Tributes paid to Irish woman, 21, who died while rock climbing in Spain

Shocking news.

English-language Spanish newspaper Euro Weekly News reports that a young Irish woman, who has since been named locally as Eve McCarthy, fell to her death while rock climbing at a mountain range in El Chorro, a small village in Malaga.

The area is one of the most popular rock-climbing attractions in Spain.

According to Euro Weekly News, Ms McCarthy had spent the day rock climbing with a male friend.

Both are said to have slipped while returning to their car, with Ms McCarthy falling into a ravine.

Her male companion is reported to have survived by clinging to a ledge.

It is believed that the two rock climbers mistakenly took the wrong route down the mountain range, entering into an area that was impossible to descend.

RTÉ News has since reported that Ms McCarthy was a final-year student of physiology at University College Dublin.

She also worked at Dalkey pub The King's Inn, which paid tribute to the 21-year-old in a social media post.

The statement reads:

"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the sad death of our colleague & friend Eve McCarthy.

"Eve was a big part of The King's Inn family bringing so much joy and laughter with her fun loving way of life.

"Eve had great wit and was always so bubbly with a beautiful smile.

"We will miss Eve more than words can express. RIP Eve."

Many took to The King's Inn's Facebook page to also pay tribute to Ms McCarthy.

"Such a lovely young person, with a wonderful curiosity for life and a willing smile for every customer. So so sad," one regular patron wrote.

"Sincere condolences to her family, friends and the Kings in family. RIP Eve."

Another said: "Eve was such a free spirit, always smiling. Was a pleasure to know her, RIP Eve."

A third person wrote: "I will never forget her contagious smile and witty observations, it was an absolute pleasure to work with her. RIP Eve."

In a statement to JOE, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case.

"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases," the spokesperson added.