Build the skills to navigate Ireland's mountains safely and independently.
Practical two-day Mountain Skills courses in the Galtee Mountains, learning navigation, mountain awareness and decision-making through real experience on the hill.
Mountaineering Ireland Mountain Skills training · Maximum 6 participants
Mountain Skills 1 builds the foundations. Mountain Skills 2 develops your navigation in harder conditions and more complex terrain.
Build the foundations
For: Hillwalkers who want to become more confident navigating and making decisions independently.
You do not need previous formal navigation training, but some hillwalking experience is recommended.
View MS1 datesDevelop your navigation further
For: People who have completed MS1, or have equivalent experience, and want to improve their navigation in more challenging conditions.
MS1 or equivalent experience is recommended before MS2.
View MS2 datesNot sure which course is right for you? Ask James or Call 086 385 0398.
“I just completed the beginners mountain skills course with James Foley and despite the weather not playing, it was fantastic!!! Would highly recommend!!”
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All courses run in the Galtee Mountains over two days, €150 per person, maximum six participants.
Read the landscape
Maps, contours, mountain features and relating the map to the ground.
Know where you are
Distance, pacing, timing, grid references, relocation and compass skills.
Plan a safe mountain day
Route choice, hazards, weather, equipment and decision-making.
Become more independent
Practise making navigation decisions yourself with coaching and feedback.
Most of the course is spent outside on the hill, with short theory inputs where they are useful.
MS1 and MS2 develop the personal skills needed to hike safely and independently. After MS2, people who want to continue through the full Mountain Skills Scheme normally spend time practising and consolidating their skills before Mountain Skills Assessment, following current Mountaineering Ireland requirements. The pathway can also support later progression towards Mountain Leader training, though most people train simply to become safer and more independent in the mountains.
Your training is delivered by James Foley, a qualified Mountain Leader and Mountaineering Ireland Mountain Skills trainer. The focus is practical, hands-on learning in real mountain terrain, with coaching and feedback as you practise the skills yourself.
A maximum of six participants gives everyone more opportunity to practise navigation, ask questions, make decisions and receive individual feedback.
A full course-specific kit list is supplied before training.
Brushing up before a course? Mountain navigation basics: map, compass and common mistakes
Tell me about your hillwalking and navigation experience and I'll point you towards the right course.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 086 385 0398
