Irish Mountaineering Academy

The Irish Mountaineering Academy is a rock climbing school based in the Doolin area of County Clare, in the heart of the Burren along the Wild Atlantic Way. Set among the region’s coastal limestone, it offers instruction on the sea cliffs and crags for which this stretch of the Clare coast is known, roughly fifteen minutes from the Cliffs of Moher.

The academy runs professionally led courses for all levels, from complete beginners to more experienced climbers. Options range from half-day and full-day sessions to two-day and six-week courses, alongside bouldering, one-to-one lessons, and group and corporate workshops. Instruction covers the fundamentals of outdoor climbing, including knots, belaying, and abseiling, with sessions delivered by qualified instructors in a supervised, safety-focused environment.

Climbing takes place at coastal venues around the Ballyryan and Ailladie area, where the more sheltered Ballyryan meadow suits newcomers and the Ailladie sea cliffs offer a greater challenge. The setting also takes in wide views across the Burren, the Aran Islands, and Connemara. Activities run year-round and outdoors, so sessions are weather-dependent, and free parking is available on site.