No Dogs
Not everyone is aware that the mountains are privately owned and actively farmed. Dogs are not permitted in the Reeks.
Please do not risk the goodwill shown by the landowners by ignoring the NO DOGS POLICY. The decision to ban dogs was not taken lightly by the forum. Dogs may be shot. Dog owners should be aware that sheep can suffer from stress which can be very harmful to them, even if the dog does not physically attack the sheep. This stress can result in spontaneous abortion/lambs being born dead and loss of body weight.
Please show respect to the landowners by adhering to this policy.
Leave No Trace
Leave no Trace is an outdoor ethics programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. We ask that you adhere to the following principles while visiting the Reeks:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
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Before you go check, where possible, if access is allowed and your activity is permitted in the area you wish to visit. If you are unsure, please contact us in the Reeks Forum for advice.
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Respect any signs, regulations, policies and special concerns for the area that you wish to visit. Groups of 10+ need to register with the forum and have appropriate insurance in place.
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Where possible travel by public transport or share cars; consider the availability of parking. For Carrauntoohil, please use the 3 recognised access points & car parks at Cronin’s Yard, Lisliebane and Breanlee (Hydro)
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Ensure you have the skills and equipment needed for your activity and to cope with emergencies that could arise.
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Check the weather forecast and always be prepared for changing weather conditions.
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For environmental and safety reasons, and to minimise your impact on other users, keep group numbers small; split larger parties into smaller groups.
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Stick to existing tracks and do not spread out, especially in sensitive peatland areas.
Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
- Dogs ARE NOT permitted in the Reeks. There is a strict no-dog policy in place.
- Observe wild animals and birds from a distance. Avoid disturbing them, particularly at sensitive times: mating, nesting and raising young (mostly between spring and early summer).
- Keep wildlife wild, don't feed wild animals or birds - our foods damage their health and leave them vulnerable to predators.
- Farm animals are not pets; remain at a safe distance, and take extra care during lambing season and observe any requests by farmers or landowners
Be Considerate of Others
- Respect the people who live and work in the countryside.
- Park appropriately - avoid blocking gateways, forest entrances or narrow roads. Remember that farm machinery, local residents and the emergency services may need access at all times.
- Take care not to damage property, especially walls, fences and crops.
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep noise to a minimum.
Leave What You Find
- Respect property. For example, farming or forestry machinery, fences, stone walls etc. Leave gates as you find them (open or closed).
- Preserve the past: examine - without damaging - archaeological structures, old walls and heritage artefacts e.g. holy wells, mine workings, and monuments.
- Conserve the present: leave rocks, flowers, plants, animals and all-natural habitats as you find them.
- Fallen trees are a valuable wildlife habitat; do not remove or use them for firewood.
- Avoid introducing non-native plants and animals e.g. zebra mussels in rivers and lakes. Clean Check and Dry all equipment and gear before walking in a new area.
- Do not build rock cairns, structures or shelters.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- "If You Bring It In, Take It Out" - take home all litter and leftover food (including tea bags, fruit peels and other biodegradable foods).
- Bring home toilet paper and hygiene products.
- Wash yourself or your dishes 30m away from streams or lakes and if necessary, use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Bring home any solids and scatter strained dishwater.
- For more information on sanitation in the outdoors read the "Where to go in the outdoors" leaflet.
For more information visit www.leavenotraceireland.org
Safety
As there continue to be numerous accidents and some fatalities on the Reeks please ensure you are adequately prepared for your walk.
- Chose a route based on your experience, skills and weather
- Check the weather forecast (www.met.ie/forecasts)
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Wear appropriate clothing, i.e. rain gear, warm clothes, hat & gloves
- Try to avoid walking alone
- Always bring a mobile phone
- Do not navigate by Walking Apps
- Tell someone where you are planning to go walking and the approximate time you intend to return
Download our leaflet with further advice.
For more information please visit www.kerrymountainrescue.ie