Access Issue in Roads (Kells West) on the Iveragh Peninsula
13th September 2021
It has come to my attention of an access issue in the townland of Roads (Kells West) on the Iveragh Peninsula. This affects Route 5: Knocknadobar From Roads in the Killarney to Valentia Island - The Iveragh Peninsula guidebook and Walk 12: Hill Of The Wells in The Dingle, Iveragh & Beara Peninsulas.
Access to the mountainside as described in the guidebook via the metal gates at V 520 870 is not allowed. Please also do not park anywhere at any lay-bys along the 'lower road' or at V 524 874. The only possible place to park is at Kells Beach (V 556 878).
From Kells Beach, walk westward for around 2km to reach a junction (V 537 876), then continue for just over 400m to reach a stile on the left at V 534 874. From here, cross the stile with care and ascend southwest on a spur, passing west of a little coum where you'll find Roads Lough. Continue ascending southwest to reach Kells Mountain (633m). From here, descend to a saddle to the NE/E to reach its east top (612m). Return to the roadside and your car the same way you came (Distance: 10km, Total Ascent: 700m, Time: 4-5 hours)
Looking east towards Kells Mountain from Knocknadobar.
ACCESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (also found in the Using This Book section of both guidebooks)
All land in the Republic of Ireland is owned privately or by the State, with no legal right of entry to the land. When you hear the term ‘commonage’ it implies that the private property is held in common by a number of joint owners.
Access to upland and mountain areas has traditionally been granted out of goodwill, permission and discretion of the landowners. It is normally good practice to strike up a friendly conversation with a farmer or landowner, and if there is any doubt about access, do ask them. If you are asked to leave, please do so politely and without argument or aggravating the situation.
Note also the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 contain a definition that reduces the landowner’s duty of care to hill-walkers. This act contains a category of ‘recreational users’ who, when they enter farmland, are responsible for their own safety. This has significantly reduced the possibility of successful legal claims against landowners by hillwalkers.
Always use gates and stiles where available. If a gate is closed, close it after entering. If it is open, leave it open. If you cannot open a closed gate to enter, go over at its hinge with care. Take care not to damage any gates, stiles or fences.
When parking, be considerate not to block any gates, farm access lanes or forest entrances as local residents, farm machinery and emergency services may need access at all times.
Note that landowners generally do not approve of dogs being brought on their property, and this includes their land on the open hillside. If you do insist, ask the landowner’s permission and keep your dogs on a leash.
See also Mountaineering Ireland's policy on access here.
Access to the mountainside as described in the guidebook via the metal gates at V 520 870 is not allowed. Please also do not park anywhere at any lay-bys along the 'lower road' or at V 524 874. The only possible place to park is at Kells Beach (V 556 878).
From Kells Beach, walk westward for around 2km to reach a junction (V 537 876), then continue for just over 400m to reach a stile on the left at V 534 874. From here, cross the stile with care and ascend southwest on a spur, passing west of a little coum where you'll find Roads Lough. Continue ascending southwest to reach Kells Mountain (633m). From here, descend to a saddle to the NE/E to reach its east top (612m). Return to the roadside and your car the same way you came (Distance: 10km, Total Ascent: 700m, Time: 4-5 hours)
Looking east towards Kells Mountain from Knocknadobar.
ACCESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (also found in the Using This Book section of both guidebooks)
All land in the Republic of Ireland is owned privately or by the State, with no legal right of entry to the land. When you hear the term ‘commonage’ it implies that the private property is held in common by a number of joint owners.
Access to upland and mountain areas has traditionally been granted out of goodwill, permission and discretion of the landowners. It is normally good practice to strike up a friendly conversation with a farmer or landowner, and if there is any doubt about access, do ask them. If you are asked to leave, please do so politely and without argument or aggravating the situation.
Note also the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 contain a definition that reduces the landowner’s duty of care to hill-walkers. This act contains a category of ‘recreational users’ who, when they enter farmland, are responsible for their own safety. This has significantly reduced the possibility of successful legal claims against landowners by hillwalkers.
Always use gates and stiles where available. If a gate is closed, close it after entering. If it is open, leave it open. If you cannot open a closed gate to enter, go over at its hinge with care. Take care not to damage any gates, stiles or fences.
When parking, be considerate not to block any gates, farm access lanes or forest entrances as local residents, farm machinery and emergency services may need access at all times.
Note that landowners generally do not approve of dogs being brought on their property, and this includes their land on the open hillside. If you do insist, ask the landowner’s permission and keep your dogs on a leash.
See also Mountaineering Ireland's policy on access here.