Maumturks – Wild Ridge Walks in Connemara | Galway

Overview

The Maumturks (Irish: Na Sléibhte Mhám Toirc, literally “mountains of the boar’s pass”) form a long, broadly‑straight ridge in the heart of Connemara, County Galway. Rising to a maximum of 703 m at Binn idir an Dá Log, the range sits east of the Twelve Bens and dominates the landscape between Lough Inagh and the Inagh Valley. Its weathered quartzite peaks create a dramatic skyline that has long attracted hill‑walkers, mountaineers and pilgrims alike.

History & Background

The Maumturks have been a focal point for both sport and spirituality. Since 1975 the University of Galway Mountaineering Club has organised the Maamturks Challenge, a 25‑kilometre ridge‑walk that traverses the entire range from Maam Cross to Leenaun in a single day. The challenge has become a rite of passage for serious walkers in Ireland.

Nestled in a deep glen near the centre of the range is Mám Éan, a historic pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Patrick. The shrine, accessible from a small car park, marks the traditional starting point for many of the ridge routes and adds a cultural layer to the natural beauty.

What to See & Do

Ridge Walks

The Maumturks are celebrated as one of Ireland’s “great classic ridge‑walks”. The full ridge can be tackled in stages or as the full‑day Maamturks Challenge. Popular sections include:

Maam Cross to Mám Éan – a moderate ascent that introduces walkers to the quartzite ridgeline and offers sweeping views over the surrounding bogs and lakes.
Mám Éan to Leenaun – the most demanding stretch, featuring steep drops, narrow ridgelines and the iconic peaks of Binn idir an Dá Log, Binn Mhór and Binn Chaonaigh.

Peaks & Panoramas

Key summits worth targeting:

Binn idir an Dá Log (702 m) – the highest point, providing a 360° panorama of Connemara’s peatlands, Lough Inagh and the distant Twelve Bens.
Letterbreckaun (688 m) – a prominent northern summit with striking rock formations.
Binn Mhór (661 m) and Binn Chaonaigh (610 m) – offer rewarding views of the Inagh Valley and the Atlantic coastline.

Pilgrimage & Heritage

A short detour from the ridge leads to the Holy Shrine of Mám Éan, a modest stone chapel that has been a place of devotion for centuries. The path to the shrine passes through a quiet glen, providing a moment of reflection amid the rugged terrain.

Rock Climbing

While the Maumturks are not a primary climbing destination, the Loch Mhám Ochóige area hosts a handful of routes ranging from V‑Diff to HVS grades, appealing to climbers seeking a quieter crag with spectacular backdrops.

Route Planning & Maps

Navigation on the ridge can be challenging in poor visibility. A detailed Ordnance Survey map of Connemara (OS Discovery Series) is essential, and a compass or GPS device is strongly recommended. The University of Galway Mountaineering Club supplies a downloadable route card for the Maamturks Challenge; check their website for the latest edition before setting out.

Seasonal Considerations

The ridge is exposed and weather‑dependent year‑round. Summer months (May‑September) generally offer the most stable conditions, but sudden rain and fog are common. In winter the quartzite can become icy, so appropriate footwear and crampons are advisable for experienced walkers.

Practical Information

The Maumturks are freely accessible to the public. The most common entry point is the car park at the Holy Shrine of Mám Éan, located off the R336 road near Maam Cross. From there, the ridge walk can be undertaken as a circular route returning to the same car park, or as a linear trek ending at Leenaun, where transport links are available.

Opening Hours	Admission
All days (weather‑dependent)	Free

Parking at the Mám Éan car park is free, though spaces can fill quickly during the summer months and on challenge‑day weekends.

Getting There

By Car: From Galway city, follow the N59 west to the R336, then turn onto the local road to Maam Cross. Signage to the Holy Shrine of Mám Éan is clear.
By Bus: Bus Éireann routes 450 and 450X serve the villages of Maam and Leenaun, with stops within a few kilometres of the trailheads.

Safety Notes

The ridge is exposed in places, with steep drops and occasional loose quartzite scree. The Maamturks Challenge is described as “not for the faint‑hearted”, and participants should be comfortable with sustained ascent and descent over varied terrain. The University club recommends that first‑time walkers consider tackling a single section before attempting the full ridge.

Nearby Attractions

Connemara National Park – Although the Maumturks lie just outside the park’s formal boundaries, the park’s Diamond Hill and woodland trails are a short drive away and make a complementary day‑trip.
Benbaun – The highest peak of the Twelve Bens, offering a contrasting granite landscape and spectacular views over the same Connemara basin.