NICAS Ireland Tour 2025
A Journey Through Ireland’s Climbing Community plus Mountaineering Ireland Ceangal Coaching Conference.
The NICAS Ireland Tour 2025 has been an incredible opportunity to visit some of Ireland’s top climbing facilities, connect with passionate coaches and facility managers, and see first-hand the impact of structured climbing development through NICAS. Across two action-packed days, we toured multiple locations, had inspiring conversations, and even squeezed in some climbing along the way! Here’s a recap of our journey.
Day 1: Exploring Limerick and Cork
SUAS Climbing Centre – A Hub for Youth Development
Our first stop was SUAS Climbing Centre, where we caught up with co-owner John to chat about their wall and the impressive youth programmes they run. The centre was buzzing with outdoor education students making the most of the space—building their personal climbing skills while gaining valuable teaching experience. It was fantastic to see a facility so dedicated to supporting young climbers and future instructors. We’re looking forward to working with the SUAS team more in the future, and catching up again at the Mountaineering Ireland Ceangal Coaching Conference this weekend!
University of Limerick Sports Arena – World-Class Facilities
Next up, we headed to University of Limerick Climbing Wall, where we were blown away by their 18-meter-high lead wall—a true test for any climber. The facility also boasts an official IFSC speed wall, adding to the growing hype around speed climbing since its Olympic debut. With a well-designed bouldering and training area, this centre is a top-tier training ground for climbers of all abilities. Huge thanks to Robert, Dean, and the team for the tour and great conversation. We can’t wait to see how their youth programmes continue to evolve!
Awesome Walls Cork – Top-Class Climbing and Community
Skinner and Tom made their way to Awesome Walls Cork, where Filip gave us a deep dive into their NICAS Climbing programme. It’s always inspiring to see the impact that structured progression can have on young climbers, helping them build skills and confidence on the wall. Of course, we couldn’t resist pulling on for a climb—their routes and boulders were top quality, with a fantastic variety of styles and movements. The strong sense of community and encouragement made for an amazing visit. If you haven’t climbed here yet, put it on your list!
Day 2: Cork to Dublin – A Packed Schedule!
Mardyke Climbing Wall – A True Home for Climbers
Kicking off the morning, we visited Mardyke Climbing Wall at University College Cork, where we were welcomed by Andy, who has managed the wall since its inception. With nearly two decades of serving the Cork climbing community, Mardyke has a strong and personal approach to coaching and youth development. We had great discussions about expanding their NICAS offering, including NICAS Level 4, Wild Climbers, and the upcoming NICAS Ascend. The future looks bright for youth climbing in Cork!
Awesome Walls Dublin – A Leader in Youth Climbing
Next stop, Awesome Walls Dublin, one of the largest indoor climbing centres in Ireland. Conor gave us a fantastic tour and insight into their NICAS youth pathway, which progresses climbers from NICAS Levels 1-5 into their Squad Programme. The centre also plays a key role in organising the Irish Schools National Climbing Competition, running qualification rounds and hosting the finals each year. With events kicking off in February 2025, it’s an exciting time for young climbers in Ireland!
Gravity Climbing Centre – The Heart of Irish Climbing History
Visiting Gravity Climbing Centre was a fantastic opportunity to chat with Angela and dive into the history of Irish climbing and coaching. We learned more about how Gravity’s youth programme is structured and discussed ways NICAS can support them further. Although we didn’t get time to climb, we’ll definitely be back for a session soon!
Dublin Climbing Centre – Youth Development in Action
A quick but insightful stop at Dublin Climbing Centre, where Stephen shared how they integrate NICAS into their youth programme. We also caught the Irish Bouldering League in action on its final day before moving to the next venue—some seriously strong climbing on display!
Bloc Climbing Gym – Preparing for the Ceangal Coaching Conference
Our final stop of the day was Bloc Climbing Gym, where we caught up with Al, founder of Bloc & The Wall, to explore how NICAS can support their youth programme. We also met with Jackie from Mountaineering Ireland to finalise preparations for the Ceangal Coaching Conference, including packing some exclusive NICAS x MI goodie bags—who’s psyched for a limited-edition frisbee?!
