Main image

Richard Webb CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Knockboy

Mountain

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 CorkKillarneyCobhKinsaleDingleClonakiltyKillarney National ParkRing of KerryKnockboy

Knockboy essentials

Address: Knockboy (Cnoc Buí), Munster region, Ireland (summit in County Cork)
Hours: Open access (outdoor)
Admission: Free
GoogleAppleOSM

About Knockboy

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
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 2° - 6° -2° 234 mm overcast 93% 9.1 m/s 0.1 low 8.2h
February Poor 2° - 6° -2° 181 mm overcast 92% 8.9 m/s 0.2 low 9.8h
March Poor 2° - 7° -1° 177 mm overcast 90% 8.4 m/s 0.4 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 3° - 9° 2° 116 mm partly cloudy 87% 7.1 m/s 0.8 moderate 13.7h
May Poor 5° - 12° 5° 124 mm overcast 85% 6.8 m/s 1.2 high 15.4h
June Acceptable 8° - 14° 11° 105 mm overcast 84% 6.3 m/s 1.4 high 16.3h
July Acceptable 10° - 16° 13° 106 mm overcast 86% 6.0 m/s 1.4 high 15.9h
August Acceptable 10° - 16° 13° 137 mm overcast 87% 6.1 m/s 1.1 high 14.4h
September Poor 8° - 14° 11° 158 mm overcast 88% 6.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 12.5h
October Poor 6° - 11° 5° 203 mm overcast 90% 7.9 m/s 0.3 low 10.5h
November Poor 4° - 8° 1° 209 mm overcast 92% 8.5 m/s 0.1 low 8.7h
December Poor 3° - 7° -1° 232 mm overcast 93% 8.8 m/s 0.0 low 7.7h
Getting There & Around

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.