After drawing a blank asking most people I know, I'm after any info the hive mind has on Ireland, particularly the west coast. Basically I've spent the last few Augusts vanning around Scotland doing a mix of bouldering, walking / scrambling, and kayaking, all at a fairly chill level. With a nice sideline in drinking beer in country pubs and scranning fresh seafood where possible. I'm currently pondering whether to spread my wings and go somewhere new to do the same sort of stuff, and the west coast of Ireland has sprung to mind. So I guess questions would be: + any OK bouldering areas with a nice compact-ish circuit? Not expecting Font. A quick look on UKC and nothing is jumping off the page...+ Looks like there should be loads of options for (entry-level!) sea-kayaking, but any direct knowledge is welcome + Will it be busy or quiet? Expensive or cheap?+ Is van camping generally OK, like Scotland?+ Weather in August?+ It looks like taking in the whole west coast top to toe would take forever - any particular areas that are a "must do"?+ Any other recommendations at all as I know literally nothing about the place!Any beta at all appreciated
There is a decent amount of bouldering, Doolin in Clare springs to mind as the notable coastal spot, scattered minor stuff in Connemara and plenty of nice granite in NW Donegal.
I’ve not been for years, but am aware that the access situation in Eire is absolutely dire. Not only is there no sort of right to roam, there is no public foot path network. So all access is by kind permission of the landowner, if you can find them or they are disposed to help you. This is a big issue for walking up mountains, let alone cragging. Not only that but there was some sort of legal decision made making landowners liable for accidents on their land. So you’ve got this desperate catch 22 where you’ve no right of access but even at best they don’t want to know you’re there either.
The area of the Black Valley where White Lightning is is banned apparently (I'm told) because the landowner wasn't asked before it was featured in the Bouldering in Ireland guide and the farmer took exception to this.
Thanks everyone for the replies so far, really appreciate all the replies, they're all very helpful. At work atm without much time so will reply properly later, but quickly the m-word has been mentioned: how bad are they? Wales / Lakes level? Or full on Torridon midge tornados?
Not only that but there was some sort of legal decision made making landowners liable for accidents on their land.
I wrote a book called Exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way that might be of some use. Feel free to PM with any questions.
Quote from: Dave Flanagan on June 19, 2023, 10:28:25 pmI wrote a book called Exploring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way that might be of some use. Feel free to PM with any questions.Love that you ask a speculative question on here and get a reply from someone who literally wrote the book on it! Thanks for the kind offer Dave, if I have any direct questions I will ask. If we decide to come I will obvs buy your book!Remus, folk festival sounds great! Would be the sort of thing I'd be into if timings worked out.Fultonius, RE van spots were you using Park4Night? Looks to be loads on there but obvs they aren't always what they seem.JB / Bradders / (and Dave I guess) - I didn't know this about access. So is it the case that if I see a hill and fancy walking up it it may not be possible? Also is there any Irish mapping equivalent of the OS?SA Chris - E Scotland is always a distinct possibility tbh!
Fultonius, RE van spots were you using Park4Night? Looks to be loads on there but obvs they aren't always what they seem.
Quote from: Bradders on June 20, 2023, 11:23:30 am The area of the Black Valley where White Lightning is is banned apparently (I'm told) because the landowner wasn't asked before it was featured in the Bouldering in Ireland guide and the farmer took exception to this. First I have heard of this.