Relocating to cork Ireland - what to take?

Y

yuvals

Member
Hi everyone,

I was planning to post this in an Ireland-specific forum, but then I came across this subforum.

We’ll be relocating to Cork this summer, and I’m trying to decide what gear to bring with me. Over the years I’ve accumulated quite a bit of kit, but since we’re only flying over initially (with about 6–8 suitcases), I’ll have to be selective.

I’d really appreciate any advice on what’s most useful for Irish caving—particularly around Cork—and also what’s hard to get (or expensive) locally. I’d love your thoughts on the following gear categories:

Personal vertical gear – Harness, ascenders, descenders, tackle bags, etc.
Bolting gear – Small hammer drill, hangers, bolts, concrete screws, etc.
Digging gear – Large hammer drill, crowbars, hammers, etc.
Waterproofing gear – Drums, drybags, Pelican cases, etc.

If there are any Cork-based cavers here, I’d be really happy to connect, hear about the local scene, or maybe even tag along once we settle in!

Thanks in advance for your help
 
Ian Ball said:
Take it all surely!!
Click to expand...
Haha I wish I could! 😄

But we’re only coming over with around 6–8 suitcases total—and that’s for everything: clothes, kitchen stuff, personal items, and maybe some caving gear if I squeeze it in tight enough! So unfortunately, I’ve got to be pretty picky about what makes the cut on the first trip.
 
I know nothing about Cork - but I would take as much personal stuff as you can find space for, because it fits you and you're used to it, but no digging gear. I don't suppose you'll be digging alone, and others will have that kind of stuff.
 
More seriously, depending on your usual caving area you may find Irish caving colder than you are used to. Vertical bits maybe less frequent, but rigged European style rather than US, ie lots of rebelays and deviations, traverse lines etc.
Ireland is easily drivable and caves in every county. Access to the UK and or Europe is also good for longer trips. Bring personal kit only. All the Irish I have met are very friendly and welcoming, and kit borrowing is universal amongst cavers 😁
 
From my trips to Claire, a bit further around from Cork, you can have a lot of fun sporting trips without any vertical gear, or digging/bolting kit. All the caves there are young and active so vary from mildly to very wet. Wetsuit still optional Neofleece perhaps sometimes, but Peli-cases/drybags essential for anything that doesn't want a soaking. I'm sure you can order online for delivery anything you need/forget, but physical shops stocking caving gear are almost entirely absent.
 
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