Ciara O'Leary

Climbing Wall Duty Manager, Sports and Wellness Hub

“Climbing has completely changed my life, I’m so pleased that I get to do it so often.”

“I started climbing around eight years ago and have been working in the climbing centre here for four years. You could say it’s my dream job! My first role here was to work with the Bear Cubs. Holding fun and safe climbing sessions for kids from as young as seven. Helping them all reach new heights!

I’m now one of the climbing wall duty managers. I like working with the beginner climbers providing some coaching, explaining how the centre works and the different walls available to them. I also look after the school groups when they come in, helping with the route setting and giving them the full safety briefing. I’m a good motivator, I’ll encourage anyone to get involved.

I’d recommend climbing to everyone. It’s so easy to get started, especially here. You don’t need any equipment or prior knowledge, and someone will always be on hand to answer any questions you have. There are 144 routes to the top of the climbing wall, we change them regularly so there’s always a new challenge. You can learn how to climb your own way, top rope, lead, bouldering or speed. And if you want to know what all of those mean, then you’ll have to come and have a go. We’ll teach you to climb safely with all the right safety equipment. Yes, you will fall off but there’s no danger, you’ll get more of a bruised ego than anything else.

And what am I doing when I’m not working, I’m here training using the facilities. I am obsessed, but I love the challenge and the problem solving, working out the best route to the top. I’m also pretty good at speed climbing! At one time I was the fastest female in the centre, you can still find the video on YouTube. And I recently competed in the first round of the England speed series, which we hosted here, and I placed second with a time of 12.6 seconds.

My holidays now also tie in with an opportunity to go climbing. I’ve been climbing in Greece, France and Spain. There’s nothing better than a climb in the sunshine, perfect for your wellbeing and mental health. Climbing really is my passion.

So, there’s nothing stopping you. I look forward to seeing you on the walls and showing you the ropes soon!”