Overview
Rising to 214 m (702 ft) on the southeastern edge of Lough Derravaragh, Knockeyon is the third-highest point in County Westmeath. Its slopes are underpinned by Carboniferous sandstone, shale, and the distinctive Derravaragh Cherts, a cherty limestone that creates occasional rocky outcrops across the grassy terrain. From the summit, the view stretches across much of north Leinster. On clear days, you can trace the line of the Mourne Mountains, the rolling hills of County Down, and the distant expanse of Lough Neagh.
History & Heritage
The hill’s Irish name, Cnoc Eóin (Eoin’s Hill), links it to Saint Eoin (John the Apostle), whose feast day falls on 3 August. Halfway up the slope, tucked into a dense patch of hazel and oak, lie the stone footings of a small medieval chapel (National Monument WM012-206). Aligned northwest to southeast, the structure appears on the 1911 Ordnance Survey 25-inch map at the junction of four woodland paths.
Historically, this spot was the focus of a devotional pattern held annually around 1 August. Eighteenth-century accounts describe pilgrims walking barefoot or kneeling over the final stretch to reach the chapel, where a natural spring flowed through the building and down to the lake below. After prayers, visitors would gather on a nearby grassy clearing for dancing and pipings. Today, only the low stone foundations remain, but the quiet woodland setting still carries a sense of the hill’s long spiritual history.
Walking Routes & Access
Knockeyon sits on private land, and walkers are expected to respect the landowner’s property. Normal public access is permitted, but you should park only where permitted, keep gates exactly as you find them, and give livestock plenty of space. A “beware bull” sign marks one of the gates on the approach, and belted Galloway cattle are frequently grazed in the fields.
Clooney Road Route (≈5.5 km, 2½ hrs round-trip)
The most popular ascent begins at an informal parking area on Clooney Road, just north of Mullingar. After passing through Crookedwood, look for a newly built house on the right to use as a parking landmark. A well-trodden, way-marked track leads through historic woodland, passes the chapel ruins, and climbs steadily to the summit. The path includes a few boggy sections after heavy rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Short Loop (≈1.8 km, 45 min round-trip)
For a quicker hike, a steeper track begins near grid reference N46703 64410. This route cuts directly across a field shared with cattle and reaches the summit in under an hour. It is straightforward but requires the same attention to gate discipline and livestock awareness as the longer route.
Summit Features
At 214 m, the highest point is marked by a tidy stone cairn and an Ordnance Survey trig pillar (OS map sheet 41, grid reference N465 82 639). The cairn provides a stable, wind-sheltered spot to pause, check your map, or take photographs. The trig pillar, a relic of Ireland’s early national mapping surveys, sits just a few metres away and serves as a reliable navigation marker.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The hill’s native deciduous woodland is a mix of hazel, rowan, ash, and oak, with occasional plantations of horse chestnut and beech. The real highlight for nature enthusiasts, however, is the surrounding wetland habitat. Nearby Knockbody Wood is a known habitat for wild pheasant, while the shoreline of Lough Derravaragh hosts one of Ireland’s most significant winter bird roosts.
During the colder months, over 3,000 common pochards have been recorded gathering on the lake, a population size that meets international importance thresholds. Other regular winter visitors include mute and whooper swans, Greenland white-fronted geese, tufted ducks, coots, and lapwings. Bring binoculars if you visit between November and March for the best chance of spotting these waterfowl.
Practical Information
- Parking: Free roadside parking is available along Clooney Road near the trailhead. The space is limited, so arriving early on weekends helps avoid congestion.
- Facilities: There are no toilets, cafes, or shops on the hill. Visitors should carry their own water and snacks. Cafés and pubs in nearby Crookedwood, Multyfarnham, Mullingar, or Castlepollard are within a short drive (note that the village of Streamstown is located ~40 km south and should not be confused with the local townland).
- Navigation: The route is clearly trodden, but carrying OS map sheet 41 or a GPS device is advisable. Summit coordinates are 53.623187 N, -7.296821 W.
- Dog walking: Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control, especially near cattle. The “beware bull” signage is active, and leashing your dog through the grazing fields is essential.
- Seasonal notes: The hill is open year-round. Winter offers the best birdwatching conditions, while summer and early autumn provide the clearest long-distance views and driest walking paths.
Nearby Attractions
Knockeyon makes a convenient stop when exploring north County Westmeath’s historic and natural landmarks.
- Hill of Uisneach – Traditionally regarded as the ceremonial centre of Ireland, this ancient site features standing stones, a stone circle, and sweeping panoramic views.
- Lough Derravaragh – The lake that frames Knockeyon’s western slopes is steeped in folklore, most notably the legend of the Children of Lir, and offers popular walking trails and angling spots.
- Castlepollard – A short drive away, this market town is home to Castlepollard House, a well-preserved eighteenth-century manor with landscaped gardens.
Planning Your Visit
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions on the open summit can change quickly. Wear layers, pack a light rain jacket, and let someone know your planned route. The hill rewards a steady pace with quiet woodland walks, tangible history, and expansive views over the Midlands. Arrive by mid-morning to secure parking, take your time through the hazel woodland to the chapel ruins, and allow an extra half-hour at the top if the skies are clear.