Killarney Mountaineering Club

About Killarney MC

Welcome to Killarney Mountaineering Club!

KMC was founded in 1980 and currently has a membership of about 100 who come from all over Kerry and beyond. Our members encompass a broad range of interest and experience, from occasional hillwalkers to alpine and himalayan veterans. Killarney itself is set at the foot of the McGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, so it will come as no surprise that many of our club walks take place in and around this magnificent range (see calendar).

Our regular walks take place every second Sunday throughout the year, and we usually meet outside the Killarney Cineplex (East Avenue Road) at 10am, unless stated otherwise on the club calendar. During the club walks, some of the more adventurous club members will often separate from the main group to scramble up more demanding routes, however the route followed by the main group is always suitable for those interested in hillwalking alone. As with most clubs, walks usually finish with a social 'après-mountain' drink in a local hostelry! If you are thinking of joining us and would like to come out for a trial walk please e-mail us for more information.

We also have a regular programme of rock climbing on Thursday evenings which usually takes place in the Gap of Dunloe during the summer months (weather permitting) and on our indoor climbing wall during the winter (and wet summer evenings). The climbing wall was developed in conjunction with, and with the kind co-operation of St. Brendan's College in Killarney, where we also introduce the students to the vigours and rigours of rock climbing. The wall is also currently open on Tuesday evenings during the winter months.

In addition to our regular local walks, we sometimes organise 'specials' such as a four peaks challenge event, or a Kerry 'megawalk' with an overnight camp. As well as this, informal overseas trips are usually organised on an annual basis, typically a 'short-haul' trip (eg. to Scotland, Wales or the English Lake District) alternating bi-annually with a trip further afield (typically the European Alps, but occasionally somewhere more exotic eg. Kilimanjaro or Ecuador). Rock climbing and Cycling trips to Spain are also regularly undertaken by club members. Other annual events include a christmas party and summer barbeque.

The annual KMC membership fee is €40.00 which includes membership of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI), and the all-important insurance cover which this represents. Other benefits of MCI membership include a 10% discount in most outdoor shops, Irish Mountain Log magazine, access to the MCI library and reciprocal rights for UIAA alpine huts.

Please note:

Membership is restricted to over 18's only
No dogs are allowed on our club walks
Walkers need to be adequately equipped to meet the hostile conditions that can sometimes be encountered in the Irish mountains. The following is a recommended equipment list:
- Suitable boots with good grips and ankle support (runners are NOT suitable)
- A full set of raingear
- Plenty of warm synthetic clothing (fleece garments or track-suit trousers are ideal, jeans or other cotton items are NOT suitable)
- Gloves and a hat
- Food and drink
- A good rucksack (ideally with a waterproof liner)
- Torch
- Map, compass and whistle
- Sun hat and cream (we all live in hope!)
- Mobile phone
- Spare clothing to change into at the end of the walk
- Money for après mountain refreshments
- Your sense of humour!

A tribute to a former club member and friend

KMC member and charity worker Joan O'Leary from Castletownbere in Co. Cork sadly lost her life in a double tragedy on 6th January 2002, while walking with friends in the Lough Dubh area of the Black Valley.

A vastly experienced climber with a great love for the outdoors, Joan was a devoted charity fundraiser and spent a number of years working as a volunteer in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Joan, who was 35, will always be remembered for her smiling face and the warmth of her personality, and is sadly missed by all who knew her.