About the Irish Uplands Forum
About Us
The Irish Uplands Forum [IUF] was founded in 1995 after a conference in Galway seeking a partnership towards managing Ireland’s uplands. The purpose of the Forum was, and remains, to improve mutual understanding among users of the uplands, from farmers to recreationalists to commercial users to state bodies.
Our main focus is the bring together all established partnerships around the country, and create new partnerships in areas where they are needed. The IUF and all its partners are dedicated to the sustainable development of Ireland’s uplands for the communities who live, work and recreate in them.
Strategic Planning
The Irish Uplands Forum created its latest 5 year Strategic Plan in 2026. Click the button below to view the plan.
Our Beginnings
Under the leadership of Prof Adrian Phillips of Trinity College Dublin it flourished for a few years, but became quiescent through lack of funding. It came to life again after the Mountaineering Council of Ireland’s Sligo Conference The Creation of Partnership in Ireland’s Upland Regions in 2002, and has been active ever since.
We define the uplands as all land above 300m, plus those areas, such as the Burren and other areas along the western seaboard where upland conditions descend to sea level.
In 2008 the Forum became a Limited Company, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected at the AGM which is held in Spring each year. To view our board member details click here.
Protecting True Beauty
Our mountains have been with us for millions of years. We believe that everyone has a role in making sure that they are managed sustainably. So whether you can give use some of your time, or a donation IUF will be grateful.
Securing Irish Upland’s Future
Upland biodiversity is unique as it features plants and animals which can tolerate exposure to wind, cold and lots of rain. Farming over thousands of years has played a significant role in shaping this biodiversity
Upland Communities
Rural development challenges are greater in upland areas due to isolation, limited employment opportunities and threats to traditional farming enterprises.
Become A Member and be part of something special
Our Directors
Let us introduce you to the board of the Irish Uplands Forum
Frank Nugent
Chairperson
Irish Uplands ForumRead Frank’s Bio
Frank Nugent is a Mountaineer, explorer and author. He was Chairman of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (1997–2000), Deputy Leader of the first successful Irish Everest Expedition (1993). He has followed in the footsteps of Shackleton across South Georgia (1997), and sailed the Northwest Passage in Northabout, a shallow-draft boat in 2001.
Frank has had a lifelong interest in the sustainable management of the Irish Uplands and was one of the organisers of a conference in 1996 in Galway called: Towards the Sustainable Management of the Irish Uplands. Arising out of this conference the Irish Uplands Forum non-governmental organisation was established. Frank was its first Chairman a role he was elected to in 2009.
Dr. Deirdre Lewis
Company Secretary
Irish Uplands ForumRead Deirdre’s Bio
Deirdre Lewis is a professional geologist, working in environmental consultancy. She is passionate about the need to actively manage and conserve our uplands and to support the communities who live there. Deirdre advises communities, state agencies and Leader companies countrywide on sustainable resource management, outdoor recreational development and community engagement.
She was the principal author of the national Pilot Study for Mountain Access Scheme in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and has worked on feasibility studies for recreational development in the Galtees, Knockmealdowns, Cooleys, Nephins and other upland areas of Ireland.
Michael Keegan
Director
Irish Uplands ForumRead Michael’s Bio
Michael has joined the board as a representative of the Wicklow Uplands Council. He is a sheep farmer, hunter, has completed training in peatland restoration, worked in landscape conservation as Farm Manager with the Luggala Estate, and is presently heading up the National Deer Management Programme with Farm Relief Services Co-operative. As well as Chairing Wicklow Uplands Council, Michael sits on the Board of East Wicklow Rivers Trust and is a member of the Enniskerry Branch of the Irish Farmers Association.
Dr. Mary Tubridy
Research
Irish Uplands ForumRead Mary’s Bio
Environmental/Ecological consultant with a particular interest in community based initiatives to support sustainable development. Over a research/consultancy career spanning four decades, Mary has been involved in projects concerned with tourism, forestry, farming and spatial planning in the uplands.
