Ben Bulben (alternatively spelt Benbulben or Benbulbin) (Irish: Binn Ghulbain [GE]) is a large rock formation in Ireland. It is a Ben (the Irish name for a large, glacier-carved rock). It is located in the Irish county of Sligo, known unofficially as Yeats Country.[1][2]
Etymology
"Ben Bulben", "Benbulben", and "Benbulbin" are all anglicizations of the Irish name "Binn Ghulbain". "Binn" is the word most often used for "peak" or "mountain", while "Ghulbain" means either "Gulban(’s)" or "jaw-shaped". The two most common translations are "Gulban’s peak" and "jaw-shaped peak."
Geology
Formation
A snow-capped view of Ben Bulben, seen from Streedagh Strand, near
Grange.
Ben Bulben was formed during the Ice age, when large parts of the Earth were under glaciers. It was originally merely a large ridge, however the moving glaciers cut into the earth, leaving a distinct formation, now called Ben Bulben.[2][3]
Rock composition
The steeper sides of Ben Bulben are composed of large amounts of Dartry limestone on top of smaller amounts of Glencar limestone. The smoother sides are composed of Ben Bulben shale. These rocks formed in the area approximately 320 million years ago.[2]
Ben Bulben, viewed from
The Hill in Sligo Town
Climbing
If climbed by the north face, it is a dangerous climb. That side bears the brunt of the high winds and storms that come in from the Atlantic Ocean. However, if climbed by the south side, it is an easy climb, due to the fact that side slopes very gently. Upon reaching the summit, the climber is rewarded with a magnificent view of Yeats Country.[2]
Flora and fauna
Ben Bulben hosts a unique variety of plants, possessing some organisms found nowhere else in Ireland. Many are arctic-alpine plants, due to the mountain's height, which allows for cooler temperatures than is normal.[2] These plants were deposited when the glaciers that created Ben Bulben melted. Insects, wild hares,[2] and foxes[2] inhabit Ben Bulben.
In Irish history
Another view of Ben Bulben's northern side, this time from a farther distance.
Celtic legends
Ben Bulben is the setting of many Celtic legends. It is said to be the dwelling of the Fianna, a band of warriors who lived in the third century. One example is a story in which the warrior Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Diarmund) is tricked by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) into fighting an enchanted boar, which later kills the warrior by piercing his heart with its tusk. The mountain is said to be Diarmuid and Grainne's resting places. Also, in the 6th century, St. Columba led 3,000 soldiers up Ben Bulben to fight for the right for the saint to copy from a Psalter he had borrowed from St. Finnian.[4]
Irish Civil War
In September 1922, during the Irish Civil War, an Irish Republican Army column, including an armoured car were cornered in Sligo. The car was destroyed by another armoured car belonging to the Irish Free State's National Army , and six of the IRA soldiers fled up the Ben Bulben's slopes. In the end, all were killed, allegedly after they had surrendered. They are known as the "Noble Six".
Ben Bulben's northern side.
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Another photograph of the northern side.
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Bun Bulben, with Sligo Bay in the foreground.
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A section of the north face of Ben Bulben.
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The summit of Ben Bulben.
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A snowy Ben Bulben, seen from Streedagh Strand.
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Aircraft wreck
It is said that an American World War II aircraft crashed on top of Ben Bulben. To this day, some of its remains can allegedly be found on the mountain.[citation needed]
Sinn Fein slogan campaign
In the 1970s and 1980s, Sinn Fein had engaged in a slogan campaign around the theme Brits out of Ireland. Roads and walls throughout the 26 counties had been marked with these slogans as was Benbulben in 1977. It was marked first with 'Brits Out' (180 ft long and 25 ft high) and then later with the less offensive slogan 'H-Block'.
Under Ben Bulben
The famous poem, Under Ben Bulben, (written by W. B. Yeats, after whom Yeats Country is named), is basically a description of Yeats Country. It describes the sights that he saw in Yeats Country. The following is an excerpt from Under Ben Bulben:
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Under bare Ben Bulben's head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.
An ancestor was rector there
Long years ago, a church stands near,
By the road an ancient cross.
No marble, no conventional phrase;
On limestone quarried near the spot
By his command these words are cut:
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death.
Horseman, pass by!
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—Under Ben Bulben, W.B. Yeats
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References
See also
External links
