Devil's Bit Mountain
Prominent Irish mountain with limestone cliffs and folklore
A conical peak with a distinctive notch in County Tipperary, Devil's Bit attracts hillwalkers for short trails, wide views over the plain and a local legend about the mountain's missing summit.
Devil's Bit at a Glance#
About Devil's Bit#
Devil’s Bit is a prominent hill in County Tipperary in the province of Munster, Ireland, rising to approximately 480 metres. The mountain is best known for a conspicuous gap or notch near its summit.
Walkers use established trails to reach the summit plateau and the notch, which provide panoramic views over the surrounding agricultural lowlands and neighbouring hills. The site is popular for day hikes and short ridge walks rather than long technical climbs.
The mountain is a natural geological feature; local folklore attributes the notch to a legend about the devil, which is the origin of the English name. The area has long been part of local rural land use and recreation.
Devil’s Bit sits in central County Tipperary near the town of Templemore and is accessible from regional roads serving the surrounding Golden Vale countryside.
- Elevation: Rises to an elevation of about 480 metres and is notable for a prominent notch near the top that gives the mountain its common name.
What to See#
- The Notch: A distinctive notch near the summit formed by natural erosion; this feature is the focal point of local walking routes and the site of the mountain’s best near-summit views.
- Summit: The summit plateau provides panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and is the end point for most marked walking routes to the top, at an elevation of about 480 metres.
How to Get to Devil's Bit#
Devil’s Bit is accessible by local roads in County Tipperary. The closest larger towns offer bus connections; hire or private car gives the easiest access to trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Devil's Bit#
- Hike early to avoid midday heat and afternoon showers in summer.
- If attempting steeper routes, wear sturdy footwear - exposed sections can be slippery after rain.
- Look for the Devil's Bit plaque and local storytelling panels that recount the mountain's folklore.
Best Time to Visit Devil's Bit#
Late spring to early autumn is generally the best time to visit for hiking and views.
Weather & Climate near Devil's Bit#
Devil's Bit's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1457 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 157 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | 4° | 121 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 121 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 91 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 98 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 90 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.1 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 90 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 115 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 117 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 12° | 6° | 154 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 145 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 158 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |