Benbulben

Benbulbin, also Benbulben or BenBulben is a large flat-topped nunatak rock formation in the northwest of Ireland, more specifically in county Sligo. If you are not familiar with the term 'nunatak,' it is a summit or ridge of a mountain that protrudes from an ice field or glacier, in other words, it probably used to be a part of a glacier in the earlier stages of Earth formation. It is a part of the Dartry Mountains, in an area sometimes called "Yeats Country," named after the famous Irish poet, dramatist and writer William Butler Yeats.

As for its etymology, the names mentioned above are all anglicizations of the Irish name "Binn Ghulbain." 'Binn' means "peak" or "mountain" and 'ghulbain' may mean beak or jaw, or may refer to Conall Gulban, who was an Irish king considered to have discovered the kingdom of Tír Chonaill in the 5th century, comprising much of what is now County Donegal in Ulster. He was an offspring of Niall of the Nine Hostages, who was associated with the mountain itself.

As previously implied by the explanation of the nunatak term, Benbulbin was shaped during the ice age, when Ireland was covered by glaciers. Originally it was a large plateau (= a large flat area of land that is higher than other areas of land around it). By the movement of glaciers, it was gradually shaped into its present appearance.

The Dartry Mountains, of which Benbulbin is a part, are primarily composed of limestones atop mudstones. These rocks formed in the area approximately 345-330 million years ago in the Viséan Stage of the Carboniferous Period. Fossils exist throughout the layers of the mountain, such as many fossilized seashells, and some corals. Baryte was mined at the Dartry Mountains, near Benbulbin.

In terms of accessibility, Benbulbin is an established walking destination. If climbed by the north face, it is, however a rather hazardous climb for that side bears the brunt of the high winds and storms that come in from the Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, if approached by the south side, it is an easy walk, since that side slopes very gently. The top of the summit offers astonishing views over the coastal plain of north County Sligo and the Atlantic Ocean.

Benbulbin horsts a variety of plants, including some found nowhere else in Ireland. Many Artic-alpine species, due to the mountain's height, which allows for cooler temperature at altitude than the surrounding terrain. These plants are believed to have evolved themselves just after the glaciers that formed Benbulbin had receded. Regarding fauna, wild badger, hare, red fox, and red-billed chough may be seen in the area.

Last but not least, Benbulbin features prominently in the poetry of W. B. Yeats, after whom – as brought up earlier – the area is named. 

Here goes an excerpt from Yeat's famous poem "Under Ben Bulben." 

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!

— Under Ben Bulben, W.B. Yeats

The last three phrases are especially peculiar and sage in a way and each and every one can comprehend it quite differently. It can, nonetheless, give its readers an insight into a distinct perspective on life.  

I hope you are well and take care of yourselves! Bye

resources: wikipedia, pictures downloaded from the internet