Sport Climbing

Sport climbing in Ireland is very much in its early days of development. The most established and frequented sport-climbing venue is Ballykeefe Quarry in Kilkenny.

The development of sport-climbing venues and the placement of bolts has been a contentious issue among the climbing community of Ireland. Following significant debate and consultation a Bolting Policy was adopted by Mountaineering Ireland, available to download here: Mountaineering Ireland - 2016 Bolting Policy.

For information on best practice in developing a climbing area, access and legal issues please contact Mountaineering Ireland before carrying out any work.

Guidebooks

Published guidebooks are available from the Mountaineering Ireland online shop, from the Mountaineering Ireland office and from outdoor shops.

Click on the links below to go to the Mountaineering Ireland online shop:

Ballykeefe Rock-climbing Guidebook

You will also find information about Ballykeefe Quarry on the www.climbing.ie Routes Database: Ballykeefe Quarry

Access & Environment

All of these places we climb are located on land which is under either private or state ownership. Access for rock climbers to these venues is permitted as long as rock climbers respect the owners and conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Here are a few guidelines to help maintain this balance:

Seek the landowners permission where possible
Be considerate where you park your car
Close any gates after you
Do not cause damage to fences or any other property
Do not leave any rubbish after you
Keep the noise levels down
Do not bring dogs where livestock are present

To reiterate the information above, the development of sport-climbing venues and the placement of bolts is a contentious issue among the climbing community of Ireland. Following significant debate and consultation a Bolting Policy was adopted by Mountaineering Ireland, available to download here: Mountaineering Ireland - 2016 Bolting Policy.

For information on best practice in developing a climbing area, access and legal issues please contact Mountaineering Ireland before carrying out any work.