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Benwee Head facts for kids

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Benwee Head Cliffs

An Bhill Bhui
Town
Benwee Head Cliffs is located in Ireland
Benwee Head Cliffs
Benwee Head Cliffs
Location in Ireland
Country Ireland
Province Connacht
County County Mayo
Elevation
255 m (837 ft)
Time zone UTC+0 (WET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-1 (IST (WEST))
Irish Grid Reference F816443
Na Stácaí ( The Stacks of Broadhaven)
Benwee Head with the Stags of Broadhaven Bay behind
Children of Lir Tir Saile, Kilcommon, Erris, North Mayo. Benwee Head in background.
Children of Lir sculpture at Stonefield, Kilcommon, Erris. Benwee Head behind.

Benwee Head is a stunning place in County Mayo, Ireland. It's famous for its huge cliffs, natural rock arches, and tall rock stacks. These amazing cliffs rise high above Broadhaven Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It's one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Ireland! You can find Benwee Head in a small area called Kilgalligan, which is part of Kilcommon parish in Erris. The name "Benwee Head" comes from the Irish "An Bhinn Bhuí," which means 'the yellow cliff.' It's also the highest point in North Mayo, standing at 255 meters (about 837 feet) tall.

Exploring Benwee Head

Amazing Cliffs and Coastline

The north coast of Mayo is a hidden gem in Ireland. Its majestic cliffs, rugged headlands, and jagged rock formations are truly special. You can discover them by walking along the trails. To see the cliffs best, you should try to view them from the sea.

The Dun Chaocháin Peninsula

Benwee Head is part of the Dun Chaocháin peninsula. This area is known for its incredible natural beauty. It has also kept many of its old traditions and culture alive. The Irish language is still spoken here every day.

The spectacular Dun Chaocháin cliffs are featured in many walking guidebooks. During the summer, you can join organised walks. These walks are led by Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo in Carrowteige. This is the main village on the Dún Chaocháin peninsula. Benwee Head, at 255 meters high, is the most impressive part of these cliffs.

The Stags of Broadhaven

About 2 kilometers north of Benwee Head, you'll find the Stags of Broadhaven. These are a group of four very steep, rocky islands. They rise almost 100 meters out of the sea. These 'Stags' are an important place for many different kinds of birds.

Walking Trails at Benwee Head

There are special walking trails around Benwee Head. Maps for these trails can be found in Carrowteige. The trails are marked with red, green, and blue arrows. These colors help you choose the right path for your walk.

The Children of Lir Sculpture

One of the walking trails includes a sculpture called the Children of Lir Tir Saile. This artwork is inspired by a famous Irish legend. The legend tells the story of children who were turned into swans. They were cursed to wander for 900 years.

The Black Ditch

A unique feature of the walking loop is the "black ditch." This is a dry ditch that runs next to the coastline and clifftops. It probably marked the boundaries of different lands a long time ago.

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