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Knockmealdown Mountains

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Knockmealdown Mountains are a prominent mountain range located on the border between counties Tipperary and Waterford in southern Ireland. The highest point of the massif is Knockmealdown itself, which reaches an elevation of 794 metres and features expansive views over the Blackwater Valley and the counties of Munster. Geologically, the range is composed of Old Red Sandstone, folded during the Variscan orogeny. A well-known feature of the region is the 'V-Pass', a deep, glacially-sculpted gap through which a scenic road travels. In the summer months, the lower slopes are often covered in blooming rhododendrons, which, while aesthetically pleasing, pose a challenge to the local ecosystem as an invasive species. The mountains are a popular destination for hikers and naturalists, as they host important blanket bog habitats. Historically, the region was a site of events during the Irish Civil War in the early 20th century, with the inaccessible slopes holding strategic significance.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Sugarloaf Hill · Knockshanahullion
Nearby: Cahir (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	7	9	11	14	15	15	14	11	8	7
Rain mm	105	80	82	73	78	85	88	95	81	115	115	116

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The mountain range is typically approached from the scenic Vee Pass, which has a beautiful panoramic route through the mountains on the border of Tipperary and Waterford.

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Best season

Late spring and summer provide by far the best hiking weather and the longest daylight hours. In late spring, the hills are often beautifully coloured by blooming wild rhododendrons.

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Terrain & paths

The varied landscape consists of rolling hills, steeper ridges, and extensive moorland. Many paths can be indistinct and very boggy, requiring careful navigation at all times.

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What to bring

Robust, ankle-supporting and waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for the uneven and wet terrain. Always carry reliable navigation tools, warm clothing layers, and full rain gear.

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Parking

The main parking spots are usually located directly around the Vee Pass or near the marked trailheads in the adjacent local villages at the base of the mountains.

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Safety

Cloud cover can descend very rapidly on the slopes, causing severe disorientation on the open moorland. Ensure you have a physical map and compass with you, and know how to use them confidently.

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Time needed

A focused, strenuous hike to the 794-meter main peak takes about four to six hours to complete. Shorter, more relaxed lower-level walks can be comfortably accomplished in roughly two hours.

Geography

Coordinates

52.23330, -7.98330

Facts

The highest peak, Knockmealdown, reaches 794 metres.
The mountain range extends in an east-west direction.
The V-Pass is a famous geomorphological feature of the area.
Invasive rhododendrons cover large parts of the lower slopes.
The mountains are predominantly composed of Old Red Sandstone.
Liam Lynch, an IRA leader, died here in 1923.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lismore Castle11 km · SExplore →

Slieve Guilty13 km · NExplore →

River Blackwater15 km · SEExplore →

Cahir16 km · NExplore →

Galtee Mountains18 km · NWExplore →

Golden Vale20 km · WExplore →

Fermoy Agricultural Hub22 km · SWExplore →

Clonmel23 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Knockmealdown Mountains (2)

Sugarloaf Hill 📍 landmark

A prominent mountain peak in the Knockmealdown Mountains of southern Ireland.

Knockshanahullion📍 landmark

A mountain peak in the Knockmealdown Mountains on the Tipperary and Waterford border.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Knockmealdown Mountains located?

On the border between counties Tipperary and Waterford in the south of Ireland.

What is the most famous sight there?

The 'Vee Pass', a scenic road with spectacular views, especially during the rhododendron bloom in June.

How high is the highest peak?

The Knockmealdown summit reaches a height of 794 meters.

Are there hiking trails?

Yes, there are numerous paths, including sections of the 'Avondhu Way'.

What is Samuel Grubb's Grave?

A local curiosity at the Vee Pass, where a local merchant was buried standing upright in a stone cairn.

Knockmealdown Mountains: where is it located?

Knockmealdown Mountains is located in Ireland.

Knockmealdown Mountains: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sugarloaf Hill, Knockshanahullion.

Knockmealdown Mountains: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Knockmealdown Mountains: why is it worth visiting?

The Knockmealdown Mountains are a prominent mountain range located on the border between counties Tipperary and Waterford in southern Ireland.

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