Climbfest 2025 – Malinbeg

Colmcille Climbers – see website below – are holding the annual Climbfest this year at Malinbeg, Co. Donegal.

NO NEED TO BOOK this year.  Just turn up and pay.

The charge is 20 euro.  Entry includes for a copy of the Ulster 100 Classics guide which Colmcille have just submitted for printing.

CAMPING is at the usual site by Malinbeg harbour, at https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmp3kHe4meLdUZm58?g_st=iw, within a couple of minutes walk from the crags, and there are portaloos hired for the weekend.  There is also water on tap at the pier.  So not quite as “wild” as maybe first thought.  There is a large car park for vanners at Silver Strand, and there is also stated to be hostels at Malinbeg, Malinmore and Glencolmcille.  I have checked things out.  Malinbeg seems booked out.  Aras Ghleann Colm Cille is open and available, it is best to book directly with them, and I’ve published details of “how” in my reply below.  As the weather MayDay is looking as good as Easter looked bleak (check the MetÉ 10 day sea chart), anyone wanting a bed should not delay a HOSTEL BOOKING.

The area is said not to be as suitable for ‘Bottom roping’ as other places such as Culdaff, but fixed ropes will be installed at Neptunes Wall and probably Skelpoonagh (about 15 minutes drive from the campsite). There are a variety of other crags accessible within easy driving distance, Muckross Head, Sail Rock, and at An Port, Berg Wall and the aptly named ‘End of the Earth’ crag.

Climbfest has been running at various venues throughout Donegal since 2005. This is the 20th, and as usual, it’s aimed primarily at the ‘not so serious’ climber, beginner, or indoor climber. Colmcille Climbers are hoping that it will be kindly supported by Mountaineering Ireland.

Meet registration fee €20 includes for a copy of a book of 100 Ulster Classic climbs that Colmcille Climbers are just now publishing, otherwise costing 18.00 euro (as do extra copies).  As I understand it, it’s full colour and route descriptions, with historical or other anecdotes.

If anyone reading this but not going to the meet sends me 18.00 by Revolut to address below, I will deliver a copy to Awesome within a week or so.  Revolut – @david5czr

Any updates will be posted on the website – https://colmcille-climbers.com/event/glencolmcille-climbfest/