View source for Twelve Bens

{{short description|Mountain range in Connemara, Ireland}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name=Twelve Bens/Benna Beola
| native_name={{Native name|ga|Na Beanna Beola|paren=omit}}
| photo=Boats and mountains, Roundstone (6047965086).jpg
| photo_caption= View of the range from [[Roundstone, County Galway|Roundstone]] village.
| region = [[Connacht]]
| region_type = [[Provinces of Ireland]]
| translation = The peaks of Beola{{efn|name=beola}}
| language = [[Irish language]]
| location = [[Connemara]], [[County Galway]], [[Ireland]]
| border=
| length_km=
| length_orientation=
| width_km= 
| width_orientation=
| area_km2 = 161.3
| highest=[[Benbaun]]
| elevation_m= 729
| elevation_ref = <ref name="mountainviews">{{cite web|url=http://mountainviews.ie/summit/89/|title=Benbaun|publisher=[[MountainViews Online Database]]|access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref>
| coordinates = {{coord|53.50|-9.81|region:IE_type:mountain|display=inline,title}}
| range_coordinates = 
| geology=quartzites, grits, graphitic
| period=[[Precambrian]]-[[Cambrian]]
| map= Ireland
| map_caption=Location of the Twelve Bens
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey of Ireland|OSI]] ''Discovery'' 37, 44
}}
The '''Twelve Bens''' or '''Twelve Pins''', also called the '''Benna Beola'''<ref>[https://www.logainm.ie/en/1165510 "The Twelve Pins or Benna Beola" (English), ''Beanna Beola'' (Irish)]. [[Placenames Database of Ireland]].</ref> ({{Irish place name|Na Beanna Beola|the peaks of Beola}}),{{efn|name=beola|The translation is "the peaks of Beola" who was believed to be a giant and chieftain of the ''Fir Bolg'', whose name features in the village Tuaim Beola ([[Toombeola]]).<ref name="peak">{{cite web|url= http://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/Paul%20Tempan%20Irish%20Mountain%20Placenames%20-%20Feb%202012.pdf|title=Irish Hill and Mountain Names|publisher=MountainViews.ie|first=Paul|last=Tempan|date=February 2012| pages=17–18}}</ref>}} is a mountain range of mostly sharp-peaked quartzite summits and ridges in the [[Connemara National Park]]{{efn|Only part of the range is inside the boundary of the Connemara National Park; the rest is on private property, but climbing access is granted.}} in [[County Galway]], in the west of [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Twelve-Bens|title=Twelve Bens|website=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]| access-date=6 March 2020}}</ref>  The widest definition of the range includes the [[Garraun (Galway)|Garraun Complex]] to the north as well as several isolated peaks to the west, and is designated a {{convert|16163|ha|adj=on}} [[Special Area of Conservation]].<ref name="gsi"/>

The highest point is [[Benbaun]] at {{convert|729|m|ft}}.<ref name="Dillon30"/>  The range is a popular location for hill-walking activities with the 16–kilometre 8–9 hour Glencoaghan Horseshoe, considered one of the best ridge-walks in Ireland.<ref name="Helen34"/><ref name="Dillon30"/> Topographically, the range is partnered with the [[Maumturks]] range to the east of the Inagh valley (a [[Western Way]] route);<ref name="Dillon30"/> and both share a common geology being largely composed of [[metamorphic]] marine rocks, being predominantly resistant [[quartzite]] but with deposits of [[schists]] in the valleys (known as ''Connemara [[Dalradian]]'' rocks).<ref name="ronan"/>

==Naming==
"Ben" is an [[anglicized]] form of the Irish word ''binn'', meaning "peak".<ref name="peak"/>  According to Irish academic Paul Tempan,{{efn|Paul Tempan was a research fellow in the Department of Irish and Celtic Studies at [[Queen's University Belfast]],<ref name=JOUR/> and who was part of the Northern Ireland place names project,;<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.placenamesni.org/aboutus.php | website=Placenamesni.org | access-date=13 March 2020 | title=About Us}}</ref> in 2010, Tempan wrote the ''Irish Hill and Mountain Names'', collating the accepted names (e.g from academic research, the [[Placenames Database of Ireland]] (loganim.ie), and the [[Ordnance Survey Ireland]]) for Irish mountains from the ''[[MountainViews]]'' database, and which he updated in 2012.<ref name=peak/>}} "An odd thing about the Twelve Bens of Connemara is that nobody seems to know exactly which are the twelve peaks in question", and noting that there are almost 20 peaks with "Ben" or "Binn" in their name.<ref name="peak"/><ref name=JOUR>{{cite journal | url= http://www.limerickcity.ie/media/NMAJ%20vol%2046%2010%20Two%20Mountain%20Names-%20Slieve%20Felim%20and%20Mauherslieve,%20by%20Paul%20Tempan.pdf | title=Two Mountain Names: Slieve Felim and Mauherslieve | journal=North Munster Antiquarian Journal | author=Paul Tempan | volume=6 | date=2006 | page=121 | quote=The formula is preserved in the range known in English as "The Twelve Bens of Connemara", although the names of the exact twelve peaks are no longer known}}</ref> Tempan notes that term "twelve peaks" can be at least dated to the Irish historian [[Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh]], whose writings in 1684 said: "On the north-west of Ballynahinsy [Ballynahinch], are the twelve high mountaines of Bennabeola, called by marriners the twelve stakes [stacks], being the first land they discover as they come from the maine [sea]", but he did not list them.<ref name="peak"/>

