Piaras Kelly has been walking, scrambling & climbing for over 20 years and has gained an in-depth & extensive knowledge of all of Ireland's mountainous areas but in particular the mountains of Kerry and the SouthWest. He is the owner, driving force and lead guide with KerryClimbing.ie - the leading provider of mountain activities in the South of Ireland. Piaras has a vast experience of running Safety/Rescue backup for a variety of mountain and charity events/challenges and organise the annual "High Peaks Challenge", which has competitors traversing 16 of Ireland’s highest summits over the course of 1 tough day, taking in a total height gain of over 2500m and of 25km. He has a deep passion for the history, geography & ecology of the area and is part of the team of 8 which are responsible for path and trail improvements/maintenance in the Reeks. He is a highly experienced mountaineer and climber and spent 12 years as an instructor with a cliff and coastal rescue unit of the Irish Coastguard and is currently a member and training officer with the Kerry Mountain Rescue team as well as having a background in rope access work. He is a qualified summer Mountain Leader, Single and Multi-Pitch award holder with many notable impressive first ascents in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks in both Summer and Winter to his name. He has recently self published Ireland's first and only Winter Climbing guide book - "MacGillycuddy's Reeks Winter Climbs - Selected routes" which has to date received glowing reviews and has gone along way in providing overdue concise information on Winter Climbing in Kerry. He has been trekking and climbing in all seasons in the Himalayas, Europe, Britain and Ireland with Scotland in Winter a personal favourite. He has a reputation for being competent & highly safety conscious as well as being great fun and easy going and has introduced and guided many 1000's to the mountains and as a result KerryClimbing have become widely known, successful and award winning.