Limited places are now available and bookings being taken for some of the very very best Walks, Scrambles and Climbs in the country!!! 

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 The Magnificent - "Coumloughra Horseshoe"...https://www.facebook.com/events/232917760240591/

 

 

 

 

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The Spectacular and Airy - "Howling Ridge" on Corrán Tuathail...https://www.facebook.com/events/630540143698027/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 The Phenomenal and photogenic - "East Ridge" of Brandon Peak, Dingle Peninsula ...https://www.facebook.com/events/236926203173555/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Superb and all too rarely climbed- "Curve Gully Ridge" on Corrán Tuathail ...https://www.facebook.com/events/473011036166070/

 

 

 

 

 

Numbers are strictly limited on all of these Superb Classic climbs and ascents so book NOW to avoid disappointment !!!

 http://www.kerryclimbing.ie/enquire.html

WINNERS ALL ROUND...

Well last weekend was yet another extremely busy one for us and a hugely memorable one too for a lot of reasons.


It began on a gorgeous evening in the beautiful village of Keel on the Dingle Peninsula with the beginning of a charity mountain event called - "Sam to the Summit", of which I'd been asked to play a lead guide and safety role.
An official event opening and parade through the village was held on the Thursday evening where the Sam Maguire cup and the 32 medal winners were presented to the crowd by Keel GAA club, who are celebrating their 125th year in existence.
I was present on the evening  to meet all the climbers I'd be guiding to the summit of Corrán Tuathail the following day and to give a brief safety talk and fill them in on what to expect.
Lots of GAA legends gathered and listened and I looked forward to meeting them all again the following morn in Cronin's Yard.



Friday morning arrived as did the sunshine and soon the buses full of over 100 apprehensive climbers began to arrive too. Packed lunches were distributed and after another more thorough safety talk and with a forecast you couldn't even have even wished for we began to leave the yard in groups of approx. 2 dozen or so with 2 guides responsible for each. 
Today history would be made as the Sam Maguire cup and an All Ireland football medal from each of the 32 counties would be held aloft on the warm sunny summit of Ireland’s highest mountain as part of the innovative and unique fundraising event. Some of Gaelic football’s most iconic names and their medals were on hand to help Sam to the top which was the culmination of months of planning to deliver a truly special occasion for all involved.

The climb raised the staggering total of €100.000  and much needed funds for Alan Kerins Projects which provides support to the poorest and most disadvantaged people and communities in Zambia, Southern Africa through their dedication, friendship and partnership. As I had the responsible task of overseeing the safety on the mountain I decided to leave the Yard last and sweep the back markers and slower walkers and pretty soon I was guiding a small group of 5 who'd separated from the main pack. 

One of these five was the renowned and legendary GAA commentator and broadcastor - Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh who at the ripe age of 83 had made no promises that he’d make the top, although he never doubted himself. As our slower pace  now meant we had fallen much further behind the rest of the field I made the decision to take a shortcut up the much steeper and less straightforward "Devil’s Ladder" route instead of the much longer but easier "Zig-Zag" trail with the aim of gaining vital ground on the others.
The detour paid off, we gained much time and we topped out of the Ladder section just as the back of the main group passed by!!!

But there was still a way to go to the top yet. I got on the radio and alerted the now gathering crowd on the summit to expect the unexpected, that Mícheál was on his way. This had not been in the initial plans and I along with everyone else had only thought he was accompanying the group to the foot of the Mountain but plans change and this man of extraordinary zest and energy was just as determined as all the others to get to the top and so too relish in the glory of such a hugely historic day. As we pace out the last few steps to the summit we are joined by Alan Kerins for the final steps and an emotional impromptu guard of honour by the other now patiently awaiting summiters applauding as Míchaél lifts the Sam Maguire aloft. 

If climbing Ireland’s highest mountain takes inspiration and perspiration, even for a group of All-Ireland winners, Ó Muircheartaigh, in that moment, provided both: with that he delivers a sort of impromptu sermon of praise on the mount that echoes around the high silence.

 

Photographs, speeches and hearty backslapping all around and soon I deliver a speech of my own as I alert the crowd to the safety concerns of the long decent with the old clique "The Top is only half way" and the climb is only in the bag when we return back through the gate in Cronin's Yard. 

 

 

 

 

The long slow descent passes off without incident and 3 hours later my small slower group of five board John Cronin's awaiting Jeep which I'd arranged and he'd driven up as far as the machine would go into the rugged wilds of the Hags Glen.