The most common list of the twelve peaks in question are the peaks with an [[topographic elevation|elevation]] above 500 metres in the core range, and that are not considered subsidiary peaks (e.g. they have a non-trivial [[topographic prominence|prominence]], and have been traditionally noted as peaks on historic maps, per {{slink|#List of peaks}} below).<ref name="Dillon30"/>

Tempan notes the issue of "twelve" does not arise in the Irish language name as they are simply labelled ''Na Beanna Beola'', which translates as "the peaks of Beola".<ref name="peak"/>  Beola was a leader of the [[Fir Bolg]], and a giant; his name appears in that of the Connemara village [[Toombeola]].<ref name="peak"/>

==Geography==
[[File:Glencoaghan Horseshoe, Twelve Bens, Ireland.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Glencoaghan River from Bencullaghduff]]
The Twelve Bens range is a core [[massif]] of 22 peaks above {{convert|100|m}} in elevation, centred around the highest peak in the range, [[Benbaun]] {{convert|729|m|ft}}.  To the north of this core massif lies the separate subsidiary massif of the Garraun Complex with 9 peaks around [[Garraun (Galway)|Garraun]] {{convert|598|m|ft}}.  To the west of the core massif lies 7 other isolated or subsidiary "outlier" peaks, thus giving a total of 38 Bens with an elevation above 100 metres.<ref name="Dillon30"/><ref name="Helen34"/>

While the Bens are not as high as those of the ranges in [[County Kerry]] (e.g. [[MacGillycuddy's Reeks]] and the [[Mountains of the Dingle Peninsula]]), their rocky peaks and ridges contrast with the surrounding sea-level landscape (unlike Kerry, there are no mountain-passes in Connemara), and give the range an imposing feel.<ref name="Dillon30"/><ref name="Helen34"/>

The range is bounded by the Inagh Valley and the [[R344 road (Ireland)|R344 road]] to the east, while the [[N59 road (Ireland)|N59 road]] (or the "Clifden Road"), circles and bounds the core massif (and most of the outliers), from the southerly, westerly and northerly directions. The Garraun Complex lies to the north of the N59 road at [[Kylemore Lough]].<ref name="Dillon30"/><ref name="Helen34"/>

===Core massif===
The 22 peaks in the core massif of the Twelve Bens range naturally split into three sections:<ref name="joss">{{cite book | last1 = Lynam  | first1 = Joss | last2 = Robinson  | first2 = Tim  | title = Mountains of Connemara: Hill Walker's Guide  | publisher = Folding Landscape  | isbn = 978-0950400242 | year = 1988 }}</ref>

{{ordered list|type=lower-roman

| ''Southern Bens'', 12 southern Bens form a horseshoe around the Glencoaghan Valley, and include the 7 major Bens of: Derryclare, Bencorr, Bencollaghduff, Benbreen, Bengower, Benlettery, and Benglenisky; and 5 subsidiary Bens of: Bencorr North Top, Benbreen Central Top, Benbreen North Top, Binn an tSaighdiúra, and Bencorrbeg; and
| ''Central Bens'', 7 central Bens that sit along a large east-west ridge with Benbaun at its centre, and include the 4 major Bens of Benbaun, Benfree, Muckanaght, and Bencullagh; and the 3 subsidiary Bens of Knockpasheemore, Maumonght, and Maumonght SW Top; and
| ''Northern Bens'', 3 northern Bens that lies on the small massif of the major Ben of Benbrack, and include the 2 subsidiary Bens of [[Knockbrack]] and another smaller peak called, Benbaun; just beside the Northern Bens lies the outlier Ben of Diamond Hill.
}}

The core massif is also known for its deep glaciated [[U-shaped valley]]s, around which groups of Bens lie in a "horseshoe formation":<ref name="joss"/>

