(Ir. Binn Doire Chláir [TR], 'peak of Derryclare')
Height: 677 metres
OS 1/50k Mapsheet: 37 for top
Grid Ref: L81509 51048
Latitude: 53.496272 Longitude: -9.786214
ITM: 481485 751070
Prominence: 129m Isolation: 1.2km
Ir. clár can mean both a plain and a board. In the latter sense it can refer to a plank-bridge in some place-names. Thus Derryclare, from Ir. Doire Chláir, could either mean 'oak-wood of the plain' or 'oak-wood of the plank-bridge'. The name seems to have been transferred by the Ordnance Survey from the townland of Derryclare situated to the east to the mountain itself. In this respect the Ir. name Binn Doire Chláir makes much more sense as a mountain name.
Binn Doire Chláir is the 146th highest summit in Ireland. Binn Doire Chláir is the second most easterly summit in the Twelve Bens area. Our data has reached 100% of the goal for this summit. (Details)
Picture: Derryclare and its southern ridge Expand pics.
A most photogenic mountain
Short Summary created by wicklore 29 Apr 2011
Derryclare is a majestic mountain situated at the finish (or start) of the Glencoaghan Horseshoe route in the Twelve Bens. It commands a fine view over the mountains of the Glencoaghan Valley, as well as the myriad of lakes in the plains of Connemara. Its distinctive sharp southern ridge is visible from the N59 Galway – Clifden road, making it a very popular backdrop for suitably impressed tourists. Derryclare is formed from quartzite and its upper slopes are comprised of shattered rock that require care to negotiate, although narrow trails are present amongst the stones.
There is room for a few cars at L806 488(Point A). Head east over pastures, climbing gently towards the southern ridge. The ascent to the summit becomes a steep haul, initially over peat and heather, before attaining the rock of the upper reaches. A number of false summits are passed before the small pile of rocks that mark the summit are reached. At L81489 51077(Point B).
Particular care is required in the initial steep section above the pastures as a few crags and rock outcrops are negotiated. Also keep to the east of the ridge to stay well clear of sharp drops and plunging cliffs.
Picture: Binn Doire Chláir from Binn Chorr Expand pics.
by eflanaga 3 May 2006
Having negotiated the peaks of Binn Gabhar, Binn Bhraoín, Binn Dubh and Binn Chorr the nine Mid-Ulster walking club members undertaking the Glencoaghan Horseshoe walk made their weary way down the 160+ metres of the south-eastern face of Binn Chorr to the col below Binn Doire Chláir 81248 51827(Point C) at 550m. This left a final climb of some 120 metres passing a locheen on the way to the summit cairn, which would represent the final climb of the day. Another member of the club, who had a watch, which monitored our ascent throughout the day, was able to calculate that we had climbed some 1640m throughout the course of the Horseshoe walk. The walk itself was completed in glorious sunshine with the views from each of the peaks spectacular. Binn Doire Chláir was no exception. In the evening sunlight and to the east the Mamturks range lay invitingly. To the south-east Derryclare Lough was just one of many dotting the plains below, likewise to the west until blocked by the solid masses of Binn Leitirí, Binn Gabhar & Binn Ghleann Uisce. After reaching the summit there remained the long walk along Binn Doire Chláir’s southern spur until eventually we climbed laboriously down into the Glencoaghan valley near Bennaderreen Rock 81304 49547(Point D). On reaching the valley floor we re-joined the lane/road to the west and walked the 2K, or so, back to where the cars were parked. The entire walk took about 10 hours. It could be completed in less time, say around 8 to 8.5 hours by fit aand experienced walkers but as a walking club it is always important to maintain a pace, which suits all members. From my point of view this was one of the most enjoyable walks I have ever completed – fantastic weather, great company and above all spectacular scenery makes the Glencoaghan Horseshoe a must for serious hill walkers.