Well it's in the bag for sure now as we arrive back in the Yard at approximately 7:30pm hugely satisfied and exhilarated to have Experienced the Adventure on such a massively fulfilling and historic day. 

I waved off the last of the tired crew as they depart by bus for the after party in Sammy's Restaurant at Inch beach and kick off the boots and relax with the Cronin's over a welcome mug of coffee as we quote to one another the many highlights and tales of such a wonderful historic and truly memorable day.         

Click here to view a report  from Independent.ie
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Well that was last Friday and as I was again guiding groups back up Corrán Tuathail for the following 2 days and so I quite wisely resisted the temptation to join the after party in Sammy's. On Saturday we guided a group totalling 27 to the top via the Devil's Ladder on another  superb bright sun shiny day and on Sunday the sun shone yet AGAIN and we returned yet again to the Reeks, this time guiding a much smaller group of 3 to the summit by the altogether much steeper route of the magnificent and airy Howling Ridge. Three tremendous days spent in wonderful company showing off the wondrous delights of these mighty mountains.

A phenomenal few days of Kerry Climbing!!!

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As if the weekend couldn't get any better, on Monday morning we received an Email from TripAdvisor notifying us that we'd just been awarded their prestigious -

 2014  "Winner of Certificate of Excellence". 

Now in its third year, the award celebrates hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews. Winners of the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website, with only the top 10 percent receiving the prestigious award. This prestigious award recognises businesses that consistently earn top ratings from travellers.


To say we are delighted would be little of an understatement and we are truly astounded and overjoyed to receive this tremendous accolade and recognition for all the work we have put into providing safe, enjoyable, hugely fulfilling and high quality activities to our clients. Thanks so much to ALL who have taken the time and effort to review their days spent climbing with us and many thanks for leaving such glowing reports of our high level of care and customer service.

 

And the Summer Season '14 kicks off....

Well the last few weeks have really seen things pick up with lots of enquiries in, bookings taken, courses run, walks guided and lots of fun had and hence it's taken me so long to get around to updating the Blog...

We had a manic busy Easter weekend of absolutely gorgeous weather which helped make all our guided ascents so much more enjoyable and memorable. 



















Here's a few of the super highlights of the last few weeks. 

What a phenomenal sunny day Barry got on the 14th of April for his guided full traverse of the Reeks...Absolutely roasting and my big red head shining like a traffic light at the end of the day told it all. Barry from County Antrim really couldn't have got it any better and we enjoyed a truly spectacular long day high amongst the mighty Reeks.

Cloudy enough as we began the day from the Hyro road car park where Catherine had dropped us at 7:15am and had made excellent time to reach our first summit of the day - Caher West (975mtrs) at 9:20am.
From here it was onto Caher main top 1001mtrs, Corrán Tuathail 1039mtrs,detour across the Binn Chaorach ridge to tick off Binn Chaorach 1010mtrs, cloud beginning now to break and sunshine has us loosing layers and donning our shades. Heating up now as we scramble back again across the ridge to Corrán. Quick break and descend to the top of the Ladder and up again to Cnoc an Toinne 850mtrs. After another descent a hellish slog to the summit of Cnoc an Chuillin where we got out the jet-boil and enjoyed a well earned lunch of pot noodles followed by gravy thick Hot-chocolate. Soaked in the hot sun rays for a while before off again to Maolán Buí (973mtrs) and then the impressive Cnoc na Péiste 988mtrs.


Now for the grand finale and the sensational scramble along the twisting knife edge ridge taking in the superb Big Gun 939mtrs and finally the last rocky climb to the summit of Cruach Mhór -932mtrs arriving to our final top at approx. 5:30pm.
A slow and careful descent from here to finish in Cronin's Yard at 7 O' clock at the car I'd dropped here on the evening before...

12 hours of sheer bliss spent walking and climbing amongst mighty mountains with the most awe-inspiring views. By god we've a magnificent country....and when the sun shines sure there's no where nicer.

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18th of April and a Scorchio day of Kerry Climbing...

A busy day of Kerry Climbing with an Intro Climbing course for 4 Italians and 1 Kerryman in the wonderful Gap of Dunloe and Mike away in the Reeks guiding 2 Ladies up Corrán Tuathail.

 

 

A superb sunny day spent showing the ropes high up on the wonderful airy crag ...of Bothán and a fantastico fun and hugely informative day climbing such super lines as - Raven, Agent Orange, Ljublijana, Spider and Private Investigations.

