Rock climbing in Dalkey Quarry is great – if you have a head for heights and are moderately fit. Otherwise no preconditions are to be met, as you can even take beginner’s courses there. Which would be an excellent idea for anybody new to rock climbing.
Around 13 kilometers south of Dublin’s city center, Dalkey is a quiet, picturesque suburb. What many don’t know is that the disused quarry is not only a hotbed of outdoor activity, it also is rated as one of Ireland’s best sites for rock climbing. Routes range from “Very Difficult” upwards, so this is no place to drop in for a bit of posing. Well, maybe it is ... with 300 climbs listed by the Irish Mountaineering Club as being available in the sprawling quarry, nobody will notice if you are just there for show (unless you are really stupid and get hurt).
If you do scale the heights, the rewards are the views (on clear days at least) – Dublin City and Dublin Bay to the north, the Wicklow Mountains to the south and ... yes, that would be Wales to the east.
Further Information:
Courses in rock climbing are available from the Adventure Agency Ireland and other companies and clubs listed by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland.
