribbean, parachute attached of course. Miguel's favourite item we sell is the Jetboil Cook System "nothing beats a hot meal after a hard trek in the mountains".

Roel Van Schagen - Dutch

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.

Ben Costigan – Irish

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.Bens favourite thing about working at the Great Outdoors is the staff and customers. Bens 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"

Jessie Garland - Irish

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"

Sophie Glynn – Irish

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”.

Domingo Torres – Mexican

Domingo works in our Footwear department, he has a major interest in trail running so Domingo is the perfect person for all your running footwear needs, and better yet - a nice chat! Domingo’s favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the family environment, his biggest achievement is the 80km trail running race that he completed. His favourite item we sell is our Road-trail running gear. 

Coralie Marcucci - French

Coralie works in our clothing department, Coralie has a big passion for the outdoors and has 8 years of ski lessons under her belt, Her favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is learning technical information about clothes and accessories, also the general atmosphere in-store. Coralie's biggest outdoors achievement was going to Machu Picchu and hiking around Peru.Coralie's favourite item that we sell is the Rab Kangri GTX Jacket, "For the design and the performance".

Eoin O'Reilly - Irish

Eoin works in our Web department, his primary job is product upload on the website but he also helps to fulfil online orders and customer service. Eoin has a major interest in eyewear specifically Oakley. Even though he doesn't consider himself very “outdoorsy” his biggest outdoors achievement would be cycling to work each day, alongside that he loved the walk from Bray to Greystone’s. Eoin's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the people, "The staff are some of the nicest people I’ve ever gotten to work with, and the customers are always energetic and friendly. I personally get a lot of joy from customers having a positive experience online."His favourite items we sell are the Saxx boxers and Nalgene bottle, "I use my Nalgene bottles 24/7, no matter where I am it’s on me, and the exact same goes for my Saxx boxers."

Alexander Quintero Vasco – Venezuelan

Alexander works in our stores department, Alexander helps to take in our deliveries and ensure they are organized and stored properly. Alexander’s favourite part about working at Great Outdoors is the “family atmosphere”.His favourite items that we sell is Columbia clothing, "I really like the fashion, paired with high-quality material at a reasonable price makes them a good choice".

Nathan Browne – Irish

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.

Gabriela Bernal – Mexican

Gabriela is 35 years old and works in the clothing department at our Columbia store, Gabriela loves being out with nature and exploring new magical places, her favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the fact she gets to meet customers from all over the world with interest in trekking, in and out of Ireland. Garbielas biggest outdoors achievement was getting the opportunity to climb the rainbow mountain in Peru. Her favourite items we sell is the trekking and hiking clothing at Columbia.

Róisín Donnelly - Irish

Róisín works in our clothing department and can usually be found working at our tills in-store. With a love for the outdoors and adventure, Róisín's hobbies include kayaking and going to the scouts. Róisín's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is the customers as "they are always friendly and smiling before leaving and it makes my day". Róisín's favourite items that we sell are the fleeces, "they're SO COSY and can be worn anywhere"

Clodagh Ryan - Irish

Clodagh works in our clothing department in our partner Columbia Store. Clodagh's day-to-day tasks include restocking the clothing area and helping customers pick out the best gear for their next trip. Clodagh's favourite thing about working at Great Outdoors is "the people, both the customers, and staff". Clodagh's biggest outdoor achievement was climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. Clodagh's favourite item that we sell is the Rab Kangri GTX Jacket, "There's so much science and technology that goes into making these jackets than you'd think"

James Reynolds - Irish

James has a wealth of experience gathered from his time spent in venture scouts and lifetime of loving the outdoors. James works in the equipment and footwear sections. James's daily tasks include re-stocking his area and providing expert advice to customers. His biggest outdoors achievement includes hiking the Pyrenees, Wicklow Way, and Carrauntoohil. What he loves most about working at Great Outdoors is the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals who share his passion for the outdoors.