Appeal to leave dogs at home when climbing Mayo's holy mountain

DOG owners have been asked to leave their pets at home when climbing Croagh Patrick, which is a working hill farm, with sheep with lambs at foot.

It comes after Croagh Patrick Ambassadors were subjected to verbal abuse after asking a dog owner to put their pet on a leash.

The appeal to people climbing the Reek is to please respect the mountain shareholders and other mountain users.

An update on activity on the mountain last weekend was reported on the Croagh Patrick Path Project social media, with the ambassador team reporting great engagement with climbers, including an American woman who was celebrating her 60th birthday by climbing the Reek as she had also celebrated her 50th birthday there - a tradition she plans to keep going.

However, one 'major downside' was the receiving of 'a volley of abuse' after meeting a man with a dog off a leash not far past the turnstile, who was asked to turn back or at least put a leash on the dog out of respect for other walkers and the fact it’s a working farm.

Other pilgrims supported the ambassadors in sharing their views with the dog owner, who indicated he was happy to pay a fine if he got one.

The report issued a warning about future conduct: 'I think the farmers on the commonage and all stakeholders need to crack down on this more because one dog attack and the mountain could easily be closed off.'

Climbers were advised: 'We still extend a warning for responsible dog ownership. This mountain is a working hill farm, with the lambs at foot of ewes. Climbers with dogs are not welcome.

'We ask for respect to the mountain shareholders and other mountain users. Do not ascend with your dog. It’s best to leave your dog at home.'