Knockmealdown

Knockmealdown is the highest peak of the Knockmealdown Range of mountains, located on the border between counties Tipperary and Waterford.

Geography

The peak itself is located in County Waterford and is the highest point in that county. However, since the county border generally follows the summit line the main peaks are actually in both county Tipperary and in County Waterford.

Name

Knockmealdown is the Anglicised form of an older Irish name. The original Irish name is widely believed to be Cnoc Mhaoldomhnaigh, meaning "Muldowneys' hill". It has also been suggested that it is derived from Cnoc Maol Donn, meaning "bald brown hill". In 1654 the name was recorded as Knockmealdowny, indicating there was an extra syllable at the end.

Hill walking

The peak is easily accessed from the west, via the layby overlooking Bay Lough on the Vee Gap. This involves first climbing Sugarloaf Hill. It may also be climbed by following the Glannandaree stream from the carpark at the point where the R668 and R669 roads meet.