Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have never climbed before?
That is not a problem, our taster sessions are ideal for first time climbers to experience the fun and excitement with one of our qualified instructors holding the ropes. An excellent inclusive activity for all the family, ages 6 and up.
Climbed before and want to learn.
Book a private induction session and become an independent user of our gym. One 1.5 hour session and one 2 hour session in which you will learn how to belay (therefore also ideal for parents of juniors who are only starting to indoor wall climb), use the auto belay devices and proper use of the boulder wall. This fantastic sport expands one’s physical and mental strength. Strictly two people minimum per booking.
We also offer a Bouldering & Auto-Belay induction (1 session, no partner needed) and a Learn to Climb Course (4 sessions, min. 2 people per booking). Inductions are only for over 18s.
What if I don’t have a second person who wants to learn with me?
On Wednesday evenings we run an Induction Night where we partner adults. Sessions start at 7pm at a cost of €40 per class, but starting time may be adjusted per climbers’ preferences. Two lessons are required and pre-booking is essential by booking online.
Book NowWhat are your day pass and membership prices for independent use of the centre?
Check out our pricing page for independent climbers. Independent climbers are those who have passed a free in house proficiency test or one of our induction courses.
What is the difference between a Taster and an Induction session?
Taster session: one hour activity packed climbing session that is all about climbing as many routes as possible with one of our friendly and qualified instructors holding the ropes. It is designed for the novice/first time climber. Ideal family fun, age 6 and up.
Induction: one or two sessions where we teach you how to become an independent climber. The two session option covers the following: fitting a harness, tying figure of eight, learning how to belay, control a climber’s descent, use the auto belay devices and how to use a boulder wall safely. Inductions are only for over 18s and upon completion allow you to supervise up to two U18s on the bouldering and top-rope walls, or up to 2 adults on top-rope walls only.
How can I register?
If this is your first visit to the centre you can speed up the process by clicking the appropriate link below to read the terms and conditions and to fill out your details.
Under 18’s must be signed for by a parent/guardian. Parent/Guardian must remain on the premises while their under 18 is climbing unless they meet the conditions to be an independent climber (see link below).
A once off registration fee of €10.00 is charged on first time coming to the centre as an independent climber (does not apply to instructor-led sessions). All newly registered climbers must undertake a brief belay test (more details in Entry Procedures below).
What do I need to bring and wear?
It is best to climb in comfortable loose-fitting clothing. All the climbing equipment is supplied for instructor-led sessions. Snacks and drinks are also available from our coffee shop. Rings must be removed before climbing. Watches are permitted but may become scratched. Small earrings (not hoops) are fine. Long hair should be tied back.
What is the minimum age?
Our minimum age for instructor-led sessions 6 years old to unlimited (presently stands at 89 years old). However, experienced climbers can bring children of any age, under their supervision.
Do you cater for birthday parties, schools, clubs or corporate groups?
Yes, we cater for kids parties, groups and corporate team building days. Climbing is an ideal activity for groups and at the Dublin Climbing Centre we are experts at ensuring all groups have an action packed, fun filled climbing session. Our ratio of 1 instructor to 6 people climbing ensures everyone gets plenty of climbing in. Groups of up to 18 can be booked online, for larger groups please call or email the Centre.
School Groups and Youth Organisations are run over 1.5 hour timelines on weekdays with a 1:8 ratio, currently priced at €18 per student for groups of 16+ participants. These climbing sessions can be tailored to a NICAS class structure where the students learn how to use a climbing gym. More details on our Schools & Youth Organisations pages →
Corporate team building climbing sets a friendly competitive edge to the experience, with optional function room and catering hire available. Nothing like challenging each other on the wall! More details on our Corporate Groups page →
We open from 11 am Monday to Thursday, 12 pm Friday and 10 am weekends. We open early by arrangement on weekdays with keen rates, dependent on numbers, for Schools and other Groups. We can also deliver our certified National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) program for all School or Youth groups.
Do you teach kids?
We run the National Indoor Climbing Awards Scheme (NICAS), a certified instruction program for 8 to 17 year old juniors.
- Friday 6pm to 8pm – Level 4
- Saturday 10:00am to 12:00pm – Level 1, 2 & 3
- Saturday 12:30pm to 2:30pm – Level 2 & 3
- Sunday 10:00am to 12:00pm – Level 2 & 3
The course takes the novice through the basics of putting on a harness, tying into the harness, belaying and on to become an independent user of any climbing centre. Made up of 5 modules, a certificate of completion is awarded as each module is finished. Level 1-4 classes can be booked online.
