Junior Outdoor Rock Climbing Camp — Dalkey Quarry, Dublin
The next step for young climbers. Take the skills built in the gym and use them on real rock at one of Dublin’s most iconic outdoor climbing locations. A full-day adventure for confident beginners aged 8 and up.
Everything You Need to Know
This full-day outdoor experience takes your child from the climbing wall to real rock at Dalkey Quarry. One of the most iconic climbing spots in Ireland, right on Dublin’s doorstep.
Location
Dalkey Quarry, Dublin
Killiney Hill Car Park
Times
Meet: 10:30am
Pick-up: 4pm
Ages & Level
Age 8 & up.
NICAS Level 1 required
Price
All equipment included.
€75 total price
A Real Outdoor Climbing Day
Dalkey Quarry is one of Dublin’s best-loved outdoor climbing areas: granite faces, sea views, and excellent beginner-friendly routes make it the perfect place for young climbers to experience the outdoors for the first time.
Our qualified instructors guide small groups through the day, applying the movement and safety skills learned through NICAS in a real outdoor environment. Aside from being a fun day out, it’s a significant progression in your child’s climbing journey.
- Transition from indoor wall to outdoor rock climbing
- Coached ascents on beginner-friendly granite routes
- Outdoor safety briefing and rope work
- Full instructor supervision throughout the day
- Small group sizes for maximum learning and safety
Why Dalkey Quarry?
Dalkey Quarry sits just south of Dublin City and has been a cornerstone of Irish climbing for decades. Its solid granite faces offer a huge range of routes, including plenty of well-protected, accessible lines perfect for introducing young climbers to outdoor rock. Dalkey Quarry is an iconic outdoor climbing spot where each route has a layered history, making it the perfect place to teach kids both how to climb outdoors and a deeper understanding of the climbing lifestyle.
The quarry’s compact layout allows the kids to get plenty of climbing done and the natural environment surrounded by trees and overlooking the Irish Sea makes the experience unforgettable.
Killiney Hill Car Park
Meet at Killiney Hill Car Park at 10:30am. Pick-up is at the same location at 4pm. Full directions are confirmed on booking.
Eligibility Requirements
This camp is designed as a step up, a progression for young climbers who have already started their journey with NICAS. The requirements exist to ensure every child has the safest and most enjoyable experience possible on real rock.
Requirements to Join
- Age 8 or older (strictly enforced)
- Holds a NICAS Level 1 award: earned through our weekly sessions or another recognised NICAS centre (evidence of this award must be provided!)
- Comfortable wearing a harness and helmet
- Physically and mentally ready for a full outdoor day
Start With Our Indoor Camps or NICAS Classes
If your child is new to climbing, our indoor holiday camps or weekly NICAS sessions are the right starting point. NICAS Level 1 is very achievable, many children reach it within a couple of months of regular sessions.
What Your Child Needs on the Day
Outdoor climbing requires a little more preparation than an indoor session. Here’s exactly what to pack and what we cover.
What to Pack
- Packed lunch: it’s a full day and there are no shops on site
- Climbing shoes: own or rented from us (you must give us advance notice if you require rental shoes!)
- Rain jacket or windproof layer: Irish weather, enough said
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Comfortable, flexible clothing (not too baggy)
- Sunscreen for (hopefully!) sunny days
Included on the Day
- Harnesses for all participants
- Helmets for all participants
- All ropes, anchors, and climbing hardware
- Qualified instructors with outdoor leadership experience
- Full supervision from meet to pick-up
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, just let us know at the time of booking.
Part of a Bigger Climbing Journey
The outdoor Dalkey camp is designed to sit within the wider NICAS progression. It’s a landmark day in any young climber’s development, the point where everything they’ve learned indoors becomes real.
Join our holiday camps or weekly open sessions to discover climbing in an indoor environment.
Through our weekly NICAS programme, your child works towards their first nationally recognised award — the gateway to this outdoor camp.
This camp. A full day on real granite with qualified instructors. A confidence-building milestone that most young climbers remember for years.
After the outdoor camp, motivated young climbers can continue through NICAS into lead climbing, belaying, and beyond.
Common Questions
My child has climbed outdoors before but doesn’t have NICAS Level 1. Can they still join?
The NICAS Level 1 requirement is strictly enforced. It ensures every child has a consistent foundation in indoor safety, movement, and harness use before we take them outdoors. If your child has prior outdoor experience, please get in touch and we can discuss the best route for them.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day?
Outdoor climbing is possible in light rain, but we’ll make a call on safety in advance if conditions look poor. In the event of a cancellation due to weather, we’ll contact you and arrange an alternative date or a full refund.
Is the quarry dangerous? What safety measures are in place?
Dalkey Quarry is a well-established, managed climbing location. Our instructors are qualified in outdoor climbing leadership and first aid. All participants wear helmets and harnesses, all anchors are set by instructors, and children are never unsupervised near the rock face.
Can my child bring their own climbing shoes?
Yes, and we’d recommend it if they have a pair they’re comfortable in. If not, climbing shoes can be rented from us, please mention this at the time of booking so we have the right size ready.
How do I get to Killiney Hill Car Park?
Killiney Hill Car Park is accessible by car and by DART (Killiney station is a short walk away). Full directions are available on Google Maps. We’ll also send confirmed meeting details in your booking confirmation email.
My child has NICAS Level 1 from another climbing centre. Is that accepted?
Yes. NICAS is a nationally recognised scheme, so a Level 1 award earned at any accredited NICAS centre in Ireland or the UK is accepted. Please bring evidence of the award (a card or certificate) on the day.
Take Climbing Outside
This is one of those days young climbers talk about for years. A full day on real rock, real routes and real achievement with the beautiful Dublin coastline as a backdrop. Book now to secure your child’s place.