Guided Rock Climbing
Guided Rock Climbing in Ireland is ideal for those visiting Ireland that want to try some of the classic trad routes or for those that would like to try the classic routes that they are not comfortable leading.
Routes vary from urban single pitch routes in Dalkey Quarry convenient for those visiting Dublin City. To spectacular multipitch routes in Glendalough, the classic Great Gully Ridge mountain experience, the majestic Mournes Mountains or the magnificent Fairhead.
Regardless if you want to climb single pitch routes or wild multipitch mountain routes you can be guaranteed the beauty and remoteness of Ireland’s unique rock climbing venues will blow you away.
Great Gully Ridge
Great Gully Ridge is a classic mountain route located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. This alpine-esque ridge offers a full and long day of real adventure and commitment requiring a certain level of experience due to the commitment.
The remote parking spot for the approach is situated 1 hour and 20 mins from Dublin City deep within the Wicklow Mountains. The approach involves the following:
- One hour walk in to the top of the route
- Two committing 60m abseils to the base of the route (therefore ability to abseil is a prerequisite)
- 5 to 6 pitches of traditional protected climbing on perfect granite
- One hour walk off from the top of the route
This route is remote and spectacular located in a mind-blowing beautiful Irish wild landscape.
All equipment provided if necessary.
Price €240 – €300.
Location: Wicklow Mountains
Ratio: Maximum of 2 people
Requirements: Must be able to abseil, belay safely and take instruction
Glendalough
Glendalough is known worldwide for it’s beautiful scenery, ancient history and walks. Glendalough is also home to some of the best rock routes in Ireland on perfect granite. All the routes are traditionally protected (no bolts) and bring you into some spectacular situations and climbing.
The starting point for access is the Glendalough Upper Car Park situated 1 hour from Dublin City. The approach and routes involve:
- 30 minute walk in to the head of the valley (beautiful walk)
- 20 minutes of scrambling over non technical terrain
- Pitches vary from single to 4 pitch routes on perfect granite
- 60m abseil from the top of the crag
All equipment provided if necessary.
Price €240 – €300.
Location: Glendalough National Park
Ratio: Maximum of 2 people
Requirements: Must be able to abseil, belay safely and take instruction on traditionally protected routes
Fairhead
Fairhead is regarded as the jewel in the crown of Irish traditional rock climbing spanning 5 km of dolerite sea cliff. The situations in Fairhead really have to be experienced to be believed as this crag has a BIG feel and is remote. The routes are long, sustained and incredible involving every type of climbing you could imagine – crack climbing, corners, face climbing and for the most part with excellent protection (no bolts).
The starting point is from Sean McBride’s Car Park situated 3 hours from Dublin City or 1 hour from Belfast Airport. The approach and routes involve:
- 20 mins walk in over beautiful Irish farming land
- Either a scramble down descent gullies or a big abseil
- Pitches vary from 40m to 100m on perfect dolerite
- 20 mins walk off the top of the crag to the car
All equipment provided if necessary.
Price €240 – €300.
Location: Fairhead, Northern Ireland
Ratio: Maximum of 2 people
Requirements: Must be able to abseil, belay safely and take instruction on traditionally protected routes
Mournes Mountains
Mourne Mountains are home to a some of the most beautiful crags in Ireland with a unique and specific climbing style on perfect mountain granite. The landscape is beyond beautiful and showcases the a wild Irish mountain environment. The routes vary from single pitch requiring good footwork (lots of balancing) to multipitch routes tip-toeing over improbable terrain.
The starting point varies depending on crag but all are roughly 1 hour and 30 mins for Dublin or 30 mins from Belfast City. The approach and routes involve:
- 20 mins – 1 hour 20 mins walk-in depending upon crag
- All walk-ins are incredibly beautiful
- Pitches vary in length from 15m to 70m
- Similar walk off as the approach
All equipment provided if necessary (ideally you bring your own shoes)
Price €240 – €300.
Location: Mournes Mountains, Northern Ireland
Ratio: Maximum of 2 people
Requirements: Belay safely and take instruction on traditionally protected routes – may need to abseil but not a prerequisite.
