Knockmealdowns

The Knockmealdown Mountain Range Region

This vast mountain range has everything from adventurous treks for hikers and bikers, to tranquil trails for leisurely walking. Rest at the top of the Sugarloaf Hill and take in the stunning landscape.
If you are into hillwalking, or even a nice scenic walk along a tarmac road, then the world is your oyster all along the Knockmealdown Mountains running from Newcastle to Ballyporeen. All along the Knockmealdown mountain range is a hill walker’s dream with mountain trails, forestry tracks and mountain climbs in abundance. There are more walks than the average walker could handle even in an extended stay so, if it’s a walking holiday you’re looking for, then look no further.

Knockmealdowns are surrounded by many amazing attractions and activities to visit, At the foot of the Knockmealdowns, Lismore is a heritage town with a fscinating history. Take a trip to Lismore Heritage Centre where you can enjoy The Lismore Experience an audio-visual media to chart the history of Lismore accompanied by 'Brother Declan.' The award winning audio visual display is narrated by Niall Toibin (in English, French, German and Italian) who in the guise of a monk takes you on an entertaining journey through Monastic, Viking, Norman, and Medieval Lismore to the present day. Visit the majestic Mount Mellary a magnetic monastery founded on 30 May 1832 at Scrahan, Cappoquin, by a colony of Irish and English monks, expelled from the abbey of Melleray after the French Revolution of 1830, and who had come to Ireland under the leadership of Fr. Vincent de Paul Ryan. It was called Mount Melleray in memory of the motherhouse. On the feast of St. Bernard, 1833, the foundation stone of the new monastery was blessed by the Most Rev. Wm. Abraham, bishop of Waterford and Lismore.

Check out the fantastic maps that will aid you on your discovery of the Knockmealdowns, East West Mapping have produced wonderful maps of the Galtees , Comeraghs and Knockmealdowns. The three maps combined are available as a digital map running on smart phones – the app is called EastWest Maps. Playstore and AppStore.

In the heart of the Knockmealdowns hikers will join St. Declan’s Way. The ancient path runs from the Cliffs of Ardmore in Waterford to the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. Experience a warm welcome from the locals and unwind in the many cafés and restaurants Cashel has to offer.

A cycle or drive over the Vee is a must. There, soak up the breathtaking scenery of the Knockmealdowns. Continue to the nearby village of Clogheen for more walking trails, fine dining in the Old Convent and family-friendly fun in Parsons Green. Beware of the ghost of Petticoat Loose on your travels. Legends tells of the Witch of Bay Lough (Petticoat Loose) whose spirit returned to her village of Clogheen before being banished to Bay Lough in the Vee.

Cahir is nestled between the Knockmealdowns and Galtees. Visit the Apple Farm for fresh local produce, with great camping facilities ideal for families.
One of the largest and best preserved medieval castles in Ireland, Cahir Castle is situated on a rocky island in the middle of the River Suir. It represents the pinnacle of medieval skill, and contains one of the very few working portcullises (drop gates) on the island of Ireland. Owned by the Butler family from 1375 to 1961, the present structure dates largely to the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. A National Monument, it has been open to the public since 1971. Experience adventure along the Suir Blueway Tipperary