About KMC
KMC was founded in 1980 and currently has a membership of about 50 who come from all over Kerry and beyond. Our members encompass a broad range of interest and experience, from occasional hillwalkers to alpine and Himalayan veterans. Killarney itself is set at the foot of the McGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, so it will come as no surprise that many of our club walks take place in and around this magnificent range.
Our regular walks take place every other Sunday throughout the year.During the Club walks, some of the more adventurous members will often break away from the main group to scramble up some more demanding ridge or gully, however the route followed by the main group is always suitable for those interested in hillwalking only. As with most clubs, walks usually finish with a visit to a nearby hostelry for some "apre walk" refreshment. If you are thinking of joining us and would like to come for a trial walk please e-mail us for more info.
We also have a regular programme of rock climbing on Thursday evenings which usually takes place in the Gap of Dunloe during the summer months (weather permitting) and on our indoor climbing wall during the winter (and wet summer evenings). The climbing wall was developed in conjunction with, and with the kind co-operation of St. Brendan's College in Killarney, where we also introduce the students to the vigours and rigours of rock climbing. The wall is also currently open on Tuesday evenings during the winter months.
In addition to our regular local walks, we sometimes organise 'specials' such as a four peaks challenge event, or a Kerry 'megawalk' with an overnight camp. As well as this, informal overseas trips are usually organised on an annual basis, typically a 'short-haul' trip (e.g. to Scotland, Wales or the English Lake District) alternating bi-annually with a trip further afield (typically the European Alps, but occasionally somewhere more exotic e.g. Kilimanjaro or Ecuador). Rock climbing and Cycling trips to Spain are also regularly undertaken by club members. Other annual events include a Christmas party and summer barbecue
The annual KMC membership fee is €55.00 which includes membership of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MI), and the all-important insurance cover which this represents. Other benefits of MI membership include a 10% discount in most outdoor shops, Irish Mountain Log magazine, access to the MI library and reciprocal rights for UIAA alpine huts.