Mikes crew had a spectacular day climbing Irelands highest via the Devil's Ladder with reports of people ascending from all directions!!!

Another busy day of it the day after with Mike back guiding more up Corrán and me back Rocking the Gap with another Intro course...and more sun even!!!

 

 

 

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20th and 21st....Happy Easter!!!

Easter Monday myself and Richard were guiding 4 to the summit of Ireland's highest by the hugely exhilarating and always memorable classic - Howling Ridge. 

Liam, Dorina, John and Noreen were ascending as part of a two day course where they had spent the previous day in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, learning the ropes so to speak and all the other skills needed to prepare them for the following days spectacular Adventure!!!
Early morning rain and low cloud soon cleared and lifted hence providing us with the awe-inspiring views and a marvelous fulfilling day was spent climbing to the summit of Corrán Tuathail by this most mind-blowing of routes.

Descended via the Heavenly Gates and finished the day with delicious soup, scones and coffee in Cronin's yard!!!

Thanks to John for staying open 'til 7:30 until we got back - the saint!!! 

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Took a few welcome days off with the family to celebrate my BIG 4 - O and lazed around doing absolutely nothing...
Well apart from a bit of cycling, Kayaking and climbing but relaxed and took it nice'n'easy later in the week on a short break to Adare in County Limerick...

Overjoyed to get a brill Birthday pressie from Mrs K of a super cool new Hybrid bike but had to order it in as they didn't have my size so still waiting impatiently :-(

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May 1st and we kicked off our first day of summer back on Corrán Tuathail...

 

 

 

Summer officially begun with sunshine, showers, cloud and mist...typical Irish summer stuff really. Guided 3 ladies to the dense grey summit via O' Sheas gully and descended back again to the sunny Hags Glen by Bóthar na Gíge...

 

 

Mountains understandably very quiet and only spotted about half a dozen others out and about. No views from above the 750mtr mark but still a hugely satisfying and enjoyable day had by all and O'Sheas feeling very atmospheric indeed...

 

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And then the Gap of Dunloe Climbing meet got planned and I got a good mate to do up a cool poster for the event...


More info Climbing.ie

A tremendous day Winter climbing on Cathair and another first ascent...

Well the weather got hotter and the T-shirt and shorts even got their first outing of the year on a recent guided ascent of Corrán but then quite unexpectedly the cold and snows briefly returned and the crampons which I'd now packed away in my "Winter Kit" box were again produced.

 

Here we go.....again!!!!

 

 

 

It had been a marvellous Winter thus far as I had ticked off an impressive 20 days out Winter climbing and I sure as hell wasn't expecting to add to it after the recent day out wearing my shorts.

 

 

But add to it I did and what a sensational day spent recently climbing on the simply phenomenal & massive North Face of Ireland's 3rd highest - Caher 1001mtrs.
I'd been climbing on this spectacular massive face just a few weeks ago and had been itching to get... back as it's an absolutely mind-blowing and truly astounding face and all to rarely frequented. Little did I think I'd be back again so soon after my last ascent but with this unexpected wee cold snap I just couldn't resist.
The previous evening I sent my mate Denis a text and he too was up for a change from the usual suspects on Corrán Tuathail and so we drove the short spin from my place just down the road at the lazy hour of 10am and enjoyed a leisurely stroll up into the stunning Coumloughra Glen.
We were both totally game and up for a "play it by ear" day and also keen to hopefully bag a "new" route in the process and so we chose an appealing, hugely attractive and twisting 300+mtr snow line which snaked its way right to the summit. 3 hours later we stood on the summit with stupendous views all around after climbing the most outstanding and enjoyable line.

 

First ascent of "Diord Fionn" - grade III.  

 

 

Caher is an incredible mountain, superb rock, awe-inspiring views and a flippin' ginormous face with crazy situations....As good as ANYWHERE!!!

More Corrán Ascents & Paddy's Weekend Killarney Adventure Race...

What an absolutely stupendous period of weather we have just had and nice timing too! On Saturday we guided a group of 3 Dublin lads to the summit of Ireland's highest on a day of beautiful blistering sunshine, light warm breezes and faultless cloudless skies.

Spectacular days like this one are all to rare at any time of the year never mind getting one in March but Saint Patrick's weekend it was and the luck of the Irish was with us for sure.

 

 

 

The lads turned up a little late to Cronin's and a tad worst for wear also to tell the truth after a wild night sampling the lively pubs of Killarney but this didn't slow them down or hold them back by any means and we had some great banter & craic as we climbed to the top of Ireland's highest via the Devil's Ladder.

