The
Twelve Bens, or
Twelve Pins , is a mountain range of sharp-peaked quartzite ranges located northeast of
Roundstone in
Connemara in the west of
Ireland. Dedicated
fell runners attempt to hike all twelve peaks in a single day. Topographically, this range is partnered with the
Maumturks range on the other side of the lonely Glen Inagh (and the route of
Western Way long distance path). Frequent rainfall and steep-sided mountains produce an abundance of small trickles and streams which descend into wide-bottomed valleys below the Twelve Pins to join larger streams with riffles and pools. The highest point in the Twelve Bens is
Benbaun at 729 metres (2,392 ft). They provide excellent walking and climbing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.