Get Lost Mountaineering

Knockboy from The Priest's Leap

Start/Finish

From Killarney, take the N22 (for Macroom and Cork). After about 9 miles, turn right on to the R569 for Kilgarvin and Kenmare. This is slightly longer, but much quicker, than taking the, seemingly more direct, N71, past the Killarney Lakes. In Kenmare, follow the signs for Glengariff, N71, crossing the river to leave Kenmare. After about 4 miles, there is a Weavers shop on the left next to a minor road signed for the Priest's Leap which is the top of a pass where a Jesuit Priest, according to legend, did a huge jump on his horse about 400 years ago. There are signs at each junction before a long section climbs S to the top of the pass. Some older guidebooks say that this section is a rough farm track but it has been upgraded since 2010 and is now a public tarmac road although narrow in places. There is limited parking at the top of the pass. If that is full, one will have to park down one side of the pass.

Distance/Time

5 km      About 3 hours

Peaks

Knockboy, 706 m, W 004 620 (Irish National Grid System)

Irish OS Discovery Series Map 85 (1:50000)

Introduction

This is a straightforward walk up a grassy ridge with the occasional wet/boggy section with the first 50 m being the worst. There is a distinct path for much of the way. The pass is about 450 m so there is only about a 260 m ascent to the summit. Navigation is very straightforward, even in mist, as fences guide almost all the route. On a clear day there are good views of the surrounding hills and coasts.

Route

(1) Follow the right hand side of the fence behind the sign on the top of the pass, heading just N of E. This fence eventually meets another fence at a T junction. Cross the fence ahead and walk at about 10.30. If clear, there will be a post with a faded notice on it in this direction, sitting on a mound. Soon, Lough Boy will be reached with its island steeping stones in its middle but only if you are about 6 m tall! Crossing another fence, locate the fence going roughly E from Lough Boy. Follow this fence, on its right hand side until it turns right. Cross the fence and continue ahead. Within 100 m, reach the trig point and large cairn which mark the summit of Knockboy, 706 m. On a clear day, the summit be clearly visible before the fence corner is reached.

(2) Retrace the outward route.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 24^th April, 2013.

(b) The Fossa camp and caravan site, at V 910 923 is very good and very well situated for the Killarney mountains, especially Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain as it is only about 3 miles from Kate Kearney's Cottage. At Fossa, there are camping and caravanning facilities as well as a hostel and static trailer vans can also be hired. For campers, there are excellent showers (small extra charge) and there is a good campers’ kitchen with tables, sinks and cooking area if you have your own cooker and pans. Gas rings are available (small extra charge). There is also a TV room. Reception is open quite late in the high season and the staff are very helpful. A computer is available for hire and there is a freezer in reception. There is a bus stop outside the site for Killarney. There is a 24 hour Tesco which is off the northern bypass (turn right at 4^th roundabout then right at next). Out of high season, it can be better for 2 people to rent a trailer van than to camp separately.