There are a number of SMBLA instructors in Ireland and an increasing number of courses are being run. It is the biggest growth area of the sport today. If you do want to undertake formal instruction on mountain biking then make sure it is with someone who is SMBLA Certified. Generally the structure of training courses is beginners, intermediate and advanced. You can then continue your training provided that you have a certain amount of hours logged on the bike to become a Trail Cycle Leader and then a Mountain Bike Leader. For more information you can visit www.brittishcycling.org