This guidebook focuses on the best Irish rock climbing routes throughout the grades at the best crags, including areas and routes that haven't been documented in a modern guidebook before. Very detailed directions and maps make it easy for the first time visitor to find and climb their chosen route. There are 22 crag destinations, north and south, including Fair Head; Donegal; Dalkey Quarry; Wicklow; The Mournes; and The Burren.
This book documents the best cycling that Ireland has to offer. With eighty routes spread across the entire island, there is something for everyone; from gentle, traffic-free cycles, ideal for the whole family, to long challenging routes packed with relentless climbs. The routes range in length from 8km to 207km on a variety of surfaces including tarmac roads, gravel tracks, canal towpaths and singletrack. Each route description includes - A full-colour map - Turn-by-turn directions - A route profile - A detailed description of the route - Advice on variations, extensions and shortcuts - A downloadable GPX navigation file. The book also includes details of over fifty family-friendly greenways and trails, information on Ireland's long-distance cycle routes and sixteen pages dedicated to cycling along the Wild Atlantic Way. This comprehensive guide is packed full of detailed information and inspiring photography that is sure to appeal to everyone interested in cycling in Ireland.
John Gill: Master of Rock is a captivating look into the life, achievements and ethos of boulderer John Gill. This new edition of the classic title is complete with photographs, personal impressions of Gill from climbers such as Yvon Chouinard, and an enlightening interview with Gill himself. Hailed the father of modern bouldering, John Gill is an awe-inspiring climber with enigmatic talent. His techniques have been likened to poetry and are almost 'spiritual' in nature. Famous for his dynamic approach to bouldering and his impressive physical accomplishments, such as the one-arm front lever, Gill is an inspiration to climbers around the world. Written by Gill's friend and fellow climber, Pat Ament, John Gill: Master of Rock pays homage to this influence. Delving deeply into not only the fascinating life of Gill, but the very raw essence of what it means to boulder, this intimate biography is both intriguing and informative. 'Bouldering is the poetry of mountaineering ... As with good poetry, good bouldering comes from within. It is derived from an inner eye, then refined.' At its core, John Gill: Master of Rock illustrates the humbling relationship between Gill and those who admire him – as Ament details first-hand, Gill is never egotistical, nor elitist; instead he is approachable, passionate and refreshingly independent. This staple climbing read is a real must-have for those with an interest in pioneers of the bouldering scene. The exploits and adventures contained within will appeal to devotees of the sport and to anyone seeking insight into the triumphs of a master.
Exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is essential reading for anyone planning to visit the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Whether looking for ideas for weekend adventures or visiting from abroad you will find everything you need within this guide.At over 2500km, The Wild Atlantic Way is the world's longest defined coastal touring route, travelling the full length of the west coast of Ireland, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The route is alive with literature, music, stories, and surf. Its landscape, flora, fauna, and sheer size have inspired everyone from WB Yeats to John Lennon. Just a few highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage site Skellig Michael; the largest karst landscape in the world, The Burren; and the traditional Irish towns dotted along our western coast. This book's focus is on the outdoors - on getting out into the fresh air, the wind, the sun and the rain - and experiencing the incredible natural beauty found everywhere along the coast. It is full of spectacular photos, helpful maps and detailed information on the west coast's best sights, from the most famous landmarks to the hidden gems on this awe inspiring route.
This title is packed with clear, practical advice for anyone interested in bouldering, whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore more complex topics.
Hillwalking is one of Ireland's most popular leisure activities today. Rock climbing has developed to a level of technical excellence with crags in almost every county and numerous indoor climbing walls. Irish mountaineers have completed winter ascents in the Alps, scaled the highest Himalayan peaks and other previously unclimbed giants, and explored hitherto unknown valleys. Paddy O'Leary recounts the history of hillwalking and mountaineering in Ireland: from the early activists – some were involved in gunrunning, others died at Gallipoli – until the turn of the millennium, when mountaineering in Ireland was no longer the preserve of the middle class. This history recounts the adventures, dangers, successes and failures which make this multifaceted activity such a fascinating one, and mirrors the spirit of all who love these places. * Also available: The Longest Road by Sean Rothery
A guide to 20 of popular walking routes on the MacGillycuddy's Reeks contains full-colour maps specially commissioned from the Ordnance Survey, photographs and map references. This guide also encompasses the history of the area, its geology and natural history, its place names and people. It offers useful information on travel and accommodation.
Scrambling is a hands-on sport and without the stop-start of rock climbing, the joy of it can be appreciated more freely. Here, Alan Tees guides mountaineers to exhilarating scrambles in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. All abilities are catered for in these graded routes, from straightforward scrambles to serious routes where the ability to abseil is required. Each route is described concisely and simply so you can keep your head up to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Clear maps and photos showing the ascent line complement descriptions that include historical trivia and all the necessary information: grid references, time and equipment needed, height gain, OS map references, directions and what to expect as you climb. Visiting these invigorating places is an adventure in its own right, but reaching them by scrambling adds to the euphoria of experiencing a rarely visited place.