The views from the top on such a stunning clear day were truly awe-inspiring and mind blowing and after a relaxing lunch break we again shouldered our light packs and descended by the outstanding Heavenly Gates track which leads across the steep and extremely airy North face of Corrán Tuathail itself before winding and meandering its way back to terra-firma and the valley floor. Leisurely made our way out the Hags Glen and finished a mighty day out guiding a great bunch of lads with coffees and cakes in Cronin's tea-room!!!!

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Later that very same evening I was back up the Hags Glen on a rescue with the MRT and here's a stunning full moon pic I was lucky to get on my way out.

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Sunday was another extremely busy day for us as not only did we have John guiding a group of 9 first timers to the top of Corrán Tuathail but we were also responsible for the Marshalling, First Aid and Safety of the spectacular mountain stage of the fantastic St Paddy's weekend Killarney Adventure Race...

 

 

The whole event passed off without incident and an absolutely wonderful morning was spent nestled in the wild and rugged depths of the stunning Black Valley and Cummeenduff Glen surrounded on all sides by the magnificent MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains.

 

What a special place!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A truly superb event and really great to be involved once again.
Congrats and a MASSIVE well done to all participants, sponsors, supporters, to all the marshals, to Ollie and Catriona and ALL the crew at Elite Events and to each and everyone who contributed to making it yet another memorable and hugely exciting day.



 

From Winter days to warm Spring haze....

 Winter Skills and yet ANOTHER Curve Gully Ascent....

 It's been an absolutely a fantastic season of Winter Climbing and Mountaineering in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks which has allowed us run a few of our all too rare 1 day Winter Skills courses.  The latest one of these was yet again spent climbing the deep snow filled Curve Gully high on Corrán Tuathail with Zane from Cork and Aine who'd travelled down especially from Galway and was overjoyed that she did!!!

The day began showery enough but started brightening nicely as we made our way up to the first level underneath Corrán.

We spent a highly informative hour at the base of Curved learning lots of bits and bobs from Movement skills on snow, self-belay, self-arrest, Avalanche awareness, belaying using the rope alone as well as with a sling and krab, Constructing and using snow anchors such as buried axes and a Deadman Anchor.
Extremely cold with wind-chill making it feel well into the minus temps so didn't hang about here too long before heading up the gully and getting the blood flowing again. Topped out onto a cloudy summit in a strong biting cold wind within a few minutes it cleared for just long enough to grab a few impressive photos.

Descended easily down the Devils' Ladder and finished a great day with Coffee and Cake in Cronins' Tea-room.  

 



 

 

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                   Winter Climbing & Exploring high on Caher...

Headed to Coomloughra recently with Jan and Nigel to climb a 250mtr long snow gully running up the entire length of the North face of Caher.  My eyes had been drawn to this line just the previous day as I stood on the summit of Corrán Tuathail after topping out from Curve Gully on the forementioned skills course.

Slogged up the long approach to the impressive glen from the Hydro road in yucky drizzle and after grovelling up a few initial short but extremely steep wet, slimy and sloppy waterfall pitches we finally hit the snow line and though very soft and cruddy in the lower section, the top 100mtrs was truly superb and we topped out on the summit of a calm Wintery Caher just as the cloud cleared.

A fantastic adventurous day spent with great company exploring new ground.... 

 

The route called - "An Streapa" had its first ascent by Con Moriarty and Pat Falvey in 1990 and on its higher reaches we took a brand new "Left fork" to finish.  A cracking route which I doubt has had many re-ascents  but will definitely be back to climb it again when in better condition as I reckon the waterfall grovels would be peachy if iced up.
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 A wonderful day on An Stumpa and a Wild'n' Windy day guiding Corrán....

Well spent another 2 days last week working in the Reeks and what a change in 24 hours. Friday was a gorgeous but cold day spent high up on the rocky pillar of Stumpa an tSaimh more commonly known as "The Hags Tooth" assisting a filming company with a shoot for an advertisement. Spent most of the day sitting high on the Tooth dressed in tan leather jacket and jeans while acting as a body double.   A truly stunning day in the mountains with little or no cloud and only a slight but extremely cold breeze. 

Saturday it was back to more normal stuff guiding 5 in high winds and side ways rain!!! Some extreme gusts down low had me worry for a while that we may not reach the top but we persevered none the less and winds actually decreased as we got higher and so Esther and Jimmy,our visiting honeymooning couple from Dallas Texas and Orla, Anthony and Bríd from Roscommon had a wild exciting ascent in at times "testing" conditions. 

