Benbaun [Binn Bhan]

About Benbaun [Binn Bhan]

Rising above the northern shores of Kylemore Lough, this smaller namesake of the Twelve Bens’ highest peak offers a rugged, quartzite-flecked ascent. It serves as an exceptional vantage point, providing clear views over the gothic spires of Kylemore Abbey and the deep, glaciated trench of the Inagh Valley towards the Maumturk Mountains.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Irish 'Binn Bhán', meaning 'white peak'. This describes the pale Connemara quartzite that forms the mountain, which can make the summit appear to be covered in snow or bright light even on overcast days.
• •Despite sharing its name with the 729m 'County Top' of Galway, this 478m peak is an entirely separate summit located on the northern fringe of the range. It is often climbed by those seeking a quieter alternative to the more crowded main peaks of the Bens.
• •The summit offers one of the most celebrated views in County Galway, looking directly down onto the Victorian architecture of Kylemore Abbey and across the water to the steep slopes of Duchruach.
• •The terrain is a classic Connemara mix; the lower slopes are dominated by heavy Atlantic blanket bog, which eventually gives way to the firm, shatter-prone rock characteristic of the Dalradian Supergroup geology.
• •It is a frequent occurrence for walkers to reach this cairn, enjoy the vista, and only then consult their map to find they are standing on the wrong Benbaun for their Munro-equivalent bagging list.