Overview
Ben Lugmore (Irish: Binn Log Mhór, “peak of the big hollow”) is the 29th‑highest summit on the Arderin list and the 37th on the Vandeleur‑Lynam list, standing at 803 m (2 635 ft). It dominates the northern arm of the Mweelrea horseshoe, a massif that stretches between Killary Harbour – Ireland’s deepest fjord – and the tranquil Doo Lough. The mountain’s most striking feature is its long, narrow summit ridge, which frames a sheer, cliff‑lined headwall around the Lug More corrie. From the ridge you can see the neighbouring peaks of Mweelrea, Ben Bury, and the glacial valleys of Glenconnelly and Glencullin.
History & Naming
The name “Lugmore” is an anglicisation of the Irish Binn Log Mhór, interpreted as “peak of the big hollow”. The term describes the deep corrie on the mountain’s north‑east face, known locally as Lug More or Coum Dubh. Irish scholar Paul Tempan records the translation as “peak of the big hollow”, while Patrick Weston Joyce linked the element Lug to the ancient god of light, hinting at the summit’s sun‑lit panoramas.
Landscape & Geology
Ben Lugmore belongs to the Mweelrea Formation, a sequence of Ordovician sandstones deposited in alluvial fans and delta plains, interbedded with volcanic ash layers. This contrasts sharply with the neighbouring Twelve Bens, which are composed of different lithologies. The rugged profile – a sharp, airy summit perched on a high ridge – is a direct expression of this geology, creating dramatic cliffs that attract rock‑climbers and provide striking backdrops for photographers.
Activities
Summit Ridge & The Ramp
The most direct ascent follows the Lug More corrie for about three hours round‑trip. Mid‑way up the corrie, a natural feature called The Ramp provides a graded, upward‑sloping ledge that cuts across the headwall, allowing hikers to reach the ridge at a col beside Ben Bury. From there the ridge continues north‑west to the true summit, marked by a stone cairn and offering uninterrupted views over Doo Lough, Killary Harbour, and on clear days the Atlantic Ocean.
Mweelrea Horseshoe
For a more ambitious outing, Ben Lugmore is the second‑highest peak on the Mweelrea Horseshoe – a 6‑7 hour circuit that starts and finishes at the Delphi Mountain Resort. The loop traverses all five major summits of the massif (Mweelrea, Ben Bury, Ben Lugmore, Ben Lugmore West Top, Ben Lugmore East Top) and descends through the Glenconnelly valley. The walk is listed among Ireland’s “top three” mountain routes in Ireland’s Best Walks (2014).
Rock & Winter Climbing
The north‑eastern cliffs of the Lug More corrie host a variety of multi‑pitch rock climbs ranging from Diff (D) to Moderate Severe (MS), with lengths of 30‑70 m on Ordovician sandstone and conglomerate. Notable modern routes include:
- Bragela’s Watch (E1, 30 m)
- Red Dawn (E2 5c, 45 m)
- Letter to Breshnev (E3/4 6a, 55 m)
Winter climbers favour the Recession Gully (Grade II/III) on the corrie’s north‑east face. These routes demand appropriate technical gear and experience.
Family‑friendly Walks & Lakeside Exploration
For those seeking a shorter, less demanding outing, a gentle lakeside loop around Doo Lough can be combined with a brief ascent to the lower ridge of Lug More. The path offers opportunities for bird‑watching (golden eagles, peregrine falcons) and a chance to enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery without the exposure of the summit ridge.
Photography & Wildlife
The ridge’s exposure makes it a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset photography, especially when the light catches the cliffs of the corrie. In spring and early summer, alpine‑type flora such as mountain avens and dwarf willow can be seen, while autumn brings a palette of heather and moss‑covered stone.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | L81173 67379 |
| Coordinates | 53.64261 N, ‑9.797512 W |
| Elevation | 803 m (2 635 ft) |
| Prominence | 161 m |
| Access point | Small car park off the R335 near Delphi Mountain Resort (free parking, limited spaces) |
| Typical routes | • Lug More direct ascent – ~3 h round‑trip (2.5 km, 600 m gain)\n• Mweelrea Horseshoe – 6‑7 h circuit (≈15 km, 1 200 m gain) |
| Difficulty | Direct route – moderate hill‑walk; Horseshoe – hard, requires sure‑footedness and basic scrambling |
| Climbing grades | Rock: D‑MS (30‑70 m); Winter: II/III (Recession Gully) |
| Best season | Summer months for hill‑walking; September‑October for climbing when daylight is ample and rock is dry |
| Facilities | No on‑site services; nearby Westport offers cafés, shops and accommodation. The Delphi Mountain Resort provides budget dormitory‑style rooms for overnight stays. |
| Nearest town | Westport (≈30 km) |
| Nearest airport | Ireland West Airport Knock (≈70 km) |
Getting There
The most common approach is by road from Westport or Newport via the R335. After passing the Killary Harbour turn‑off, continue past the Delphi resort and look for the marked parking area on the left. Public transport to the area is limited; a private car or a hired vehicle is advisable.
Navigation & Safety
The summit ridge is exposed in places, and the corrie walls are steep. The OS map sheet 37 (grid L81173 67379) and a reliable compass are recommended, as mobile coverage is often absent in the Mweelrea range. The mountain is classified as a Marilyn and a Hewitt, meaning it meets the 150 m prominence threshold for peak‑baggers.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballycroy (Wild Nephin) National Park – a short drive north, offering extensive bogland walks and wildlife spotting.
- Killary Harbour – Ireland’s deepest fjord, ideal for boat trips and sea‑kayaking.
- Ben Bury – neighbouring summit with its own striking ridge, often tackled as part of the Horseshoe.
- Westport – a vibrant town with historic streets, a lively food scene and a range of accommodation options.
Seasonal Considerations
While the hill‑walk can be attempted year‑round, the winter ice climbs on Recession Gully are only viable when the corrie’s snowpack is stable. Summer brings the most reliable footing on the rocky sections, and the long daylight hours make the Horseshoe circuit more comfortable.
Further Reading & Resources
- Wikipedia entry: Ben Lugmore
- PeakVisor data and 3‑D maps: PeakVisor – Ben Lugmore
- MountainViews summit page (authoritative classification): MountainViews – Ben Lugmore
- Detailed route description (Komoot): Ben Lugmore loop and scramble
Ben Lugmore offers a blend of dramatic scenery, challenging terrain and geological intrigue that makes it a standout destination for walkers, scramblers and climbers alike. Whether you aim for the quick summit via The Ramp or the full‑scale Mweelrea Horseshoe, the mountain rewards effort with some of the most striking vistas on Ireland’s wild Atlantic west.