This photo of Binn Bhàn was taken from the slopes of Binn Bhraoin North Top, and it offers a new perspective of the highest point of Galway. When on the summit of Binn Bhàn last year I contemplated whether there was a safe route down to Màm Eidhneach (Maumina col), between Binn Bhàn and Binn Dubh (Bencollaghduff) in the lower right of the photo. I didn’t take the chance, and looking at the mountain from Binn Bhraoin last week I could see that a route would have been tricky to say the least.

There are a few places in the Irish mountains which shelter hidden Mass Rocks, sites of Prayer and Pilgrimage or places special for other reasons where locals and walkers alike visit and leave a simple gift. There is a one such place below Binn Bhàn near Màm Eidhneach. It is overlooked and protected by the craggy southern face of Binn Bhàn. It is a tall triangular cairn of rock, with a shelf space open half way up one of its sides. In this space many people have placed coins, some dating from the 1960’s. It was a pleasure to see these old and new coins mixed together with no apparent ill-minded interference. It is a fine place to pause and take a rest while admiring the views, Binn Bhàn towering on one side and Binn Dubh towering on the other. An offering to the mountains aside, I still wouldn’t tackle Binn Bhàn from Màm Eidhneach though! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/89/comment/6507/