She was project director of the Wicklow Uplands Study in the 90’s a multi disciplinary study which produced a blueprint for sustainable development in the Wicklow Uplands which was based on a comprehensive analysis of its resources and widespread community consultation. Mary cares about the uplands because of their great ecological interest and because the people who live, work and recreate in them are exceptional.
Patrick O’Shea
Upland Farming Consultant
Irish Uplands ForumRead Patrick’s Bio
Based in Aughacasla Castlegregory County Kerry. Patrick O’Shea farms on the uplands in the Dingle peninsula – a place that is often cited as being among the most beautiful places on Earth . Patrick’s family was farming on this upland in 1812 and how long before that he is not sure but his family has been there ever since. So it is no wonder that he developed a passion and love for the hills whilst growing up in such a place. Patrick is also a big supporter of the GAA and has held many positions in his club including chairman and secretary. He is a prominent member of IFA, and as county officer, he represents his county at national level and is currently completing a four year term in National Council (the governing body of the association).
Patrick fears for the future of farming on uplands; “The return is so small that there is no longer a living to be made from the Irish Uplands. This is evident when we look at the average age of hill farmers. It is unthinkable to accept that we are heading towards the day that upland farming could be a thing of the past.”
Mícheál McDonnell
(INHFA)
Irish Uplands ForumRead Mícheál’s Bio
Mícheál McDonnell farms in the Erriff valley which nestles halfway between Westport and Leenane in the Partry Mountains in County Mayo. Mícheál runs a hill sheep farm enterprise with his wife Mary and 4 children. He also works off-farm in his own computer company that he founded after completing an Honours degree in Computers as a mature student.
Mícheál is currently National Treasurer of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association. The INHFA was formed to represent farmers farming the uplands and marginal lands. It works tirelessly to push the agenda of farmers in the uplands and has written submissions on its core objective for the next round of CAP. Mícheál is passionate about farm families in the uplands and the huge benefits that they bring to their local economies. He believes that the farmers in the uplands are delivering production of high quality food, as well as being the custodians of our rich biodiversity. He is an active campaigner for the recognition of the ecosystems services (biodiversity; carbon sequestration; water supply and storage etc) provided by Ireland’s hill-farming families for the benefits of society at large and the need for those to be compensated in the next round of CAP to ensure survival.
Nuala Madigan
CEO IPCC
Irish Uplands ForumRead Nuala’s Bio
Nuala Madigan is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC). She is a graduate of Agricultural and Environmental Science with a Masters of Education. Working with the IPCC, her previous role as Environmental Education Officer has allowed her to work across all generations exploring and promoting the many values Irish peatlands offer our communities. Nuala is a Heritage in Schools Specialist with the Heritage Council and a regional facilitator for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.‘People today and in the future should have the opportunity to discover the many values of Irish peatland habitats from their traditional uses through to their values as carbon stores, for water regulation and unique biodiversity’.
Aine McGirl
Director (non-executive)
Irish Uplands ForumRead Aine’s Bio
Áine McGirl is a seasoned hillwalker, qualified Mountain Leader, and a dedicated member of Mountaineering Ireland’s Access & Conservation Committee. With a deep respect for the natural and cultural heritage of Ireland’s uplands, she has spent years exploring wild and remote landscapes across the country.
Áine’s time in the mountains has not only cultivated a profound love for nature but also a strong appreciation for the communities who live and work in these areas. She regularly leads group walks with the Maumturks, Annascaul, and Roving Soles Walking Clubs, guiding others through rugged terrain while sharing knowledge of local wildlife, geology, and history.
Áine holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Sustainability, which has deepened her understanding of upland ecosystems and the measures needed to protect them. Her studies also strengthened her admiration for those who steward these landscapes through traditional practices, local enterprise, and community resilience.
Through her work as a Mountain Leader and conservation advocate, Áine is committed to promoting a respectful, balanced relationship between outdoor recreation, the natural environment, and the people who call the hills home.
