Ireland 7 Summits: Building Skills & Connections in Irish Mountains

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“It’s all about friendship, camaraderie, meeting new people, sharing skills, learning new skills, so that people become better and more empowered in the great outdoors.”

The Ireland 7 Summits Series is an annual hiking and mountaineering series, led by renowned mountaineer and Everest summiteer Jason Black. This series is about so much more than hiking. Friendship, connection, and sharing skills and knowledge in a practical, engaging environment are at the core of the series.

The Series

Born from the concept of the World 7 Summits, where mountaineers aim to climb the highest peaks on the seven continents, the Ireland 7 Summits takes on big days in the most iconic mountain ranges in the country.

MacGillycuddy Reeks (Kerry) – Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil.
Mourne Mountains (Down) – granite peaks rising from the Irish Sea.
Twelve Bens (Galway) – rugged Connemara classics.
Wicklow Mountains – Leinster’s granite heartland.
Galtee Mountains (Munster) – home to Galtymore, one of Ireland’s Munros.
Comeragh Mountains (Waterford) – dramatic corrie lakes and waterfalls.
Seven Sisters Derryveagh Mountains (Donegal) – Errigal and beyond, striking peaks on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Participants can sign up for individual hikes or take on the entire series that tours around Ireland over the course of the spring and summer. The hikes are designed for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Routes are designed to meet the participants where they are and challenge them to push their limits and reach new heights.

We Joined Jason in Wicklow

Predicting the future is challenging, but forecasting mountain weather is even more so. After a spell of lovely weather in Wicklow and a week that was forecast to be clear and warm, the Ireland 7 Summits event in Wicklow was greeted with heavy rain and low cloud. With a backpack full of mandatory gear, waterproof and spare layers, I made my way to the Wicklow Way campsite near Roundwood in Co. Wicklow for a day in the mountains. The general mood at the campsite reflected the weather as we huddled under the shelter of the kitchen block.

“Let’s get this energy flowing, let’s get stuck in. Let’s step out into the rain, let’s embrace it. “

Jason’s words infused the group with playfulness and energy, instantly lifting our spirits. As we stepped outside, the weather didn’t seem so bad after all; it usually looks worse from indoors than it is outside. Jason guided us through some warm-up exercises to loosen our bodies, relieve tension in our joints, and prepare us for what lay ahead.

“Anyone who has been away with me knows we never look down, we only look up. We are going into battle and we are going to do it together. Let’s have fun, let’s put the smiles on those faces and absorb this weather. 3,2,1 let’s go.”

And with that, watches were started, heads were picked up, and we began making our way into the mountains. The rain felt lighter when we moved as a group.

As we hiked, our conversations deepened, and friendships began to form. Adversity in the mountains serves as a powerful catalyst for connection. By the time we reached the top of the first mountain, we felt less like a group of strangers on a walk and more like a team working together to achieve a common goal.

Upskilling in the uplands

In addition to being a great opportunity for adventure, the Ireland 7 Summits series offers accredited training through Mountaineering Ireland. Participants learn essential skills such as navigation, weather reading, and outdoor first aid. This valuable knowledge allows attendees to take home more than just photos and memories from the event. Everyone will leave equipped with a foundational understanding that not only enhances their connection with the outdoors but also ensures their safety on personal adventures, giving them the confidence to progress further in outdoor activities.

We practised these skills throughout the day, and Jason, along with his team of qualified mountain guides, kept prompting us to think before we moved. We took a moment when we hit the first road crossing of the day to pause and discuss the pros and cons of maps versus apps, taking a compass bearing, and so much more.

Leave No Trace

The events follow the Leave No Trace policy and adhere to its principles, which go beyond simply not littering. As we walked, we discussed our impact on the hillside, emphasising the importance of sticking to trails and avoiding walking on the heather at the trailside. We also talked about what it means to be a responsible dog owner in the outdoors and how we can show respect for landowners.

Additionally, we observed some of Wicklow’s flora and fauna while discussing human impact on wildlife. It is essential to understand the effect we have on the outdoors, and spreading the ethos of Leave No Trace, beyond just not littering, is increasingly important as outdoor activities grow in Ireland. Events like the Ireland 7 Summits help to contextualise the principles of Leave No Trace and change the way people think about them.

Rise With The Mountain

The Ireland 7 Summits is supported by Mammut. A Swiss mountain brand that makes specialist outdoor equipment the right way. They are deeply connected with creating quality gear that will last the test of time and the test of challenging conditions.

Mammut’s slogan “Rise With The Mountain” seems incredibly fitting for events such as the Ireland 7 Summits. Rise With The Mountain is about so much more than simply reaching a summit. As you climb a mountain, you rise with it, acquiring the knowledge to appreciate it, the skills to thrive on it and the perspective to respect it. Leaving you more connected, more capable and more inspired than you were in the carpark.

Get involved

Stay up to date with Jason and the series by following @jasonblackmountaineering on Instagram, and keep an eye on the series website for updates and information about how to join future events.