One of the 12 Bens, Derryclare with its distinctive sharp S ridge is a majestic mt and is part of both the Glencoaghan Horseshoe and the 12 Bens Challenge. It commands a fine view of nearby valleys, the Maamturks, Mayo hills and the myriad lakes and smaller hills of S Connemara. It’s formed from quartzite and its upper slopes are comprised of shattered rock that require care to negotiate esp. on descent.

SW. There is room for a few cars at L80558 48957 A. Head E over varied pastures, picking your way up the S ridge. The ascent to the summit becomes a steep haul but there is a fairly obvious trail most of the way. It climbs initially over peat and heather before attaining the rock of the upper reaches. 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 E of the ridge to stay well clear of sharp drops and plunging cliffs. A number of false summits are passed before the small pile of rocks that mark the summit are reached. 1.5 hrs

E. Park on Coillte forest track at L84552 49923 B. Continue along track which loops around Derryclare Lough and take another track to the right at L83478 50412 C which leads to open ground. Go 1km north across gently sloping ground and then ascend W up a steep, but climbable grassy and rocky spur. Terrain flattens out somewhat as you approach summit. A delightful ascent. 2 hrs+

Notable tracks incl. track/3248, track/1283 and track/2731. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/146/comment/4906/

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 D 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 E. 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. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/146/comment/2331/

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!! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/146/comment/1857/

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 F) 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 ! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/146/comment/2211/

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. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/146/comment/986/

This terrain visualisation shows the entire Derryclare horseshoe from the SW. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/146/comment/1052/