Peaks

 

12

 

 

Pursuers

 

9

 

 

Finishers

 

1

 

 

Climb the famous 12 Bens of Connemara. Though of modest elevation, this mini-range of 12 rugged, barren peaks packs a big challenge. Some of the best hill-walking in Ireland. A popular objective for fell runners is to summit all 12 peaks in a day.

 

Highest peak

Benbaun

2,392 ft / 729 m

Most prominent peak

Benbaun

2,238 ft / 682 m

Most summited peak

Benbaun

8 summits

Most difficult peak

no info yet

Difficulty breakdown

no info yet

Top climbing months

July   34%

May   22%

June   14%

Highlights
"Beautiful off trail loop hike to Benbaun and then over to Benbrack, returning via the forest. Great views on Kylemore Abbey, and out onto the Atlantic coast and the Western islands off the Irish coast. Terrain was very wet in places, particularly in the woods were I almost lost a shoe as the bog swallowed my leg all the way above my knee… " — danishclimber • Aug 8, 2022
"Overnight hike of the Twelve Ben's Loop. First day weather was terrible 40km/h winds, rain and very poor visibility. Camped overnight between Bencollaghduff and Benbreen. Extremely windy night with 40+km/h winds and heavy rain at times. Second day the weather was much improved with some sun and blue skies. Awesome view of the entire range and valley. This is an extremely steep route that required a lot of scrambling and some exposed walking." — CianC • Jul 25, 2020
"Overnight hike of the Twelve Ben's Loop. First day weather was terrible 40km/h winds, rain and very poor visibility. Camped overnight between Bencollaghduff and Benbreen. Extremely windy night with 40+km/h winds and heavy rain at times. Second day the weather was much improved with some sun and blue skies. Awesome view of the entire range and valley. This is an extremely steep route that required a lot of scrambling and some exposed walking." — CianC • Jul 25, 2020
"Overnight hike of the Twelve Ben's Loop. First day weather was terrible 40km/h winds, rain and very poor visibility. Camped overnight between Bencollaghduff and Benbreen. Extremely windy night with 40+km/h winds and heavy rain at times. Second day the weather was much improved with some sun and blue skies. Awesome view of the entire range and valley. This is an extremely steep route that required a lot of scrambling and some exposed walking." — CianC • Jul 25, 2020
"Overnight hike of the Twelve Ben's Loop. First day weather was terrible 40km/h winds, rain and very poor visibility. Camped overnight between Bencollaghduff and Benbreen. Extremely windy night with 40+km/h winds and heavy rain at times. Second day the weather was much improved with some sun and blue skies. Awesome view of the entire range and valley. This is an extremely steep route that required a lot of scrambling and some exposed walking." — CianC • Jul 25, 2020