Do you have any special discount offers or special events?
- Tuesday 7pm to 10pm: Boulder Coaching Workshop with Irish Youth Squad Head Coach Phil entry €12.50
- Thursday evenings: Womens’ Coaching €15.50 including harness and shoes!
- Thursday all day: Student Night €8.50 entry all day (valid student ID required)
- All NICAS-trained juniors from age 14 to 17 that have completed Level 2: Independent entry at €8.50 before 4pm
Stay in touch to see our various special discount offers that are posted through our Facebook and Instagram page each month as well as our monthly newsletter. Like us and Love us and we will look after you!
What are the benefits of your memberships?
Memberships give you unlimited rope climbing, bouldering, and training and weights rooms access.
You can also bring a friend* for free on the first Friday of each month and, if that friend becomes a member, we will gift you 1 month’s membership! (*Applies to independent climbers, i.e. those who have passed the relevant induction/test, does not apply to instructor-led sessions. Members may bring 1 child for free instead of 1 adult. Please see here for more information on who qualifies as an independent climber).
Various tiers are available for adults, families, concession, and bouldering-only access.
Where are you located?
We are located in Dublin 24, beside the South Dublin Co. Council Offices, just minutes from Tallaght Hospital and the Square Shopping Centre. D24 P5KE
What are your opening hours?
Our opening hours are:- Monday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
- Friday: 12pm – 10pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm
Rules & Conditions of Use
Please read the conditions of use for independent climbers (those who climb without instructor supervision) at the centre before arrival. Climbing and bouldering are activities with an inherent danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. If you do not accept this risk please do not climb!
Our full rules and conditions of independent use are available in the document below. Please take the time to read these before arriving at the centre.
Registration & Waivers
Independent Entry
To use the centre independently you will need a completed registration form on file. Please read our entry procedures before filling out an independent use form.
When you fill out one of these forms, they will be put on hold. Registration can then be completed at the front desk where a member of staff will review your forms. If there are any mistakes on the form it must be resubmitted in full so please take the time to read each question. You will also need to pay the once-off registration fee of €10.00. All newly registered climbers must undertake a brief belay test to prove their proficiency in the climbing style they wish to perform (please see below)
Under 18s: may only use the centre independently if they are over 14, have completed NICAS Level 2 and passed the relevant test, and have explicit written permission from their parents/guardians. Please contact us and see below for more details.
Parties, Tasters & Other Instructed Sessions
When you participate in an instructed session you will need to fill out the relevant group form each time. These forms do not need to be filled in prior to the session as they can be given to you at the front desk. However, if you wish to complete them in advance to save time you may do so.
Entry Procedures
Important information for experienced climbers using the centre independently. All entry is subject to staff discretion. Management reserve the right to refuse admission for any reason.
For those new to climbing, please view the options listed here on our New to Climbing page. For experienced climbers, the following procedures will take place on your first entry to the gym:
Registration & Fees
You will be asked to fill out a registration form.
You will be charged a registration fee of €10 along with normal entry and rental fees.
Please bring relevant proof to avail of discounts such as a valid student ID or IMC membership card.
Proficiency Checks
Your proficiencies will be checked by a qualified instructor.
For any proficiencies that will not apply to your current visit (for instance, if you are capable of lead climbing but only wish to boulder), you may defer these checks to a later date.
You may not attempt any form of climbing you have not passed a check for.
Belay and boulder checks are free, but limited to one per person per day. If you fail a check you must wait until your next entry to attempt it again.
Supervision Rules
For roped climbing only, each fully registered adult climber may supervise up to two people.
These can be adults or children who are not capable of using the centre independently.
The registered climber is responsible for educating them on the risks of climbing and using the centre.
The registered climber must stay on-site while supervising. Supervised climbers may not belay or supervise others.
For bouldering, each fully registered adult climber may supervise up to two U18s.
This does not apply to other adults since each adult must be fully independent on the bouldering wall. The registered climber must stay on-site while they are supervising the U18s.
Under 18s
For under 18s to use the centre unsupervised, they must be at least 14 years old and hold a completed NICAS Level 2 award (or equivalent).
Equivalent experience will be assessed by one of our instructors.
Parents or guardians must complete an unsupervised junior form, which you can request at the front desk.