{{ordered list|type=lower-roman

|'''Glencoaghan''': most southerly valley from which the Glencoaghan River flows; the Glencoaghan Horseshoe is a major hill-walking route in Ireland;<ref name="phelan12"/><ref name="Helen34"/><ref name="Dillon30"/>
|'''Owenglin''': western valley from which the Owenglin River flows; the Owenglin Horseshoe is also a noted hill-walking route;<ref name="Dillon24"/> 
|'''Gleninagh''': eastern valley from which the Gleninagh River flows; contains Carrot Ridge, an important area for rock-climbing;<ref name="Dillon28"/>
|'''Polladirk''': north-westerly valley from which the Polladirk River flows; a popular scenic view from Diamond Hill is into this valley;
|'''Glencorbet''': north-easterly valley from which the Kylemore River flows; the Glencorbet Horseshoe is a popular route in the Bens.<ref name="phelan"/><ref name="Helen33"/>
}}

==Geology==
[[File:Twelve pins.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Quartzite]] peaks and rocky ridges of [[Bencorr]] and its subsidiary peaks and spurs]]
The core massif of the Twelve Bens range is largely composed of [[metamorphic]] marine rocks, being predominantly resistant [[quartzite]] but with deposits of [[schists]] in the valleys (known as "Connemara [[Dalradian]]" rocks).<ref name="ronan">{{cite web|url=http://clifdenheritage.org/connemara-before-clifden-the-geology-of-connemara-ronan-hennessy/|title=Connemara before Clifden: The Geology of Connemara|author=Ronán Hennessy|date=29 August 2012|access-date=29 July 2019|publisher=[[University College Cork]]}}</ref><ref name="gsi">{{cite web|url=https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/protected-sites/synopsis/SY002031.pdf|title=Site Name: The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC|date=2017|access-date=29 July 2019|publisher=[[Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht]]|quote=Site Code: 002031}}</ref><ref name="cnp">{{cite web|url=https://www.connemaranationalpark.ie/geology-2/|title=Connemara National Park: Geology|publisher=[[Connemara National Park]]|date=2017|access-date=29 July 2019}}</ref>

These rocks derive from sediments that were deposited in a [[Continental shelf|warm shelf sea]] some 700 to 550 million years ago (e.g. [[Precambrian]]-[[Cambrian]]).<ref name="cnp"/>  Movements in the Earth's crust, and the closure of the [[Iapetus Ocean]], transformed these sediments into crystalline schists that lie underneath the base of the mountain range, which local erosion and uplift then brought to the surface.<ref name="ronan"/><ref name="cnp"/>  The summits of the core massif (and some outliers) are made of weather-resistant quartzite, while the sides of the peaks are composed of schists and grey marbles.<ref name="cnp"/>

In contrast, the mountains to the north of the core Twelve Bens massif, the Garraun Complex, have a different type of geology, that is composed of [[gneiss]] and different forms of [[sandstones]] and [[mudstones]].<ref name="gsi"/>

Scattered throughout the range are parts of [[gabbro]] (Doughruagh and Currywongaun), [[mica schist]] (Muckanaght), and outcrops of marble (south of [[Kylemore Lough]]).<ref name="gsi"/>

The final [[Last Glacial Period|Ice Age]], circa 10,000 years ago, also sculpted the landscape leaving behind deposits of sand and gravel; there are widespread boulder-clay and erratic boulders across the range.<ref name="cnp"/>

==Special Area of Conservation (SAC)==
[[File:Turbary cutting (for removing peat) - geograph.org.uk - 65980.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The range includes extensive bog habitats]]
The entire Twelve Bens range (including the Garraun Complex) is a [[Special Area of Conservation]] (SAC) (Site Code:002031), as selected for a range of habitats and species listed under the Annex I / II of the E.U. [[Habitats Directive]].<ref name="gsi"/>  The items of note on the SAC habitats list includes: [[Oligotroph|Oligotrophic Waters]], [[Alpine tundra|Alpine Heaths]], Active [[Blanket Bog]]s, remnants of [[Oak woodland|Oak Woodland]], [[Raised bog|Rhynchosporion Vegetation]], and [[Siliceous rock|Siliceous Scree and Rocky Slopes]]; while the species list includes: [[Freshwater Pearl Mussel]], [[Atlantic Salmon]], [[Otter]], and [[Slender Naiad]].<ref name="gsi"/>  In addition, the 16,163-hectare site includes a some of the rarer ''Red Data Book'' species of plant.<ref name="gsi"/>  The SAC directive on the range describes it as "One of the largest and most varied sites of conservation interest in Ireland".<ref name="gsi"/>