Ceangal Coaching Conference 2025: A Weekend of Learning, Collaboration, and Inspiration
The Mountaineering Ireland Ceangal Coaching Conference brought together some of the brightest minds in coaching, climbing development, and athlete performance at Bloc Gym in Ireland. Across two days of engaging discussions, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking, the conference highlighted the importance of structured coaching pathways, athlete environments, and performance preparation as Irish climbing continues to grow.
Day 1: Pathways, Mindset, and Strength Development
The conference kicked off with Jackie Newton and Tobias Preisler, who explored Ireland’s evolving competition pathways and the essential components of a successful talent development environment. They emphasised the need for alignment with IFSC competition standards and showcased how NICAS provides a best-in-class option for grassroots climbing.
Liam Feeley introduced the concept of a shared mental model, drawing on Project 32, which focuses on preparing athletes for an end goal of an Irish climbing representation in the 2032 Olympics. He stressed the significance of adaptability, culture, and work ethic in building a high-performance mindset, showing how these factors play a crucial role in long-term success.
Tim Cunnington and the Bloc Gym route setting team led a practical discussion on the relationship between route setters and coaches, highlighting how blocs visually communicate movement, style, and difficulty. They explored how athletes can be supported in approaching and problem-solving different blocs, reinforcing the idea this is a skill that will always be developed due to the fast paced evolution of our sport.
Philip Duke rounded out the sessions with a deep dive into strength and conditioning for climbers. He covered the fundamentals of deadlifts and bench presses, emphasising proper form, coaching techniques, and safe spotting. Core strength exercises were also a key focus, reinforcing their importance in climbing performance. As well as explaining the need for periodised models within athlete’s training plan.
We wrapped up the day with positive reflections, focused on opportunities and collaborations within the climbing community. Before ending the day on a high note with a social climb – providing further opportunity for networking and continuing discussions ahead of Day 2.
Day 2: NICAS Insights, Athlete Wellbeing, and the Importance of Environment
Day 2 continued the momentum with key discussions on NICAS’ role in supporting Irish climbing walls, athlete welfare, and the importance of the right training environment. From shared insights on Olympic pathways to the launch of a new Progressive Coaching Curriculum, the weekend showcased the passion, dedication, and collaboration within the Irish climbing community.
Skinner shared insights into ‘NICAS in Numbers’, breaking down how the schemes run and how they can support Irish climbing walls and coaches.
Carol Keenan, a Registered Guidance Counsellor, Career Advisor, and Secondary School Teacher, brought her expertise in athlete lifestyle counselling to the conference. She highlighted the importance of athlete welfare, emphasising the need to balance work, training, and organised ‘fun.’ It all starts with the athlete recognising they are a high performer and being aware of their own needs along side their performance needs.
Tom Greenall and Liam Briddon delivered an insightful session titled ‘Environments are Crucial’. They explored the journey to creating Olympians, from Shauna Coxsey in Tokyo 2021 to Olympic Gold Medalist Toby Roberts in last years Paris 2024. Their discussion focused on the critical role of the athlete’s environment and how coaches play a key part in shaping it. They also shared the lessons learned along the way and the impact of refining their approach.
The conference concluded with a workshop led by Ceangal co-organiser Tim Cunnington, where attendees worked together to review and develop a new Progressive Coaching Curriculum for Ireland.
The weekend has been an inspiring showcase of passion, networking, and idea-sharing within the Irish coaching community. We’re excited to continue working with and supporting Mountaineering Ireland, Irish walls, and coaches in their Project 32 journey.
Looking ahead, NICAS is excited to continue working alongside Mountaineering Ireland, Irish climbing walls, and coaches to support Project 32 and the next generation of Irish climbers.
Thank you, Ireland, for your hospitality—we’ll be back soon!