Binn Fraoigh [Benfree]

Situated at the heart of the Twelve Bens, this rugged quartzite peak offers a wild, scree-laden experience typical of Connemara. It sits on the ridge connecting the high point of Benbaun to the sharp silhouette of Muckanaght, providing a raw perspective of the Glencoaghan and Owenglin Horseshoe circuits.

• •The name Binn Fraoigh translates from Irish as 'Peak of the Heather', though visitors will find its upper reaches are dominated more by pale quartzite scree than purple blooms.
• •It occupies a central position in the range, acting as a crucial link between the higher mass of Benbaun and the steep-sided pyramid of Muckanaght.
• •The summit offers a spectacular, unshielded view northwards across the deep Inagh Valley toward the dark, craggy silhouettes of the Maumturks range.
• •Composed primarily of Dalradian quartzite, the terrain is famously abrasive and stays bright even under heavy Connemara rain, contributing to the 'white' appearance of the Twelve Bens.
• •Despite its 'Peak of the Heather' moniker, a hiker is significantly more likely to return with scuffed boots and a detailed knowledge of loose rocks than a bouquet of flowers.