==Climbing==
The range is popular with [[hill walkers]], [[Fell running|fell runners]], and [[rock climbers]],<ref name="climb"/>
===Hill walking{{anchor|Hill walking}}===
[[File:Connemara12Bens.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|View of Polladirk Valley from [[Diamond Hill (Ireland)|Diamond Hill]].]]
The ''[[Irish Times]]'' outdoors correspondent, John G. Dwyer, said of the Twelve Bens, "These are true kickass mountains, with criminally stunning views [..]".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/a-walk-for-the-weekend-twelve-bens-connemara-co-galway-1.2409905 | title=A walk for the weekend: Twelve Bens, Connemara, Co Galway | author=John G. Dwyer | date=29 October 2015 | access-date=8 March 2020 | newspaper=[[Irish Times]]}}</ref>
 
The {{convert|16|km|adj=on}} 8–9 hour Glencoaghan Horseshoe{{efn|name="glen"|Also known as the "Derryclare Horseshoe" as it is normally started from the Derryclare end (e.g. counterclockwise), is a {{convert|14|to|16|km}} horseshoe-shaped circuit (the final length depending on whether the loop is completed by walking back to the base of Derryclare), that takes in six of the twelve bens, almost {{convert|5000|ft|abbr=on}} of elevation, and takes circa 6 to 9 hours to complete depending on ability and fitness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theramblers.ie/glencoaghan-horseshoe-patrick-pierce/|title=Glencoaghan Horseshoe: Viewranger Statistics|publisher=theramblers.ie|author=Liam Johnson|date=12 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MTIwMjM0|title=Glencoaghan Horseshoe (anticlockwise)|publisher=viewranger maps|date=2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.walkconnemara.com/longwalks.html | title=More Challenging Climbing: The Glencoaghan Horseshoe | publisher=Walk Conemara}}</ref>}} is noted as providing some of the "most exhilarating mountaineering in Ireland",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/a-walk-for-the-weekend-the-twelve-bens-of-connemara-are-a-hard-walk-but-worth-it-1.2693403|title=A walk for the weekend: The Twelve Bens of Connemara are a hard walk but worth it|publisher=[[Irish Times]]|author=Tom Doherty|date=22 June 2016|quote=Even if you had to crawl across bogs to get to them, it would be worth it as the nine [should be six] peaks which form the Glencoaghan Horseshoe provide some of the most exhilarating mountaineering on this island.}}</ref> and is called "a true classic" by guidebook authors.<ref name="Helen34">{{cite book|title=Ireland's Best Walks: A Walking Guide (Walking Guides) |author=Helen Fairbairn|publisher=Collins Press|date=30 December 2014|isbn=978-1848892118|quote=ROUTE 34: The Glencoaghan Horseshoe.  A true classic}}</ref><ref name="Dillon30">{{cite book  | last1 = Dillion  | first1 = Paddy  | title = Connemara: Collins Rambler's guide  | publisher = Harper Collins | isbn = 978-0002201216  | year = 2001 | quote=Walk 30: Gleann Chóchan Horseshoe | url=http://www.paddydillon.co.uk/guidebook/ramblers-guide-connemara/}}</ref><ref name="phelan12">{{cite book | author=Paul Phelan | year=2011 | title=Connemara & Mayo - A Walking Guide: Mountain, Coastal & Island Walks | publisher=Collins Press | isbn=978-1848891029 | quote=Route 12: Glencoaghan Horseshoe. one of Ireland's most dramatic walks }}</ref>  Other similar distanced  "horseshoe" loop walks are the 19–kilometre 10–12 hour ''Owenglin Horseshoe'',<ref name="Dillon24">{{cite book | last1 = Dillion  | first1 = Paddy  | title = Connemara: Collins Rambler's guide  | publisher = Harper Collins | isbn = 978-0002201216  | year = 2001 | quote=Walk 24: Owenglin Horseshoe | url=http://www.paddydillon.co.uk/guidebook/ramblers-guide-connemara/}}</ref> the 15–kilometre 8–9 hour ''Gleninagh Horseshoe'',<ref name="Dillon28">{{cite book  | last1 = Dillion  | first1 = Paddy  | title = Connemara: Collins Rambler's guide  | publisher = Harper Collins | isbn = 978-0002201216  | year = 2001 | quote=Walk 28: Gleann Eidhneach Horseshoe | url=http://www.paddydillon.co.uk/guidebook/ramblers-guide-connemara/}}</ref> and the 14–kilometre 6–7 hour ''Glencorbet Horseshoe''.<ref name="Helen33">{{cite book|title=Ireland's Best Walks: A Walking Guide (Walking Guides) |author=Helen Fairbairn|publisher=Collins Press|date=30 December 2014|isbn=978-1848892118|quote=ROUTE 33: The Glencorbet Horseshoe.  A true classic}}</ref><ref name="phelan">{{cite book | author=Paul Phelan | year=2011 | title=Connemara & Mayo - A Walking Guide: Mountain, Coastal & Island Walks | publisher=Collins Press | isbn=978-1848891029 | quote=Route 11: Glencorbet Horseshoe}}</ref>