by CaptainVertigo 5 Aug 2005
This "snapshot" taken from Google Earth shows the Derryclare-BenCorr-BenCorrBeg peaks from a height of 3500 feet approx (looking westward from the Maamturks over Lough Inagh). I like the sense of 3 dimensionality. The two huge corries (I presume that's what they are) are particularly noticeable. The crucial fact about Google-Earth is that you can "fly" at any height you want , and as you move your viewpoint the features of the mountains are thrown into relief. I regularly annoy fellow climbers by reminding them we must live now, so we'll have something to remember in our nursing homes. My hope is that by the time I reach my penultimate resting place, Google Earth will have progressed to the point that virtual climbing will be possible, with total surround sense-o-rama to include wind, clouds, the smell of the heather,the flavour of hot tomato soup on a freezing peak, and possibly a member of the nubility murmuring Yes...Yess...Yess...Joyce's Country indeed!! (Comment Rating 4.50)
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by aburden 27 Feb 2006
Coming from Binn Corr towards the end of the Chochan Circuit the walk up to Doire Chlair is a tough series of false summits. From the top there is a long walk down past another series of false "anti-summits". At about 330m (L81388 49581(Point E)) I crossed a sheep trail (running East to West) which I joined and weaved through the last of the rocks and crags and finally reached valley floor. My car was parked about 1½ km from here – completing the Chochan Circuit. 13Km, 6.5hr Includes c.30mins of stops and excludes the cost of a new pair of knees !
by simon3 11 Jun 2004
The mountain is also known as Derryclare and is the start of a popular circuit of the southern Bens variously known as the Derryclare Horseshoe, The Benlettery Horseshoe or the Glencoaghan Circuit.
Ascending the mountain is fairly straightforward. Stick to near the ridge. My memory of the walk when I first did it in the early 70’s was of a series of false summits. These are visible on the map and in the photo. Around the middle of the ascent there is one particularly distinct false summit -- see skyline just right of centre on the photo. On old 1 inch OS maps there is a feature named as “Lop Rock”, which perhaps is this place. (Comment Rating 4.17)
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by simon3 5 Aug 2004
This terrain visualisation shows the entire Derryclare horseshoe from the SW. (Comment Rating 4.00)
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Frank1234520 hours ago. Just south of the summit there are two bright red warning signs 'No unauthorised access beyond this point'. They are attached to the boundary fence that runs along the ridge,and they are confusing...
barryd2 days ago. There are at least six 'Brans' (granite tors) along this ridge of which Bran Scultair aka The Aerial Brans is just one. In the course of preparing mapping for this area, as far as I can see to dat...
aidand22 hours ago. I'd like to add my own thoughts to this debate. We would all much prefer to have a pristine wilderness. Thankfully Ireland is big enough that there are plenty of hills where man has made little im...
wicklore3 days ago. Listeners to RTE’s Liveline programme may have heard me today as I discussed the chair and Teddy memorial on Slievecorragh and its history. The podcast can be listened to here: http://www.rte.ie/p...
Bleck Craa day ago. David – you and I are going to disagree on the whys and the hows but in principle I think and I hope we are one. We all know the 1960s experiment, repeated recently by the broadcast media, of the ...
fkaatje5 days ago. I bagged Slievecarran from the SW on Sunday January 29th 2012. Looking for a bit of a challenging loop walk on the map I decided to try a horseshoe walk traversing Gortaclare Mountain, Slievecarra...
Bleck Craa day ago. Reference David Kirk's views on the new bridge at the Midpace River ..... worse than just building the thing for no reason, they have actually taken out huge natural stepping stones, which were b...
fkaatje6 days ago. Abbey Hill is a nice short climb which rewards you with splendid views over the Burren and Galway Bay. It is also a rather popular walk and on a sunny Sunday afternoon you won’t be alone on this s...
David Kirka day ago. Regarding the debate over the erection of a totally inappropriate wooden bridge over the Fofanny where it joins the Bloody bridge river,I would not like to think that there is a conflict of opini...
thomas_g6 days ago. Followed Jackhill's instructions and got to the summit fairly easily, having about an hour before darkness, we decided to try the variety option. Heading down a fairly steep track east from the su...
lackmt6 days ago. On the Castlemaine road heading to Inch 2km after bensons shop there is a lane way (800m long) up to a gate. From here it is an easy walk to the top. On a fine day you get a view across the bay of...