Overview
Rising to 214 m (702 ft) with a prominence of 128 m, Knockeyon sits on the southeastern edge of Lough Derravaragh in County Westmeath. It is the third‑highest point in the county, after Mullaghmeen (258 m) and another unnamed summit. The hill’s bedrock is chiefly cherty limestone with minor shale – the so‑called Derravaragh Cherts – which creates the occasional exposed rock outcrops that walkers enjoy.
From the summit you can glimpse the Mourne Mountains, the rolling hills of County Down and, on a clear day, the distant expanse of Lough Neagh. The landscape is a patchwork of grassy slopes, rocky outcrops and occasional boggy patches, all underpinned by Carboniferous sandstone and shale that create subtle rock formations for the keen eye.
History & Heritage
Halfway up the hill lie the ruins of a small chapel (national monument WM012‑206). The rectangular stone building, aligned northwest‑southeast, appears on the 1911 OS 25‑inch map and was once the focus of an annual devotional pattern held around 1 August. Only the footings survive today, nestled within a dense historic woodland of hazel, oak, rowan and ash. The chapel’s presence hints at a long‑standing spiritual connection to the hill, possibly linked to a saint named Eoin – the Irish name ‘Cnoc Eoin’ translates to “Eoin’s Hill”.
Access & Permissions
Knockeyon sits on private land. Hillwalkers are asked to respect the landowner’s wishes: park only where signs permit, keep gates as you find them and, if you encounter an open gate that could allow livestock to stray, close it and inform a local resident. During the COVID‑19 lockdown period the hill was temporarily closed to the public; normal access has since resumed, but it is still courteous to seek permission from the owner if you are unsure.
The most common starting point is off the R394 (Castlepollard road) north of Mullingar. After passing through Crookedwood, turn left at the junction for Collinstown and look for a newly built house on the right – this is the informal parking spot used by many walkers. A small “beware bull” sign marks a gate on the route; black and white cattle are often present, so keep dogs on a leash and give the animals plenty of space.
Walking Routes
Clooney Road Route (≈5.5 km, 2½ hrs round‑trip)
The moderate ascent begins at the informal parking area on Clooney Road. The way‑marked track weaves through historic woodland, passes the chapel ruins and climbs to the summit cairn and trig pillar. The route is well‑trodden but includes a few boggy sections after rain, so sturdy boots are advisable.
Short Loop (≈1.8 km, 45 min round‑trip)
A shorter, steeper track listed on MountainViews starts near grid reference N46703 64410. The path is straightforward, but walkers share the field with belted Galloway cattle and must respect the same gate and livestock warnings as the longer route.
Summit Features
At the top of Knockeyon you will find a tidy stone cairn and a historic trig pillar (OS map sheet 41, grid reference N465 82 639). Both make good photo subjects and provide a clear marker of the hill’s highest point. The cairn offers a comfortable spot to pause and take in the panoramic views.
Wildlife & Habitat
Knockeyon’s woodlands support native species such as hazel, rowan, ash and oak, with occasional exotics like horse chestnut and beech. The nearby Knockbody Wood is a hotspot for wild pheasant and, in winter, hosts one of Ireland’s largest common pochard populations – over 3,000 birds have been recorded on Lough Derravaragh. Other winter waterfowl include mute swan, whooper swan, Greenland white‑fronted goose, teal, mallard and tufted duck, making the area a rewarding destination for birdwatchers.
Views
From the cairn you can enjoy sweeping panoramas: the Mourne Mountains to the east, the undulating hills of County Down, and the shimmering surface of Lough Neagh in the distance. The lake itself reflects the sky in a way that photographers find especially compelling during sunrise and sunset.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (December–February) – Excellent for birdwatching, especially the large pochard roost.
- Spring (March–May) – Woodland blossoms and fresh greenery make for pleasant walks.
- Summer (June–August) – Clearer days provide the best long‑range views; the 1 August devotional pattern is no longer held, but the hill remains peaceful.
- Autumn (September–November) – Autumn colours add depth to the landscape and the weather is often still mild for walking.
Practical Information
Getting there – The hill is most easily accessed from the village of Streamstown. Free parking is available along Clooney Road near the trailhead; the site is small, so early arrival in busy periods can help secure a space. Bus services from nearby towns drop passengers within a 20‑minute walk of the starting point, providing a public‑transport option for those without a car.
Facilities – There are no built‑in visitor facilities on the hill. The nearest cafés are located in the surrounding villages, offering a warm drink and a slice of cake before or after your walk.
Route conditions – The terrain is a mix of grassy and rocky ground with occasional boggy sections, especially after rain. The summit cairn is stable, but the approach to the chapel passes over uneven stone footings, so careful footing is advisable.
Safety – While the hill is not technically challenging, walkers should be aware of the presence of livestock on some routes and respect any signage regarding private land. The chapel ruins are fragile; visitors are asked to stay on the established paths to protect the archaeological remains.
Navigation – The OS map sheet 41 (grid reference N465 82 639) marks the hill and the chapel. GPS coordinates for the summit are 53.623158 N, ‑7.296776 W, useful for handheld devices.
Seasonality – The hill is open year‑round. Winter brings the most abundant birdlife, while summer offers lush woodland and clearer views of the surrounding countryside.
Nearby Attractions
- Hill of Uisneach – Often described as the symbolic centre of Ireland, this ancient ceremonial site lies a short drive north of Knockeyon. Hill of Uisneach
- Lough Derravaragh – The lake that frames Knockeyon’s western horizon, famous for the “Children of Lir” legend. Lough Derravaragh
- Castlepollard – A nearby market town with shops, cafés and the historic Castlepollard House.
Summary
Knockeyon delivers a compact yet rewarding hill‑walking experience: historic chapel ruins, a trig pillar, diverse woodland, abundant birdlife and expansive lake vistas, all within easy reach of Westmeath’s road network. Whether you’re a casual stroller, a birdwatcher, or a history enthusiast, the hill’s gentle slopes and cultural layers make it a worthwhile stop on any Irish itinerary.