The Twelve Bens

Mountains in Connemara National Park ⛰️

The Twelve Bens (Na Beanna Beola in Irish) are a well known group of mountains scattered throughout the centre and north of Connemara. To get to The Twelve Pins follow the N59 from Galway or Clifden or travel to the villages of Letterfrack or Recess. Although the mountains are not very high, with the highest being only 730 mtrs, they do ensure excellent walking and climbing opportunities for any outdoor enthuasiast. Climbing on the mountains is very safe and hikers/climbers need little experience to enjoy the wonderful scenery. As with all outdoor activities it is strongly recommended to take precautions with safety and respect the trails upon which you are travelling.

The Twelve Bens are part of Connemara National Park which covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic countryside. There is an information centre in the park where Exhibitions, Nature Trails and Audio Visual Shows on the Flora, Fauna and history of Connemara take place. In addition there is a summer programme of Walks, Talks and Special Events for younger visitors. The centre is fully wheelchair accessible.

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Mountains of The 12 Bens in Connemara

Name	Gaelige	Meaning	Height
Benbaun	Binn Bhán	White Peak	729m
Bencorr	Binn Chorr	Pointed Peak	711m
Bencollaghduff	Binn Dubh	Black Peak	696m
Benbreen	Binn Braoin	Braon’s Peak	691m
Derryclare	Binn Doire Chláir	Peak of Derryclare	677m
Bengower	Binn Gabhar	Goats’ Peak	664m
Muckanaght	Muiceanach	Hill like a Pig	654m
Benfree	Binn Fraoigh	Peak of the Heather	638m
Bencullagh	An Chailleach	Peak of The Hag/Witch	632m
Benbrack	Binn Bhreac	Speckled Peak	582m
Benlettery	Binn Leitrí	Peak of the Wet Hillsides	577m
Benglenisky	Binn Ghleann Uisce	Peak of the Glen of Water	516m

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The Twelve Bens peaks map 🌄

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Best Hiking Routes in the 12 Bens 🥾

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The Twelve Bens: what to expect

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12 Bens Mountains FAQs

Why are they called the 12 Bens?

The Twelve Bens, commonly referred to as the Twelve Pins or na Beanna Beola translates to “The Peaks of Beola” in Irish. Beola was an old Fir Bolg chief of a race of people who inhabited ancient Ireland and appear in the mythology as those who ruled the island before the coming of the ancient Irish gods – Tuatha De Danann.

Where are the 12 Pins mountains?

The Twelve Bens is a vast mountain range in Connemara National Park in the west of Ireland.

How long does it take to climb Tully Mountain?

Tully Mountain offers a moderately challenging four to seven-hour coastal looped climb with stunning coastal scenery.

How long does it take to climb Benbaun?

Taking the most convenient climb up Benbaun via the pass of Maumina involves a total over 9km distance and 4 to 5 hours walking.

Is Diamond Hill one of the Twelve Bens?

Diamond Hill peak at 582m is known as Benbrack (Binn Bhreac) and is the most northerly peak of the Twelve Bens.

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