Bren Whelan is one of Ireland’s most qualified and experienced rock climbing instructors. He is the only full Mountaineering Instructors Certificate (MIC) award holder based in the Republic of Ireland delivering mountain training courses. He has spent more than twenty years rock climbing, hill walking and mountaineering throughout the world.
Bren is a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and is fully insured. Bren is the only fully approved provider of BOS (The Irish Mountain Training Board & Mountaineering Ireland) training and assessment courses in Ireland (mountaintraining.ie).

Below Bren Whelan for Madforsport.com goes through some essential information that you should know about Rock Climbing:

1. Ensure your climbing provider is a member of the AMI or IFMGA and that they are insured.
2. Do not buy rock climbing equipment until you are sure that this is the sport for you. The equipment is expensive and it is important when buying rock climbing equipment that you are not buying equipment that you will become too advanced for after a couple of months.
3. Complete a ‘Learn to Rock Climb’ type course and master the skills before running out and doing anything too mad or dangerous! There are a list of course providers on Mountaineering Ireland’s (the representative body for walkers and climbers in Ireland) website – mountaineering.ie. Like anything, when done correctly climbing can be very safe. I have witnessed some very dangerous practises at venues such as Dalkey Quarry in Dublin. A lot of the mistakes people are making, they’ve made for years. If they did just one day with a Mountaineering Instructor they’d be smarter and a hell of a lot safer too!
4. Check the weather before you go out. The weather can change quickly – irishweatheronline.com is the most accurate site available.
5. Make sure that the area is safe for rock climbing, climbing.ie is a great resource, if in doubt ask on the forum!
6. Etiquette  - be aware of other rock climbers right of way, it’s leaders before top ropers! Local ethics prevail!! A good read of the guidebook will set you straight.
7. Make sure ropes etc are checked before and after you climb, visible damage could equal serious internal damage.
8. The climbing trainer/ course provider will go through the appropriate gear and safety tips