Benbaun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Benbaun
Binn Bhán
Summit and south face of Benbaun, as viewed from Bencollaghduff; Muckanaght is back left
Highest point
Elevation	729 m (2,392 ft)
Prominence	684 m (2,244 ft)
Listing	P600, County top (Galway), 100 Highest Irish Mountains, Marilyn, Hewitt, Arderin, Simm, Vandeleur-Lynam
Naming
English translation	white mountain
Language of name	Irish
Geography
Benbaun Location in island of Ireland
Location	Galway, Republic of Ireland
Parent range	Twelve Bens
OSI/OSNI grid	L7855853903
Topo map	OSi Discovery 37
Geology
Type of rock	Pale quartzites, grits, graphitic Bedrock

Benbaun (Irish: Binn Bhán, meaning white peak) is a tall mountain in Ireland. It stands at 729 metres (2,392 ft) high. Benbaun is special because it's the tallest mountain in the Twelve Bens range. It is also the highest point in Galway. You can find it right in the middle of the Twelve Bens mountains, inside the beautiful Connemara National Park in Ireland.

What's in a Name?

The name "Benbaun" comes from the Irish language. It means "white peak." This name fits perfectly because the top of the mountain has a lot of white quartzite rock. It's so white that some people call it the "Mont Blanc" of Connemara.

Where is Benbaun?

Benbaun is the highest mountain in the Twelve Bens range. This mountain range is located in the Connemara National Park in western Galway. Benbaun sits in the center of a long ridge that stretches from east to west.

Nearby Peaks

To the west of Benbaun, you'll find other important mountains. These include Benfree (Irish: Binn Fraoigh, meaning peak of the heather) at 638 metres (2,093 ft). There's also Muckanaght (Irish: Muiceanach, meaning hill like a pig) at 654 metres (2,146 ft). And Bencullagh (Irish: An Chailleach, meaning peak of the hag/witch) stands at 632 metres (2,073 ft).

To the east, there's a long, flat ridge about 3.5 kilometers long. At the very end of this ridge is a smaller mountain called Knockpasheemore (Irish: Binn Charrach, meaning rocky peak) at 412 metres (1,352 ft).

Valleys and Connections

Benbaun is surrounded by deep valleys. To the south, a low pass called Maumina connects Benbaun to Bencollaghduff (696 metres (2,283 ft)). This area is part of the "Glencoaghan Horseshoe," a famous hiking route.

To the north, another deep pass connects Benfree and Muckanaght to Benbrack (582 metres (1,909 ft)).

Benbaun is also at the top of two large valleys shaped by glaciers. To the east is the Gleninagh Valley. From here, the Gleninagh river flows. To the southwest is the big valley of the Owenglin river.

Hiking Benbaun

Climbing Benbaun can be a great adventure. One common way to reach the top is by walking up the Gleninagh valley. Another way is to first climb Knockpasheemore and then walk along the 3.5-kilometer ridge to Benbaun's summit. Both routes take about 4 to 5 hours of walking and cover over 9 kilometers.

Even though Benbaun is the tallest mountain in the Twelve Bens, it gets fewer visitors than some other peaks. This is because it's a bit off the main path of the very popular 16-kilometer "Glencoaghan Horseshoe" hike.

Other Hiking Routes

Benbaun is also part of other challenging "horseshoe climbs" in the area:

• Owenglin Horseshoe: This is a long 20-kilometer route. It takes about 10 to 12 hours to complete. This route goes around the Owenglin River and includes more than twelve mountain tops.
• Gleninagh Horseshoe: This route is about 15 kilometers long and takes 8 to 9 hours. It usually starts at Knockpasheemore and ends at Bencorrbeg.
• Glencorbet Horseshoe: This is a 14-kilometer circuit around the Kylemore River. It typically takes 6 to 7 hours. This route often starts at a smaller peak also named Benbaun (at 477 meters) and finishes at Knockpasheemore.

Images for kids

• 

  (l-to-r) Bencullagh, Muckanaght and Benbaun, viewed from Bencollaghduff

• 

  Intersection of Benbaun, Bencollaghduff and Benbreen, viewed from Muckanaght

• 

  (l-to-r) Derryclare, Bencorr, and Benbaun, viewed from Letterbreckaun

• 

  Benbaun (left) and the long easterly ridge to Knockpasheemore (right)

• 

  Benfree (left) and Benbaun (right), viewed from summit of Muckanaght

See also

In Spanish: Binn Bhán para niños