Overview
Rising to 702 m (2,303 ft) with a prominence of 629 m (2,063 ft), Binn idir an Dá Log (Irish for peak between the two hollows) is the loftiest point of the Maumturk Mountains and the third‑highest summit in County Galway. Nestled in the heart of Connemara National Park, the mountain sits on a rugged north‑west to south‑east spine that separates two glacial corries – a lake‑filled basin to the north‑west and a larger, grass‑filled hollow to the south‑east. Its quartzite‑studded ridge, craggy outcrops and the shimmering Lough Maumahoge below make it a striking landmark for anyone traversing the western Irish landscape.
History & Background
The name derives from the two corries that flank the summit ridge. The north‑western corrie contains a small lake (the larger of the two), while the south‑eastern hollow opens onto the townland of Barrslievenaroy. Early maps recorded an anglicised form, Benadolug, but the Irish name has endured in modern guidebooks and on the official MountainViews database. The peak has long been a waypoint for local shepherds and, more recently, a celebrated objective for mountaineering clubs. Since 1975 the University College Galway Mountaineering Club has organised the annual Maamturks Challenge Walk, with checkpoints on the summit and at Lough Maumahoge.
What to See & Do
Summit Ridge Walks
The most popular ascent is the 6 km, roughly 3‑hour route via the pass of Maumahoge. This line follows a well‑marked trail that climbs from the Maumeen parking area, skirts the ancient Western Way altar set into the rock face, and then tackles the steep, scree‑laden ridge to the summit. For those craving a longer adventure, the 13 km, 5‑6 hour loop starts at the Maumeen col, climbs Binn Chaonaigh (633 m), traverses the ridge to the SE top (659 m) and finally reaches the main summit before descending via Maumahoge.
A more demanding undertaking is the Maamturks Challenge, a 25 km, 10‑12 hour ridge‑walk that traverses the entire Maumturk range from Maam Cross to Leenaun. Binn idir an Dá Log marks the halfway point of the challenge, with the summit accounting for 54 % of the total ascent.
Rock Climbing
While the Maumturks are not a premier climbing destination, a modest crag lies just west of Lough Maumahoge (grid reference L876 532). Routes range from 90 m to 190 m and are graded S to HVS, offering a quiet alternative for climbers seeking solitude away from the busier Carrot Ridge on Bencorr.
Geology & Wildlife
The mountain is composed chiefly of hard quartzite, a metamorphic rock that gives the ridge its light‑coloured, sparkling appearance when the sun hits it. This durable substrate supports a thin, well‑drained soil that favours hardy alpine‑type plants such as heather, bell heather and various mosses. Birdwatchers may spot peregrine falcons soaring over the corries, while the surrounding parkland is home to red deer, sika deer and the occasional Irish hare.
Scenic Highlights
From the summit you can gaze across the Maam Valley, the Inagh Valley, and the distant Twelve Bens. The quartzite rocks sparkle in the sun, and on clear days the Atlantic coastline is visible on the horizon. The corrie lake below, Lough Maumahoge, mirrors the sky and provides a tranquil spot for a brief rest before the final descent.
Photography & Best Time to Visit
The summit offers classic ridge‑line compositions, especially in the early morning when low clouds often drift over the valleys below. Late summer (July–August) provides the longest daylight hours, while the autumn months bring richer colours to the surrounding heather and grasses. Spring can be misty, creating dramatic backdrops for landscape photography, but be prepared for wetter conditions on the exposed sections.
Practical Information
| Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Approx. Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maumahoge Pass (direct) | 6 km | 1,000 m | 3 h | Moderate |
| Central Maumturks Loop (Maumeen) | 13 km | 1,000 m | 5‑6 h | Hard |
| Maamturks Challenge (full) | 25 km | 7,600 ft (≈2,300 m) | 10‑12 h | Extreme |
| Binn Idir an da Log Loop (Hiiker) | 4.4 km | 614 m | 1 h 53 min | Extra Difficult |
Access & Parking
The most convenient starting point is the Maumeen road parking area, reachable from the N59 just after Maam Cross (second right). A smaller lay‑by just north of the main car park offers a convenient reverse‑start for the steep descent, as recommended by local walkers. The trailhead is free to use and there is no admission charge.
Navigation & Maps
The summit is listed on the Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) map sheet 037 (Mayo, Galway). GPS tracks are available from Wikiloc (download link) and the Hiiker app, both of which provide waypoints for the col at Mam Ochoige and the Lough Maumahoge checkpoint. The MountainViews entry (grid reference L88816 52823) offers additional topographic detail.
Seasonal Considerations
Climbers and walkers report the highest traffic in June, May and February, with June accounting for roughly 40 % of summit attempts. The ridge can become slippery on wet grass, especially on the steep sections descending from the summit, so many experienced hikers prefer to tackle the ascent first and the descent later in the day.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, consider visiting other notable peaks visible from Binn idir an Dá Log: Benbaun, the highest of the Twelve Bens, and the rugged Bencorr and Benbrack peaks, all offering their own classic Connemara walks.
Facilities
There are no built‑in facilities on the mountain itself. The nearest village with amenities such as cafés, toilets and accommodation is Leenaun, a short drive from the trailhead. The area is part of a designated wilderness zone, so visitors are asked to follow Leave‑No‑Trace principles.
Safety Notes
The Maumturks are classified as a risk sport by MountainViews. The ridge involves exposed sections, loose quartzite, and occasional steep grass slopes that can be treacherous when wet. Participants in the Maamturks Challenge must adhere to the 2 pm cut‑off at the Lough Maumahoge checkpoint. While no formal rescue service is stationed on the mountain, the Irish Mountain Rescue Service can be contacted in emergencies.
Getting There
- By Car: From Galway, take the N59 westward, turn right after Maam Cross onto the Maumeen road. Follow signs to the parking area.
- Public Transport: Bus services run to Leenaun; from there a local taxi can reach the trailhead.
- Airports: The nearest international gateway is Ireland West Airport Knock, about 80 km away, with onward car hire options.
Binn idir an Dá Log offers a quintessential Connemara experience – raw, rugged, and rewarding. Whether you are ticking off a classic Irish ridge walk, testing your limits on the Maamturks Challenge, or simply seeking a quiet summit with unrivalled views, this peak delivers a memorable adventure in the heart of the west.
Useful Links
- Wikiloc – Binn Chaonaigh & Binn idir an Dá Log route
- MountainViews – Binn idir an Dá Log entry
- Maamturks Challenge – University College Galway Mountaineering Club
Tags: [“Scenic”, “Outdoors”, “Free Entry”]