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Binn Mhór
Irish: Binn Mhór
Binn Mhor as viewed from Binn Chaonaigh.jpg
Binn Mhor as viewed across the pass of Máméan, from the summit of Binn Chaonaigh
Highest point
Elevation 661 m (2,169 ft)
Prominence 406 m (1,332 ft)
Listing 100 Highest Irish Mountains, Marilyn, Hewitt, Arderin, Simm, Vandeleur-Lynam
Naming
English translation Great peak
Language of name Irish
Geography
Binn Mhór is located in island of Ireland
Binn Mhór
Binn Mhór
Location in island of Ireland
Location Galway, Ireland
Parent range Maumturks
OSI/OSNI grid L9184149355
Topo map OSi Discovery 44
Geology
Type of rock Pale quartzites, grits, graphitic top bedrock
Climbing
Easiest route Via pass of Máméan

Binn Mhór is a mountain in County Galway, Ireland. Its name means "great peak" in the Irish language. It stands at 661 metres (about 2,169 feet) tall.

Binn Mhór is the third-highest mountain in the Maumturks mountain range. This range is found in the beautiful Connemara National Park. It is also one of the 100 highest mountains in Ireland.

What's in a Name?

Other Names for Binn Mhór

Besides Binn Mhór, this mountain has also been called "Shannakeala." This is another name that people have used for the peak over time.

Exploring Binn Mhór's Location

Where is Binn Mhór Located?

Binn Mhór is in the southeastern part of the Maumturks range. It's separated from the main mountains by a deep valley called Máméan.

The Special Pass of Máméan

Máméan is a very old and special place. People have visited it for religious reasons since the 400s! It's dedicated to Saint Patrick, who is famous in Ireland.

At Máméan, you can find a holy well and a rock known as Saint Patrick's Bed. People believe Saint Patrick slept there. There's also a circle of stones for prayer and a Mass Rock, where religious services were held secretly long ago.

Peaks Around Binn Mhór

Binn Mhór has a high ridge with a few smaller peaks nearby.

  • Binn Mhór West Top is 596 metres (1,955 feet) tall. It's also known as Binn Ramhar.
  • Binn Mhór NE Top is 640 metres (2,099 feet) tall.
  • Binn Mhór East Top is 630 metres (2,067 feet) tall.

Further east, you'll find other peaks like Mullach Glas (622 metres) and Corcogemore (609 metres).

Hiking Binn Mhór

How to Climb Binn Mhór

The easiest way to reach the top of Binn Mhór is from the Máméan pass. This hike is about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long and takes around 2 hours to go up and down.

You can also do a longer hike that starts from Corcogemore. This route goes across Mullach Glas to Binn Mhór's summit. It's about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) long and takes 4 to 5 hours.

The Maamturks Challenge

Binn Mhór is part of a big hiking event called the Maamturks Challenge. This is a very tough walk, about 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) long! It takes 10 to 12 hours to complete the whole Maumturks range.

Hikers climb down from Binn Mhór (661 metres) to Máméan (only 150 metres) during the challenge. Then, they have to climb back up to Binn Chaonaigh (633 metres). It's a real test of endurance!

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