Ben Bulben, Mountain summit in County Sligo, Ireland
Ben Bulben is a mountain in County Sligo with a distinctive flat top and steep limestone cliffs forming part of the Dartry Mountains. The summit rises approximately 527 meters, and the formation results from layers of limestone sitting above mudstone.
The mountain's geological structure formed approximately 330 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period when limestone deposited over mudstone. This layering created the distinctive shape that characterizes the landscape today.
The mountain holds deep meaning in Irish poetry and literature, shaped by its connection to William Butler Yeats and the stories of the surrounding region. This literary association has made it a pilgrimage destination for those interested in Irish cultural heritage.
The south side offers easier hiking with a marked trail near Glencar Waterfall, making it more accessible for casual walkers. The north face is steep and rocky, requiring proper footwear and climbing experience for those attempting the ascent.
The summit shelters rare plant species like Fringed Sandwort that have survived since the Ice Age in this location. These botanical treasures make the mountain an important site for scientific research into ancient plant communities.
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