Uplands Symposium

Join us at the Uplands Symposium 2026 for a day of discussion, research, and knowledge sharing on the future of Ireland’s uplands. Hear from leading experts, researchers, and practitioners as they explore how uplands can contribute to the delivery of ecosystem services for wider society.

Programme

09:15 – Registration

10:00  – Welcome Address
Nora O’Donovan, Regional Manager, Kerry/Limerick, Teagasc

Session 1 – Symposium Opening & Keynote Address

10:05
Chair: Ivan Kelly, Environment KT Specialist, Teagasc

• Opening Remarks
  Professor Frank O’Mara, Director, Teagasc & Paul McHenry, Director, CAFRE
• Sustainable Farming in Hill and Upland Areas – Lessons from Dartmoor
  Phil Stocker MBE, Chief Executive, National Sheep Association, UK
• Coffee break

Session 2 – Upland Science & Innovation

11:30
Chair: Mark Scott, Deputy Director, CAFRE

• Carbon in the Uplands: What NASCO is Telling Us
  Dr Rachael Murphy, Research Officer, Environment and Land Use Programme, Teagasc
• Precision Livestock Management (Virtual Fencing) – a pioneering study in Ireland
  Dr Barry O’Donoghue, Head of Agri-Ecology, NPWS
• Glenwherry Hill Farm: Research and Innovation in Practice
  Gary Haslem, Head of Sustainable Land Management Branch, CAFRE
• Q&A followed by lunch

Session 3 – Upland Conservation & Local Initiatives

13:30
Chair: Nora O’Donovan, Regional Advisory Manager, Kerry/Limerick, Teagasc

• Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Project
  Stewart Stephens, Chair, MacGillycuddy Reeks Stakeholders Forum
• Trees in the Uplands: Finding their place again
  Ray Ó Foghlú, Hometree Project Lead, Iveragh Woodlands EIP
• ACRES CP Measures: Supporting Biodiversity, Water Quality and Carbon Outcomes
  Patricia Deane, ACRES CP Manager, Kerry–West Cork SKDP
• Q&A

Session 4 – Upland Farming: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

14:35
Chair: Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep KT, Teagasc

• The CAP Post-2027: Possible Implications for Upland Farming in Ireland
  Dr Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc
• Panel Discussion: Upland Farming – Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
  Dr Kevin Hanrahan, Teagasc;
  Joe & Eileen Condon, Organic Upland Beef Farmers, Co. Tipperary
  Dr Eileen McCloskey, Senior Livestock Technologist, CAFRE
  John Muldowney, Head of Agriculture and Environmental Structures Division, DAFM
  Daniel Buckley, Upland Farmer, Co. Kerry
  Patrick O’Mahony, Upland Farmer, Co. Kerry
• Closing Remarks
  Dr Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc