Mountaineering Ireland (Previously known as MCI - The Mountaineering Council of Ireland) is the representative body for walkers and climbers in Ireland. It is recognised as the NGB (National Governing Body) for mountaineering by both the Irish Sports Council (ISC) and Sport Northern Ireland (SNI).

Mountaineering includes hill walking, rock climbing, rambling, bouldering and alpinism.

We currently have some 9,650 members, comprising over 130 clubs and over 1,400 individual members.

The key aims of Mountaineering Ireland are to:

• Represent the interests of walkers and climbers
• Improve and secure access to the Irish hills and crags
• Promote mountain training programmes and qualifications
• Encourage responsible and sustainable use of the mountain environment
• Support members, and especially young people, in skills development
• Provide appropriate services to members

Mountaineering Ireland is governed by a Board of Directors, elected by the membership. We have a professional staff team based at Sport HQ, Park West Business Park in Dublin, and at Tollymore Mountain Centre in County Down. 

The work of Mountaineering Ireland includes: promoting mountaineering activities in Ireland; providing a range of services to members; promoting safety and training to walkers and climbers and encouraging responsible use of the mountain environment.

Membership of Mountaineering Ireland is open to both clubs and individuals. For more information see our Members & Services pages.