Anyone over the age of 18 can join the Irish Mountaineering Club. There are no prerequisites – no skills or expertise are required, just an enthusiasm for the outdoors. In fact, you don’t even need to have an interest in climbing, as there are plenty of people in the club who prefer hiking and hill-walking.
To become an Aspirant Member, you simply need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Accept that mountaineering carries risks and take responsibility for your own safety
- Pay the annual subscription (or pro-rated portion depending on when you join)
- Not have been expelled from the club in the previous five years
Membership Types & Differences
Aspirant Members are new members to the club who can:
- Attend climbing and hiking meets
- Get involved with club activities
- Stay at the IMC Hut in Wicklow
- Attend training sessions
- Participate in all club social activities
Full Members are those who have demonstrated competency in mountain navigation and safety, and can lead rock climbs of at least V.Diff standard. Full Members have all the benefits of Aspirant Members, plus they can:
- Vote at General Meetings
- Stand for election to the Committee or as Officers
- Act as meet leaders and mentors
- Take on greater responsibility within the club
The Committee evaluates Aspirant Members for promotion to Full Member status based on their demonstrated skills and experience. Full Members generally serve as the experienced backbone of the club, organizing meets, mentoring newcomers to traditional climbing, and helping to run the organization.
Honorary Members are a special category (limited to 10 at any time) – individuals who have provided outstanding service to mountaineering or the club, and are elected at the Annual General Meeting.