South Kerry Development Partnership CLG
Reeks Mountain Access Project
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Protecting, managing and sustainably developing Ireland’s highest mountain range
The MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum was established in May 2014 as a collaborative initiative to protect, manage and sustainably develop the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. This initiative was led by South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) in conjunction with the Rural Recreation Section of the then Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, following extensive consultation with landowners, recreational users, statutory agencies and local communities.
Why the Forum was Established
The MacGillycuddy Reeks are an iconic upland landscape covering over 100 km², entirely in private ownership and actively farmed, yet attracting significant recreational use. Increased footfall on paths—especially on routes to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak—was contributing to path erosion and environmental degradation. The Forum was set up to implement a structured action plan to:
- Protect and sustainably manage the upland area;
- Halt and reverse path erosion; and
- Facilitate responsible recreational access based on mutual respect and awareness of private land rights.
The Forum’s vision is to create an environmentally sustainable upland zone for agricultural, recreational, educational and research activities—underpinned by a permissive access model agreed with landowners.
Reeks Map Area
The MacGillycuddy Reeks range extends approximately from the Gap of Dunloe in the east to Glencar in the west, encompassing Ireland’s highest summits—including Carrauntoohil (1,038 m)—and a network of ridges, valleys and paths enjoyed by walkers and climbers.
Who the Forum Represents
The Forum brings together a broad range of stakeholders to ensure balanced and representative decision-making. Its members include:
- Local landowners and hill farmers
- Elected community representatives
- Local guides and small business representatives
- Recreational user representatives
- South Kerry Development Partnership clg
- Department of Rural and Community Development (Rural Recreation)
- National Parks & Wildlife Service
- Kerry County Council and Councilors
- Fáilte Ireland and tourism interests
This mix ensures that the interests of landowners, local communities, recreational users, statutory bodies and the tourism sector are all reflected in planning and management.
Achievements & Works Completed
Since its establishment, the Forum has progressed a range of strategic and practical actions:
- Path audits and surveys to assess erosion and identify priority works;
- Trail and path repair works, including Landowners in upland trail construction through REDZ-funded projects;
- Improved signage and visitor information to promote safe and responsible use;
- Visitor data research to better understand recreational pressures;
- Awareness and fundraising initiatives, including the Friends of the Reeks scheme and honesty boxes at key car parks;
- Award recognition for the project’s community impact and dedication to sustainable management.
- Installation of signage and enforcement of the No Dogs policy throughout the Reeks
Work continues to prioritise both path maintenance and ecological protection as usage grows.
Insurance Indemnity for Landowners
A key component of the Mountain Access Project underpinning the Forum is the provision of public liability insurance cover for participating private landowners. This indemnity ensures landowners are protected against claims arising from recreational use within the designated access area—a pivotal assurance that supports the permissive access model.
Visitor Guidelines & No Dogs Policy
The Forum promotes responsible access and has clear guidelines for visitors to protect livestock, wildlife and farm operations. Of particular importance is a strict no-dogs policy across the Reeks. Dogs are not permitted on the mountain range due to the risk they pose to sheep, lambs and other livestock, as well as wildlife disturbance. This rule reflects the wishes of landowners and is essential to maintaining goodwill and continued access.
Pilot Area for the Upland Recreation Scheme
The MacGillycuddy Reeks has been selected, alongside the Binn Shléibhe area in County Galway, as one of the first pilot areas for Ireland’s Mountain Access Project (MAP). MAP is a national initiative that promotes a permissive upland access model, founded on collaboration, shared responsibility and respect for private landownership.
The Government’s National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027 further commits to piloting an Upland Recreation Scheme, designed to support landowners who facilitate recreational access by contributing to path maintenance, environmental protection and visitor management. This scheme is now being piloted in the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
Under the pilot, 51 landowners in the Reeks have signed up to the scheme and will collectively receive over €100,000 per annum in payments. These payments recognise the work undertaken by landowners in areas such as engagement, training, access management and upland maintenance. The scheme will be administered by South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP), which has also secured funding for a dedicated Reeks Development Officer to support delivery on the ground.
SKDP is very encouraged by the strong initial level of participation from Reeks landowners and is hopeful that additional landowners will join the scheme over the lifetime of the pilot. The scheme has been designed to remain open to new participants, and it is anticipated that payment levels will increase over time as both the number of participating landowners and the hours committed to eligible works grow.
For further details, please contact:
Area | Contact Name/Title | Office Location | Contact No. | |
McGillycuddy Reeks | Concubhair Lyne McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum Development Officer | Elm House, Library Place, 1st Floor (above ALDI), Killorglin, Co. Kerry, V93 V59F | 087 9856585 |
