Kingdom warms to ice climbing

THE KERRY mountains have been looking more Alpine than ever this past few weeks and if, as expected, the snows make a return this winter anyone looking to brush up on, or indeed pick up, real Alpine mountaineering skills should check out Hidden Ireland Adventures.

Owner Con Moriarty, an experienced mountaineer, is making full use of the winter conditions and helping others follow suit with lessons on snow and ice climbing, how to use crampons and ice axes, snow showing and winter camping.

All gear can be provided and all levels of ability catered for. Ice climbing lessons take place daily – conditions permitting – while, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the firm is continuing with its scheduled guided climb of Carrauntoohil.

Next Tuesday, it is also running a special winter solstice dawn climb up to the Iron Age fort of Caherconree on the Dingle Peninsula.

While that is likely to be more than enough exercise for most people, you have the option of following it up that same evening with a winter solstice, full moon and full lunar eclipse climb of Purple Mountain, near the Gap of Dunloe.

On St Stephen’s Day, there is a climb of Carrauntuohill and the Ridge of the Reeks followed by, phew, on New Year’s Eve, a climb up Com Lothair Horseshoe, taking in Ireland’s three highest peaks Carrauntoohil, Binn Chaorach and Cathair na Feinne.

Guided ascents leave from the Dunloe golf course, with complimentary tea and coffee and a short briefing before departure.

Groups are typically small, between two and six people. Prices vary, but the scheduled Wednesday and Saturday climbs of Carrantuohill cost €75 per person and, so sure is the company about its product, if the climb doesn’t surpass your expectations, you don’t even have to pay.

* hiddenirelandadventures.com