How do I get involved

Just send an email to clubcualannclimbing@gmail.com and Graeme will let you know when we’re next meeting and what you need to do.

Is there a fee to join?

Membership of the Club includes membership of Mountaineering Ireland, and for the 2021/22 membership year is charged at €45 for an individual, or €80 for a couple. If you’re already a member of Mountaineering Ireland, it’s €10 to join as an associate member.

What equipment do I need?

The basic requirements are a climbing harness, climbing shoes and belay device, and for trad climbing you also need a helmet. These might be available to borrow if you’re coming out for the first time, and can be rented in all indoor climbing walls.

We’d advise you to try climbing a few times before thinking of investing in climbing shoes as they can be quite expensive and you don’t need them for the easiest climbs if you have tight-fitting trainers with a plain rubber sole that you can wear. You should wear stretchy clothing that allows free movement and do not bring rings to the wall/crag as it is unsafe to wear them while climbing and you don’t want to lose them.

How do I learn to climb?

There are many courses available from individuals and outdoor centres, but when you are finished your course, you may not have anybody to climb with.  In Club Cualann we provide informal instruction and continuing support and advice during our weekly meets. We’re a small and friendly club where you’ll be assured of a climbing partner, experienced advice and supervision to develop your competence and confidence.

When is the best time to begin?

The Club membership year runs from 1st November to 31st October, so it’s ideal to join around October, but new members can be welcomed throughout the year.

For Trad climbing, we recommend that you begin early in the outdoor season (April/May), but if you’re looking to join later in the summer, email us and we’ll see what we can do.

You could also join any time during the winter season (climbing indoors on Wednesdays).

Can anyone use a Climbing Wall?

To use Awesome Walls or any other climbing wall independently, you will have to satisfy the operators that you have the basic competences of putting on a harness, tying the rope to the harness and belaying safely. Experienced Club Cualann climbers will, if necessary, sign in new members under their supervision and coach them to achieve the basic competences.  Charges to use the various climbing walls apply over and above Club Cualann Membership Subs.

Where can I find out more?

There is a wealth of information on rock climbing on the internet. A good place to start is Mountaineering Ireland and the BMC, which both have some useful resources.