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Spring has well and truly "Sprung"!!!

 

 

What an absolutely phenomenal day out in the Reeks yesterday guiding Siobhan and Vincent from Meath to the summit of Corrán Tuathail in tremendous long awaited sunshine.

 

 

 

Not even a single wisp of cloud in the sky and hard to believe that little over a week ago I was dressed for battle with axes and crampons and Winter climbing in these magnificent mountains with hands on fire with hot-aches and 4 days ago I was knocked to the ground and bruised by ferocious winds while tackling the same very route as todays!!!
Well that's Ireland for you....ALWAYS interesting 

We climbed via the Devils Ladder and had the summit all to ourselves before leisurely making our way back to Cronin's yard via the "Zig-Zags".

The gang had a wonderful & spectacular day and witnessed the Reeks in all their splendour and glory.
 

 

 

What an unbelievable day for a first time ascent of Irelands highest....Jammy feckers!!!

Our most recent goings on....

Headed out to the Reeks Mountains late on Saturday night with 3 good mates and spent an utterly incredible and truly invigorating 9 hours climbing under a sensational full moon on Corrán Tuathails snow & ice covered North Face!!!


Forecast was cold and settled with a wetter front sweeping in by the following afternoon and so we
departed the car from Lisleibane at 11:00pm with the aim of climbing through the night and hopefully ticking off 2 routes in super Winter condition - "Collins' Gully" and then the Super classic Ice & Snow climb - "An Cumar Dheis", more popularly known as "The Lick.
Made it up to the Heavenly Gates in great time and after dressing for battle we whacked ropeless up our first objective - "Collins' Gully", the steep firm snow slope ahead illuminated by the spectacular Moon above.
A phenomenal hour or so spent whooping and yahooing our way up this and after resting a short while high up at the Gullys end and deciding to leave the very summit until the next time around we carefully traversed East across the face to pick up the track that led us back to the Heavenly Gates once again.

After collecting our climbing rack and a rope we had left here earlier we then made our way back down to the Eagles Nest and slogged our way up to the next route of the night - "The Lick".

Took a nice break before commencing this climb with Brian boiling up a pot of snow on the stove he'd brought along and we each enjoyed a delicious mug of piping hot coffee and some tasty chocolate treats to reinvigorate our tiring bodies.
We roped up for this one though and again kicked and axed our way up this wondorous Ice climb of approx. 350Mtrs+ in length. 

Initial soft and cruddy snow soon improved and every kick of each cramponed boot and every whack of each axe was simply bliss!!!

We topped out practically at the summit cross at around 5am, an impressive 2 hours  after leaving from our coffee spot far far below. We descended slowly back down into the Hags Glen via an extremely deep snow filled Devils Ladder and exhaustingly walked and part staggered our way back to Lisleibane. After the short 5 minute drive we arrived back to my place at approx. 8:30am where Catherine treated our shattered bodies to a massive big Fry up, buttery toast and buckets of piping hot tea and coffee to help re-energise our now flagging souls.
An astounding and sensational night for sure and one that'll forever rank with the most memorable and very best :-)

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A MASSIVE thanks to all those who came along recently for the superb finale of our Winter Lecture series in Cork... 

 

 

 A really inspiring and highly entertaining talk by Nick Bullock telling mad tales of Winter climbing in Scotland, New Routes ,Hard repeats, Wafer thin Ice-Climbing in New England and an attempt at the unclimbed North face of "Chamlang" and his successful first ascent of "Hunku" both in Nepal.

This was the exciting Finale to another instalment of our inspiring Winter Lecture Series which is now already into it's 3rd year. Our highly successful series of evening lectures have in the past had a host of top climbers entertain and inspire with crazy tales of first ascents and vertical adventures from home and abroad...
Hosted in Association with U.C.C Mountaineering club these talks to date have raised over €2100 for Mountain Rescue and climbing related beneficiaries with this year proceeds going to the Kerry Mountain Rescue team

 Thanks to UCC Mountaineering club for their kind assistance in hosting the series and to all those who gifted us with some truly fantastic raffle prizes.

A BIG BIG THANK YOU TO :

 

Nigel Dixon of Alpine Sports

                                                        Kerry Outdoor Sports 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    Cascade Designs in Midleton

 

 

 

 

Paul Innes of Core Outdoor Ireland
Thanks to ALL of you who came along, helped spread the word, supported and of course - enjoyed the series. We appreciate it

 
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