These camps are for young climbers who are keen to experience climbing outdoors on rock and want to develop the skills to do so independently and safely. The camps will provide younger climbers with the opportunities to experience the amazing climbing that Ireland has to offer, and support them to develop the skills to enjoy it safely and to the fullness of their potential.

Participants in the climbing camps are expected to have previous climbing experience. They are expected to be capable of tying-in, belaying safely and have a good understanding of the basic principals of climbing. The camps are an ideal opportunity for indoor climbers that wish to explore the outdoors. They are also perfect for the outdoor climber looking to increase their confidence and skillset.

Please note that Members of Mountaineering Ireland can avail of a discounted rate per camp. For more information, or to book your place, please contact the providers directly. Contact details below.

For 2026 the five Youth Climbing Camps are:

CAMP 1 – DALKEY

• Location: Dalkey Quarry, Co. Dublin
• Date: 23rd to 25th  June
• Drop off 10:00am
• Collection 5:00pm
• Lower age limit: 12
• Instructor ratio: 1:4
• Residential: No
• Cost: €250
• Cost for Member of Mountaineering Ireland: €170

Dalkey Quarry is an excellent location for the first time outdoor climber or the experienced climber looking to upskills. Depending on the climbing experience the youth climber can expect to belay (top rope and lead), place traditional climbing protection, build traditional anchor systems, lead climbing and abseiling.

The youth climber will work in a group of four and will be placed in a suitable group depending on their skillset and experience.

CAMP 2 – DALKEY

• Location: Dalkey Quarry, Co. Dublin
• Date: 07th to 09th July
• Drop off 10:00am
• Collection 5:00pm
• Lower age limit: 12
• Instructor ratio: 1:4
• Residential: No
• Cost: €250
• Cost for Member of Mountaineering Ireland: €170

Dalkey Quarry is an excellent location for the first time outdoor climber or the experienced climber looking to upskills. Depending on the climbing experience the youth climber can expect to belay (top rope and lead), place traditional climbing protection, build traditional anchor systems, simulated lead climbing and abseiling.

The youth climber will work in a group of four and will be placed in a suitable group depending on their skillset and experience.

CAMP 3 – AILLADIE

• Location: Ailladie, Co. Clare
• Date: 14th to 16th July
• Drop off 11:00am, 14th July
• Collection 7pm, 16th July
• Lower age limit: 14
• Instructor ratio: 1:4
• Residential: Yes – House in the Burren
• Cost: €400 – inclusive of accommodation and food
• Cost for Member of Mountaineering Ireland: €320

The sea-cliffs of Ailladie and the inland crags provide an excellent venue for experience outdoor climbers that would like to explore climbing at a sea cliff venue. The Burren limestone provides excellent friction and a unique climbing experience.

The youth climber can expect to build on their existing skills including building various anchor systems, building abseils, abseiling into a sea cliff route and simulated lead climbing.

Previous experience climbing outdoors is essential for participation due to the nature of the venue.

If unsure regarding suitability for this camp please contact [email protected]

CAMP 4 – INIS MÓR

• Location: Inis Mór, Aran Islands
• Date: 27th to 31st July
• Drop off: 5:00pm, Monday, Rossaveal, Co. Galway
• Collection 1:00pm, Friday, Rossaveal, Co. Galway
• Lower age limit: 14
• Instructor ratio: 1:4
• Residential: Yes – Camping 
• Cost: €480 – inclusive of accommodation, food, and ferry
• Cost for Member of Mountaineering Ireland: €400

Inis Mór is one of the most beautiful climbing locations in Ireland. The climbing style is sports climbing therefore this is a perfect venue for the experienced outdoor climber to advance and broaden their skillset.

The youth climber can expect to abseil into the venue, belay and lead sport routes, learn the nuances of sports climbing techniques and jug back out on a fixed line.

Previous experience climbing outdoors is essential for participation due to the nature of the venue.

If unsure regarding suitability for this camp please contact [email protected]

CAMP 5 – Glendalough (Bouldering), Co Wicklow

• Location: Glendalough
• Date: 06th to 07th August
• Drop off: 9.30am Thursday Glendalough Upper Car Park
• Collection: 5pm Friday Glendalough Upper Car Park
• Lower age limit: 14
• Instructor ratio: 1:6
• Residential: Yes – Glendalough Youth Hostel
• Cost: €250
• Cost for Member of Mountaineering Ireland: €170

Glendalough is one if Irelands most popular bouldering venues with easy access and hundreds of problems to go at.

The Glendalough camp is ideal for those that have indoor bouldering experience but would like to build confidence in a fun, friendly and inclusive atmosphere in the outdoors.

Instructors, Claire Comiskey and Ambrose Flynn are certified, insured, experienced working with climbing youths, Garda vetted and safeguard trained.

For further information, or to book your place, please contact either of the providers directly.

Ambrose Flynn: [email protected]