An even more serious undertaking is the {{convert|28|km|adj=on}} "Twelve Bens Challenge", climbing all 12 Bens in a single 24-hour day.{{efn|name="twelve"|The "12 Bens Challenge" was organised by the Beanna Beola Hillwalking Club on a yearly basis since 2006; it is for advanced hill-walkers only, and covers {{convert|28|km}}, {{convert|8300|ft|abbr=on}} of elevation, and takes circa 12–14 hours to complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beannabeola-hillwalkers.weebly.com/about.html|title=12 Bens Challenge|publisher=Na Beanna Beola Hill Walking Club|date=2018|quote=The route begins at the Inagh Valley Inn and ends at the Bard’s Den in Letterfrack. The total distance covered is approximately 28km and the total height gain for the route is approximately 2530m (8300ft). On average it takes 12–14 hours to complete and should only be attempted by competent hill-walkers.}}</ref>}}

===Rock climbing===
[[File:Carrot Ridge, Twelve Pins.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Carrot Ridge in the Gleninagh Valley]]
The Twelve Bens have a number of rock climbing locations, the most notable of which is in the Gleann Eighneach valley at the eastern spur of Benncorr (from Binn an tSaighdiúra to Bencorrbeg; also called "[[Carrot Ridge]]"). The climbs vary from Diff (D) to Very Severe (VS) and range from 150 metres to 320 metres in length, with notable routes being Carrot Ridge (275m D), and Seventh Heaven (330m HS).<ref name="climb">{{cite web|url=http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Gleann_Eighneach|title=Glenn Eighneach|publisher=Irish Climbing Wiki|quote=The finest rock formations in the Twelve Bens are found in the south wall of Gleann Eidheanach (Glen Inagh), running from Binn an Choire Bhig to Mám na bFhonsaí, east of Binn Dubh (L808530).}}</ref>

In addition, the large easterly [[Cirque|corrie]] between the summits of Derryclare and the summit of Bencorr, known as {{langx|ga|Log an Choire Mhóir}} (meaning "wood of the big corrie"), also contains several large 200 metre multi-pitch [[Grade (climbing)|graded rock climbs]] at grades of Diff (D) to Very Diff (VD), the most notable of which is "The Knave" (VD, 225 m); and the smaller corrie between the summit of Bencorr and the summit of Bencorr North Top, known as ''Log an Choire Bhig'', ("wood of the small corrie"), has a number of shorter but harder climbs including "Corner Climb" (VS 4c, 30 m).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Inagh_Valley|work=Irish Online Climbing Wiki|access-date=1 August 2019|title=Inagh Valley: Log an Choire Mhóir, Log and Choire Bhig}}</ref>

==List of peaks==
{{Main|Lists of mountains in Ireland}}
The following is a download from the ''[[MountainViews Online Database]]'', who list 38 identifiable peaks in the wider Twelve Bens range (i.e. core massif, Garraun complex, and various outliers to the west), with an elevation, or height, above {{convert|100|m|0}}

The list below highlights the 12 Bens most associated with being the ''Twelve Bens'' from Ó Flaithbheartaigh's original record.<ref name="Dillon30"/>  Of the standalone "Bens" (e.g. not listed as a "Top" of a parent Ben) that are over {{convert|500|m|0}} in height but are not listed in this 12, Binn an tSaighdiúra has a prominence of only 8 metres and would not qualify as an independent mountain on any recognised scale (the lowest prominence is 15 metres for the [[Lists of mountains in Ireland#Vandeleur-Lynams|Vandeleur-Lynam]] classification); Maumonght does have a prominence exceeding 50 metres, and even has a subsidiary peak (Maumonght SW Top), however, Maumonght rarely appears on historic maps of the range and is not considered a "Ben";<ref name="peak"/> Bencorrbeag also has a non-trivial prominence of 42 metres, however, it is considered unlikely given its positioning that it could have been distinguished by mariners from the sea (Ó Flaithbheartaigh's original premise).<ref name="Dillon30"/><ref name="peak"/>

