Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing
( Rock Climbing season in Ireland is from mid/late April through to end of September )
Rock climbing’s special combination of mental and physical challenges make it a unique experience. Once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked.
The rewards that come from combining concentration, agility, balance and strength are unequalled in any other sport. Nothing heightens the senses more than the delight, satisfaction and of course “relief” that comes from reaching the top of a tough and exhausting rock climb. Whatever standard you climb at, from novice to expert, these feelings always remain. The key lies in seeking out new and exciting challenges.
Our comprehensive rock climbing courses are suited for all levels. From beginners wanting to take their first steps, novices and intermediates wanting to further their skills or groups of friends and family just looking to try something different. Perhaps you have already done some climbing indoors and are now keen to find out what it is like on ‘real’ rock. We have run taster sessions with children as young as 8 and as old as 91 so age is certainly no barrier! Under 18’s need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
We offer full day, half day or evening courses and these take place in two different locations in Kerry.
The Gap of Dunloe
This area of outstanding beauty is one of the very best and picturesque places for rock climbing in the whole of Ireland and is situated just outside the bustling town of Killarney. The climbing consists of old red sandstone crags and cliffs mainly of horizontal cracks with an endless selection of single pitch climbs of various grades, and all only a short 15 minute walk from the road.
Dunshean Head, Dingle Peninsula
***(Unfortunately due to an ongoing access issue we are at present unable to offer Dunshean Head as a climbing venue at this time.)***
Here we climb on the phenomenal sandstone sea cliffs of Dún Séanna. This stunning headland is situated just outside Dingle town. Climbing on these cliffs with the waves crashing below is a truly enlivening experience and enhanced all the more by the views across Dingle Bay and the mountains beyond.
Subjects we cover
- Tying in and belaying (including holding a fall and lowering)
- The basic knots and ropework
- Movement skills and technique
- Essential equipment, its use and limitations
- Introduction to guidebooks, route choice and climbing grades
- Safety
- Intro to abseiling
- First steps to lead climbing and setting up belays
- Lots and lots of climbing!
Prices
Full Day Course: €85 per person (minimum 4 persons required).
Half Day/Evening Course: €50 per person (minimum 4 persons required).
What you'll need
We provide all the technical equipment including harnesses and helmets (although you are welcome to bring your own if you have them) so all you need is suitable clothing and a packed lunch. Long trousers that you can move in freely, warm upper layers are ideal and some sturdy footwear (not sandals or flip flops!) for walking to and from the climbing areas.
The best footwear is simply a pair of training shoes although we do have a limited selection of climbing shoes in various sizes which we will happily provide you with free of charge if the right size is available.
Please note you will also need a set of waterproofs as the weather can change significantly over the course of a day.
How long is the course/session?
Full day courses run from 10am – 4:30pm and half day/evening courses run from 10am – 2pm and from 4:30 – 8:30 but of course when possible, these times can be altered & tailored to suit.