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.
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
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.
Weather & Climate near Knockboy #
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.
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.
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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.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (203 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (209 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (232 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.