{{clear}}
{{legend|#cfc|One of the original ''Twelve Bens''; equated to all non-subsidiary peaks in the core massif with height above {{convert|500|m|0}}}}
{{legend|#cff|[[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles#Marilyns|Marilyn]]: Any height, and prominence over {{convert|150|m|0}}.}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left"
|+ style="text-align: left;" |Peaks of the Twelve Bens Mountain range (''[[MountainViews Online Database]]'', July 2019)
|-
!style="text-align:left"|[[Elevation|Height]]<br />Rank
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic prominence|Prom.]]<br />Rank
!style="text-align:left"|Name
!style="text-align:left"|Irish Name (if different)
!style="text-align:left"|Translation
!style="text-align:left"|Area
!style="text-align:left"|[[Summit|Height]]<br />(m)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic prominence|Prom.]]<br />(m)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Summit|Height]]<br />(ft)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic prominence|Prom.]]<br />(ft)
!style="text-align:left"|[[Topographic map|Topo<br />Map]]
!style="text-align:left"|[[Ordnance Survey Ireland|OSI Grid<br />Reference]]
|-
| 1 || 1 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Benbaun]]||Binn Bhán||White Peak{{efn|The name is assumed to derive from the abundance of white [[quartzite]] rock on its summit<ref name="peak" />}}||12 Bens - Core|| 729 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|684 || 2,392 || 2,244 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L786539}}
|-
| 2 || 4 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Bencorr]]||Binn Chorr{{efn|[[Cartographer]] and climbing author [[Tim Robinson (cartographer)|Tim Robinson]] gave an alternative name of {{langx|ga|Binn an Choire Mhóir}} meaning "peak of the big corrie". The British [[sappers]] set up a beacon on this peak during the first Ordnance Survey in Ireland.<ref name="peak"/>}} ||Pointed Peak||12 Bens - Core|| 711 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|306 || 2,333 || 1,004 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L812522}}
|-
| 3 || 10 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Bencollaghduff]]||Binn Dubh||Black Peak/Peak of Black Hags{{efn|The "black hags" are not referring to witches, but to [[cormorant]] birds.<ref name="peak"/>}}||12 Bens - Core|| 696 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|191 || 2,283 || 627 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L798530}}
|-
| 4 || 11 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Benbreen]]||Binn Braoin||Braon's Peak{{efn|Braon in the Irish language can mean "drip" or "drop", but is more likely related to the Irish personal name, and it is the basis of the surnames Ó Braoin and Mac Braoin, anglicised as Breen and McBreen in the area.<ref name="peak"/>}}||12 Bens - Core|| 691 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|186 || 2,267 || 610 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L783515}}
|-
| 5 || 38 ||[[Bencorr North Top]]||—||—||12 Bens - Core|| 690 || 5 || 2,264 || 16 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L809524}}
|-
| 6 || 31 ||[[Benbreen Central Top]]||—||—||12 Bens - Core|| 680 || 25 || 2,231 || 82 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L781520}}
|-
| 7 || 16 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Derryclare]]||Binn Doire Chláir{{efn|The Irish language term "clár", can mean both a "plain" and a "board"/"plank-bridge". Thus Derryclare, from "Doire Chláir", could mean 'oak-wood of the plain' or 'oak-wood of the plank-bridge'. The name seems to have been transferred by the Ordnance Survey from the townland of Derryclare situated to the east to the mountain itself.<ref name="peak"/>}} ||Peak of Derryclare||12 Bens - Core|| 677 || 129 || 2,221 || 423 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L815510}}
|-
| 8 || 35 ||[[Benbreen North Top]]||—||—||12 Bens - Core|| 674 || 16 || 2,211 || 52 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L784522}}
|-
| 9 || 9 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Bengower]]{{efn|Mistakenly marked as "Glengower" on the Discovery series OS map.<ref name="peak"/>}}||Binn Gabhar||Goats' Peak||12 Bens - Core|| 664 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|196 || 2,178 || 643 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L783507}}
|-
| 10 || 12 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Muckanaght]]||Muiceanach||Hill like a Pig||12 Bens - Core|| 654 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|179 || 2,146 || 587 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L767541}}
|-
| 11 || 37 ||[[Binn an tSaighdiúra]]||—||Peak of the Soldier{{efn|It is said that a British [[sapper]] from the first Ordnance Survey in Ireland fell to his death here during survey work on the first 6-map series in the 1830s.<ref name="peak"/>}}||12 Bens - Core|| 653 || 8 || 2,142 || 26 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L811528}}
|-
| 12 || 24 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Benfree]]||Binn Fraoigh||Peak of the Heather{{efn|On the Discovery OS map this peak is marked as "Luggatarriff", meaning "hollow of the bull", which Paul Tempan notes probably applies to a hollow on the slopes of Benfree.<ref name="peak"/>}}||12 Bens - Core|| 638 || 48 || 2,093 || 157 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L778544}}
|-
| 13 || 14 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Bencullagh]]||An Chailleach||[Peak of] The Hag/Witch{{efn|A woman known as "Cailleach an Chlocháin",  meaning "the witch of Clifden", was a famous character in the 19th-century.<ref name="peak"/>}}||12 Bens - Core|| 632 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|154 || 2,073 || 505 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L756537}}
|-
| 14 || 23 ||[[Maumonght]]{{efn|Despite its non-trivial prominence, Maumonght is unnamed on many maps, including [[Tim Robinson (cartographer)|Tim Robinson]]'s map, however, a lower peak to the SW at 454 metres, is named Binn Bhreac (properly Maumonght SW Top).  This may explain why Maumonght rarely appears in any list of the actual 12 Bens. "Maumonght" is also odd as an anglicised form, as Paul Tempan notes that it does not suggest any Irish version, and wonders if it was a typo for "Maumought".<ref name="peak"/>}} ||Mám Uchta||Pass of the Breast/Ridge||12 Bens - Core|| 602 || 54 || 1,975 || 177 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L749539}}
