At Vertigo Outdoor we are passionate about the mountain environment we call “our office”. We are all committed climbers, walkers, mountaineers and adventure sports enthusiasts as well as fully trained leaders, instructors and guides.
All our team are fully qualified and registered with the appropriate governing bodies. We are all wilderness first aid trained, Garda vetted and have attended training in the codes of practice in relation to working with young people.
Our staff are all very experienced in introducing young people to the world of adventure sports as well as teaching high end courses to adult groups.
We aim to give inspiring guidance and instruction in all aspects of mountaineering and adventure sports and as 90% of our business is from referrals you are sure to want to keep coming back for more!
Staff Profiles
Rob Davies, Head of Mountaineering: Rob has been climbing and mountain walking all of his adult life. Originally from the UK, Rob was extensively involved with the Air Cadet organisation and Duke of Edinburgh award scheme where he assessed Gold level D of E. Rob is an avid climber and mountaineer and proficient in all aspects of mountaineering. Rob holds the Mountain Leader (ML), Single Pitch (SPA), Multi Pitch Rock Climbing (RCL4) and the Mountaineering Instructor Award (MIA) qualifications as well as various awards in Sailing, Scuba Diving and Skiing.
Willie Whelan, Head of Youth Training: Willie has been involved in outdoor activities since he was a child, and got involved in instructing 10 years ago. Over the years he has gained a huge amount of experience working for various youth services providing adventure activities for a wide range of youth and school groups. In addition to this he worked for the Irish Canoe Union as a kayak coach teaching young people and adult groups. Most recently he has been employed as a lecturer in outdoor adventure management in a third level college in Dublin training the next generation of outdoor instructors. He is a qualified mountain leader and rock climbing leader as well as a recognised provider of official Mountain Skills courses. Willie is also a lifeguard, snorkelling instructor and white water kayak coach as well as a swift water rescue technician. Willie is also one of the few people in Ireland to hold an Honours Degree in Adventure Education and Facilitation.
Debbie Murray: Debbie has been involved in leading groups in adventurous activities for many years. Deb is equally at home on (or under) the water as she is climbing a steep slabby rock face or traversing a stunning knife edge ridge. When she is not planning her next Alpine trip she is busy helping the VO team with their admin and teaching and guiding. Debbie holds the SPA and Mountain Leader awards as well as having a variety of watersports and aviation qualifications.