Knockbrack

About Knockbrack

Straddling the highland border between Cork and Kerry, this rugged sandstone peak offers a quiet, peat-heavy alternative to the busier Reeks. The 608-metre summit rewards walkers with clear views over the Roughty Valley and the distinctive jagged silhouette of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks rising to the northwest.

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Did You Know?

• •The name comes from the Irish 'An Cnoc Breac', meaning the 'Speckled Hill', referring to the mottled appearance of the rocky sandstone outcrops scattered amongst the mountain grasses and heather.
• •It marks an important drainage divide; the northern slopes feed the Roughty River flowing toward Kenmare, while the southern side contributes to the headwaters of the River Lee.
• •To the north, the view is framed by the prehistoric silhouettes of the Paps of Anu, while looking southwest offers glimpses of the Beara Peninsula and the Atlantic coastline.
• •Standing at 1,995 feet, the hill falls just five feet short of the prestigious 2,000-foot mark—a geographical near-miss that ensures it remains a peaceful destination for those avoiding the busier peaks.