|-
| 15 || 2 ||[[Garraun (Galway)|Garraun]]{{efn|Paul Tempan notes that Garraun is clearly also a name of Irish origin, and may either be from the Irish name "garrán" (meaning grove), or, more likely, from the Irish name "géarán" (meaning "fang"). While the summit of Garraun is flattish, the eastern ridge leading to it is sharp enough to have deserved the name of "fang". Tempan notes that the name "Maolchnoc" could be the true Irish name for the rounded summit, while "An Géarán" would denote the sharp ridge descending to Lough Fee.<ref name="peak"/>}} ||Maolchnoc||Bald Hill||Garraun Complex|| 598 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|553 || 1,962 || 1,814 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L767610}}
|-
| 16 || 36 ||[[Benchoona East Top]]||—||—||Garraun Complex|| 585 || 15 || 1,919 || 49 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L766616}}
|-
| 17 || 7 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Benbrack]]||Binn Bhreac||Speckled Peak{{efn|The summit of this mountain is strewn with lumps of white quartz.<ref name="peak"/>}}||12 Bens - Core|| 582 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|264 || 1,909 || 866 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L766558}}
|-
| 18 || 28 ||[[Benchoona]]||Binn Chuanna||Peak of Cuanna{{efn|Cuanna is probably a personal name. A townland nearby is named Tooreenacoona ("Tuairín Uí Chuanna", meaning "O'Cooney's Green").<ref name="peak"/>}} || Garraun Complex|| 581 || 36 || 1,906 || 118 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L763617}}
|-
| 19 || 21 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Benlettery]]||Binn Leitrí||Peak of the Wet Hillsides{{efn|The townland of Lettery ({{langx|ga|Leitrí}}, "wet hillsides") is on the southerly slopes of the peak.  Another name Bindowglass or Bendouglas ({{langx|ga|Binn Dúghlais}}, "peak of the black stream") is recorded as early as 1684 by [[Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh]]; both names referring to the wet state of the peak. Ó Flaithbheartaigh mentions a pool of water on the summit which turns the hair white of anyone who washes in it.<ref name="peak"/>}} ||12 Bens - Core|| 577 || 62 || 1,893 || 203 ||44||{{gbm4ibx|L775495}}
|-
| 20 || 26 ||[[Bencorrbeg]]||Binn an Choire Bhig||Peak of the Little Corrie||12 Bens - Core|| 577 || 42 || 1,893 || 138 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L816533}}
|-
| 21 || 29 ||[[Garraun South Top]]||—||—||Garraun Complex|| 556 || 31 || 1,824 || 102 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L763606}}
|-
| 22 || 32 ||[[Garraun South-West Top]]||—||—||Garraun Complex|| 549 || 21 || 1,801 || 69 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L755607}}
|-
| 23 || 8 ||[[Doughruagh]]||Dúchruach||Black Stack||Garraun Complex|| 526 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|211 || 1,726 || 692 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L751594}}
|-
| 24 || 33 ||[[Doughruagh South Top]]||—||—||Garraun Complex|| 525 || 17 || 1,722 || 56 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L751592}}
|-
| 25 || 25 ||style="background:#cfc;text-align:left"|[[Benglenisky]]||Binn Ghleann Uisce||Peak of the Glen of Water||12 Bens - Core|| 516 || 48 || 1,693 || 157 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L766501}}
|-
| 26 || 27 ||[[Benbaun (477 m)]]||Binn Bhán/Maolán||White Peak||12 Bens - Core|| 477 || 42 || 1,565 || 138 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L765568}}
|-
| 27 || 30 ||[[Maumonght SW Top]]||Binn Bhreac||Speckled Peak||12 Bens - Core|| 454 || 29 || 1,490 || 95 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L744534}}
|-
| 28 || 5 ||[[Diamond Hill (Ireland)|Diamond Hill]]||Binn Ghuaire||Guaire's Peak{{efn|[[Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin|Guaire Aidne]] was a king of Connacht, and Bengooria is an [[anglicised]] form of Binn Ghuaire.<ref name="peak"/>}} ||12 Bens - Outlier|| 442 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|277 || 1,450 || 909 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L732571}}
|-
| 29 || 22 ||[[Knockbrack (442 m)|Knockbrack]] ||Cnoc Breac||Speckled Hill||12 Bens - Core|| 442 || 55 || 1,450 || 180 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L749565}}
|-
| 30 || 34 ||[[Knockpasheemore]] ||Binn Charrach||Rocky Peak||12 Bens - Core|| 412 || 17 || 1,352 || 56 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L807557}}
|-
| 31 || 3 ||[[Tully Mountain (Ireland)|Tully Mountain]]||—||—||12 Bens - Outlier|| 356 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|331 || 1,168 || 1,086 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L673611}}
|-
| 32 || 6 ||[[Letterettrin]]{{efn|This hill is in the townland of Letterettrin / {{langx|ga|Leitir Eitreann}}, meaning "hillside of furrows".<ref name="peak"/>}} ||Binn Mhór||Big Peak||Garraun Complex|| 333 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|268 || 1,093 || 879 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L796620}}
|-
| 33 || 15 ||[[Cregg]]||—||—||12 Bens - Outlier|| 297 || 142 || 974 || 466 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L715524}}
|-
| 34 || 20 ||[[Currywongaun]]||Corr Uí Mhongáin||Uí Mhongáin's Hill||Garraun Complex|| 273 || 109 || 896 || 358 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L731596}}
|-
| 35 || 18 ||[[Townaloughra East Top]]||—||—||12 Bens - Outlier|| 216 || 112 || 709 || 367 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L688541}}
|-
| 36 || 19 ||[[Gortrumnagh]]||(unknown)||(unknown)||12 Bens - Outlier|| 174 || 110 || 571 || 361 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L628516}}
|-
| 37 || 13 ||[[Maumfin]]||Mám Fionn||White Pass||12 Bens - Outlier|| 172 || style="background:#cff;text-align:left"|157 || 564 || 515 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L647588}}
|-
| 38 || 17 ||[[Knockaunbaun]]|| An Cnocán Bán ||White Hillock||12 Bens - Outlier|| 146 || 128 || 479 || 420 ||37||{{gbm4ibx|L605596}}
|}

