Bunnacunneen SE Top

Situated in the northern reaches of the Maumturk Mountains, this rugged shoulder offers a quieter vantage point than its parent peak. The terrain is typically Connemara—a mix of exposed quartzite and damp peat. It provides a striking perspective over Killary Harbour and the looming mass of Mweelrea to the north.

• •The name Bunnacunneen is derived from the Irish 'Bun na gCoinín', which translates as 'the base of the rabbits', suggesting the lower slopes were once noted for their warrens.
• •This top is often bypassed by those undertaking the Maamturks Challenge, a notoriously grueling 25km ridge walk, as it sits slightly east of the main spine connecting the central range to the pass at Maumturkmore.
• •From this southeastern position, there is a clear, uninterrupted view across the valley of Joyce Country towards the dark waters of Lough Nafooey and the Partry Mountains.
• •The ground is characterized by fragmented quartzite, which gives the Maumturks their distinctive grey, scree-covered appearance and can be particularly slick under Irish drizzle.
• •In a range famous for the Maamturks Challenge—an event so punishing it makes ordinary hillwalking feel like a spa day—this top offers a rare chance to catch your breath away from the main trod.