For those of you who are contemplating going for a stroll in the hills and mountains of our beautiful country, please do so with caution. For those of you who are uninitiated to our uplands, they seem somewhat small and less imposing than the Alps or Himalayas or the great mountain ranges of the US, however our mountains demand respect and the lack of height is outweighed by the combination of topography and weather.
It is important that those of you who wish to venture into our hills and mountains do so with caution, ensure that you are armed with the correct equipment and more importantly the knowledge and skills, to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable day out.
The risk of you or your group having an accident is reduced if you and your party are properly trained. The importance of an individual or group being aware of their own personal training and safety cannot be underestimated. Know your limitations.
Equipment
Ensure that you bring some essential items, walking boots, rain clothing, rucksack with a waterproof liner, spare clothing, hats and some gloves, food & hot drink, torch with spare battery, map and compass (importantly, know how to use them), first aid kit, whistle, survival bag or emergency shelter.
Some Sound Advice
Be realistic about what you can manage.
How fit are you and your group? (Remember just because you can do it can all you group?)
How experienced are you and your group?
Learn to interpret the weather and heed local conditions.
Learn to navigate, do not rely on technology, when you most need it the batteries will probably run out.
Carry emergency equipment.
Leave a route card with a responsible person.
Do not rely on your mobile phone to get you out of trouble.
Training
There are many ways of getting trained and also there are a wide variety of hill walking / mountaineering clubs within Ireland, so if you are looking for some training or just want some company while out walking, join a club. For more info visit www.mountaineering.ie
To contact Mountain Rescue in an Emergency
Dial 112 / 999 from any telephone and ask for Mountain Rescue.
The Garda (Police) controller will ask your location and the nature of the incident.
Provide your telephone number and if possible the grid reference for the location.
Stay in a place where you can receive a signal on your phone.
A Mountain Rescue Callout Officer will contact you directly for more information.
The Callout Officer will then deploy the rescue team to the incident location.
If an ambulance is needed, the Gardaí or Callout Officer will request one directly.