==See also==
{{Commons category|Twelve Bens}}
*[[Mweelrea]], major range in Killary Harbour
*[[Maumturks]], major range in Connemara
*[[List of Irish counties by highest point]]
*[[Lists of mountains in Ireland]]
*[[Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles ]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

===Further reading===
[[File:Twelve Bins (2409309593).jpg|thumb|Range from north-west at [[Clifden]].]]
*{{cite book
  | last1 = Lynam
  | first1 = Joss
  | last2 = Robinson
  | first2 = Tim
  | title = Mountains of Connemara: Hill Walker's Guide
  | publisher = Folding Landscape
  | isbn = 978-0950400242
  | year = 1988
   }}

*{{cite book
  | last1 = Dillion
  | first1 = Paddy
  | title = The Mountains of Ireland: A Guide to Walking the Summits
  | publisher = Cicerone
  | isbn = 978-1852841102
  | year = 1993
   }}

*{{cite book
  | last1 = Dillion
  | first1 = Paddy
  | title = Connemara: Collins Rambler's guide
  | publisher = Harper Collins
  | isbn = 978-0002201216
  | year = 2001
   }}

*{{cite book | author=Paul Phelan | year=2011 | title=Connemara & Mayo - A Walking Guide: Mountain, Coastal & Island Walks | publisher=Collins Press | isbn=978-1848891029 }}
*{{cite book   | last1 = Fairbairn   | first1 = Helen   | title = Ireland's Best Walks: A Walking Guide   | publisher = Collins Press   | isbn = 978-1848892118   | year = 2014 }}
*{{cite book
  | last1 = 
  | first1 = 
  | title = Connemara (Superwalker) Map (Waterproof Folded Map) (1:30,000 scale)
  | publisher =  Harvey Maps
  | isbn = 978-1851373383
  | year = 2015
   }}

==External links==
* [https://mountainviews.ie/summit/89/ Mountainview: The Twelve Bens Range]
* [https://mountainviews.ie/cms/mv1/node/66 The Twelve Bens Challenge: Routecard (2015)]
* [http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Gleann_Eighneach Irish Rock Climbing Database: Gleann Eighneach]
* [http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Inagh_Valley Irish Rock Climbing Database: Inagh Valley (Benorr & Derryclare)]

{{Mountains of Great Britain and Ireland}}
{{Mountains and hills of Connacht}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Mountains and hills of Connemara]]
[[Category:Gaeltacht places in County Galway]]
[[Category:Special Areas of Conservation in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Protected areas of County Galway]]
[[Category:Natura 2000 in Ireland]]
[[Category:Protected areas]]