Knockboy

Mountain Highest mountain in County Cork, popular for hiking

On the Cork-Kerry border, Knockboy in the Shehy Mountains attracts hillwalkers with peatland slopes, bog tracks and panoramic views across valleys toward the coast.

Main image

Knockboy is a mountain in Munster, Ireland, with a summit elevation of about 706 metres and recognised as the highest point in the province.

The mountain is visited for hillwalking and panoramic views from the summit over surrounding uplands and coastline; established walking routes lead to the top from nearby trails.

The name derives from the Irish Cnoc Buí, meaning “yellow hill.” It is mapped as a distinct peak and commonly climbed as a day hike.

It sits in southern Ireland within the province of Munster, in the general area of County Cork.

  • Elevation: 706 metres; the highest point in the province of Munster
Knockboy
Knockboy (Cnoc Buí), Munster region, Ireland (summit in County Cork)
51.8142, -9.4442
Open access (outdoor)
Free

How to Get to Knockboy #

Knockboy is reached by local roads from nearby towns in County Cork. Small county roads lead to trailheads-use a reliable map or local directions. Parking is roadside and limited; approach on foot from the nearest village if possible.

Tips for Visiting Knockboy #

  • Climb early for better light on the summit cairn and to avoid agricultural machinery on lower tracks.
  • Look for sheep folds and old boundary stones-these landscape details tell the human history of grazing and land use.
  • Combine the ascent with a coastal viewpoint; the mountain's slopes fall toward scenic bays on clear days.

Best Time to Visit Knockboy #

Late spring to early autumn for easier walking conditions; weather can change quickly, so be prepared.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 10-20°C
Poorest chance of rain and the clearest views, but busier trails.
Spring/Autumn
Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 6-15°C
More atmospheric conditions and fewer walkers.

Weather & Climate near Knockboy #

Climate

Knockboy's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1982 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (234 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

234 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

177 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.7h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
15.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
16.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
15.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (203 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

203 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (209 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

209 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (232 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

232 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

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