Benchoona [Binn Chuanna]

About Benchoona [Binn Chuanna]

Sitting just north of the main Twelve Bens, this rugged quartzite peak offers a wilder alternative to Connemara's popular summits. Its slopes rise steeply above the dark waters of Lough Fee, providing a remote, boggy challenge for walkers seeking silence and clear views toward the massive southern face of Mweelrea.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Binn Chuanna translates from Irish as 'Cuanna’s Peak', likely referring to a figure from local history or mythology, though their specific identity remains a mystery.
• •Geographically distinct from the main 'pins', this hill is part of the Garraun Complex, a cluster of peaks characterized by a mix of quartzite and older schist that gives the ground a darker, more heathery appearance than its neighbours.
• •The summit plateau features classic 'knock and lochan' topography, a maze-like landscape of small rocky outcrops and acidic pools that can make navigation surprisingly tricky in heavy mist.
• •From the cairn, the view north across the deep glacial trench of Killary Harbour to the Sheeffry Hills is exceptional, offering one of the best perspectives of Ireland's only true fjord.
• •While the classification of 'Tump' suggests a minor bump, the relentless Connemara terrain ensures that every one of its 583 metres is felt in the legs long before you reach the top.