Into the Bens: Ireland’s Rugged Heart

Description

This is not an ordinary hike – it's an adventure that pushes your skills and limits. Step into one of Ireland’s last true wildernesses with this demanding and unforgettable hike through the Twelve Bens of Connemara. This is no ordinary trail—it’s a full-on mountain adventure, where jagged peaks pierce the sky and deep valleys cradle mirror-still lakes. You'll follow remote, off-track routes across open, untamed terrain—where winds howl across dramatic ridgelines and the views stretch endlessly over Connemara’s raw beauty. This journey takes in steep climbs, hands-on scrambles, and thrilling descents through scree, heather, and rock-strewn slopes. LEVEL: Strenuous DISTANCE: 15 km ASCEND: 1200 m TIME: 7-8 h Transport: self-transport BUT if you require one please let us know The hike takes you through open, untamed terrain, blending sections of farm paths and mountain trails with vast stretches of untouched wilderness. Expect to encounter rocky outcrops, boulder fields, loose scree, wet and muddy patches, trickling streams, grassy slopes, and dense heather. This is no gentle stroll—prepare for steep ascents and descents, including thrilling scrambles where you’ll need to use your hands to conquer rugged sections. It's an adventure that promises both challenge and raw, wild beauty.