News Updates

Well the summer climbing season has well and truly kicked off for sure and as well as our guided walks and treks of Carrauntoohil we are now also receiving plenty of enquiries and bookings for our wide variety of climbing sessions, from our Intro level – “Rock the Gap” courses in the beautifully picturesque Gap of Dunloe, our sensational Scrambling skills courses in the majestic and jagged MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and our thrilling guided ascents of the super classic Carrauntoohil multi pitch climb  – Howling Ridge.

This week we hosted one of our hugely popular, informative and ever exhilarating two day – “From Rock to Ridge” course. These fantastic two days of instructive climbing are aimed at those with a half decent level of fitness, perhaps are already regular hill walkers, have maybe a limited or little to no previous rock-climbing experience and who have a deep burning ambition to tick off Ireland’s classic mountain routes – the mighty Howling Ridge of Carrauntoohil.

Ian from Mallow in county Cork and Eamon from Mullingar, county Offaly had this desire and were fired up and buzzing to get started and Experience the Adventure of some spectacular Kerry Climbing. Day 1 was spent in blistering warm sunshine on the impressive steep buttresses and crags high above and overlooking the wonderful glaciated valley of the Gap of Dunloe. This area of outstanding beauty is without doubt 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.

An immensely rewarding, intensive but deeply satisfying day was spent “learning the ropes” and covering a wide range of vital climbing techniques and all the essential skills they would get to put into practise on day 2 on their memorable ascent of Howling Ridge. Subjects taught, acquired and mastered such as – Essential equipment and its uses, Tying into the rope & the basic knots, Belaying including holding a fall and lowering, Movement skills and technique, Introduction to guidebook, Route choice and Climbing grades, Safety, Intro to abseiling, First steps to lead climbing, Setting up anchors and belays and much more besides.

With tired arms, swelling brains and sun burnt faces we ended the day with a final debrief and an outline of what to expect on day 2 and any last minute reminders of what to pack. Forecast was again superb so no need for the raingear on this occasion, it’s not often we can say that with confidence!

Day 2 arrives and we are joined by Cathal and Richie, two others with some prior rock climbing experience and also wishing to tick off the mighty Howling which now made us a team of five. A sensational days climbing was enjoyed by all, superb rock throughout, stunning views and vistas, mind-blowing exposure and most importantly always great fun & craic guiding a fine group of lads.

Well the summer rock-climbing season has just begun and many more of these amazing and memorable adventures for the long sunny days ahead so don’t miss out on the adventures of a lifetime. If you would like to tick off this sensational Carrauntoohil classic, learn to rock-climb, or wish to join on one of our wide variety of Carrauntoohil guided walks, hikes, scrambles and climbs well what are you waiting for…?!?! Contact us NOW and before you know it you too will be Experiencing the Adventure!