Benbaun
Mountain Conspicuous peak in Ireland's Twelve Bens range
Peak in Connemara’s Twelve Bens, reached by rough, rocky trails. Walkers come for scrambling, granite ridges and wide western‑Ireland views.
Benbaun is a mountain in the Twelve Bens range of Connemara, County Galway, Ireland, with a summit elevation of 729 metres and the highest point of that range. It forms part of a rugged granite landscape of corries and arêtes.
The mountain is commonly included in multi-peak ridge walks such as the Glencoaghan Horseshoe and attracts hillwalkers for its exposed ridges and panoramic coastal-to-inland views. Terrain is typical Connemara upland country with rocky outcrops and peat.
The massif is a product of granite intrusion and subsequent glacial sculpting during the Pleistocene. It has long been used for grazing and recreational walking.
Benbaun lies in western County Galway within the Connemara region, set among a cluster of named peaks and corries that characterize the area.
- Highest of the Twelve Bens: At 729 metres it is the highest peak in the Twelve Bens (Óibheannáin) range in Connemara, western County Galway.
- Popular routes: Frequently climbed as part of the Glencoaghan Horseshoe and other multi-peak routes popular with experienced hillwalkers.
How to Get to Benbaun #
Benbaun is approached from local roads in the Connemara region; the nearest sizeable towns are Clifden and Letterfrack. Park at designated small car parks or trailheads and follow marked paths and estate tracks to the ridge; local maps are recommended.
Tips for Visiting Benbaun #
- If attempting a summit day, start early-clouds often build in the afternoon.
- Local farms around the base sometimes offer roadside tea and snacks in summer-ask politely before pulling onto private tracks.
- Respect sheepfolds and gates; many surrounding fields are active grazing areas.
Best Time to Visit Benbaun #
Late spring to early autumn offers the most comfortable walking weather; winter can be severe and requires experience.
Weather & Climate near Benbaun #
Benbaun's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1947 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (217 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (206 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (209 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (213 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
