In this edition of UCD Clubs In Focus, Sports Editor Bill Schmitz speaks to Rian Ó’Luasa about the UCD Mountaineering club, before taking a broader look at the world of an ever-evolving sport.
What is the main function of your club?
The UCD Mountaineering Club is one of the biggest sports clubs in UCD. The club aims to make hiking and climbing more accessible. There are so many hiking, climbing and social events organised by the club throughout the year, which contributes to our popularity. We also facilitate members to upskill in a range of outdoor skills, should they wish, to allow them to become core contributors to the club, and in turn, gain personal competency.
What does a typical week of training and activities look like for your club?
We hike most Sundays in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and members can climb at the climbing wall 4 days a week. Occasionally, we organise a more relaxed walk on Saturdays. We run six trips per year, visiting Wales, Scotland and multiple locations in Ireland. On most of these trips there is both hiking and climbing on each day. We partake in and organise some friendly bouldering competitions and some members compete in the Climbing Intervarsity competition held annually.
How do you welcome beginners into your club?
At training we consistently run teaching sessions on roped climbing for those who wish to start rock climbing. Otherwise, our training hours are a great place to do a bit of climbing and have a chat after a long day of lectures! Our trips are action-packed. Trip-goers can hike or climb depending on how they're feeling that day. Some traditions include card games, playing guitar, lake swimming and the committee cooking a dinner.
What were the highlights of last year for your club?
The club is very beginner friendly. Participation in any club activity is voluntary so you can engage as much or as little as you like. Most hikes are beginner friendly but, as mentioned previously, we sometimes organise walks on easier terrain, too!
How has this year started off for your club, and what events do you have coming up?
Back in Week 4 we had our Freshers' Trip to Glendalough. It was great to welcome new members to the club and we had good weather conditions throughout, allowing for very enjoyable hikes and some bouldering.
A broader look
UCD Mountaineering Club is one of the university’s oldest and most adventurous outdoor societies. Founded in 1960, the club has introduced generations of students to the world of hiking, climbing, and mountaineering across Ireland and beyond.
Mountaineering and climbing have seen a major rise in popularity in recent years. The sport’s inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics brought new visibility to competitive climbing. Meanwhile indoor bouldering gyms have made the sport more accessible than ever. Ireland has followed this trend with facilities such as Awesome Walls in Dublin and Gravity Climbing Centre attracting thousands of new climbers each year.
The Irish Mountaineering and Climbing Federation oversees the development of the sport nationally. It supports clubs like UCD Mountaineering with training, safety courses and events, while promoting responsible access to Ireland’s mountain environments. Classic Irish peaks such as Lugnaquilla, Carrauntoohil, and Croagh Patrick remain key destinations for hillwalking and climbing enthusiasts.
On an international level, Irish climbers have gained growing recognition. Expedition teams from Ireland have summited peaks in the Alps, the Andes, and the Himalayas. Competitive climbers like Naomi Freireich and Emer Cahill have represented Ireland at European events.
With its mix of adventure, community and inclusivity, UCD Mountaineering Club is for everyone. Whether it’s a weekend trip to Glendalough or an expedition abroad, the club encourages students to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and discover a lifelong love for the outdoors.
A huge thank you to Rian Ó Luasa for taking part in the interview. Be sure to follow UCD Mountaineering on Instagram - @ucdmountaineering.