Nowen Hill [Cnoc na nAbhann]

About Nowen Hill [Cnoc na nAbhann]

Rising prominently above West Cork, this rugged Marilyn is easily identified by the communication masts crowning its summit. Known as Cnoc na nAbhann, the 'Hill of the Rivers', its heathery slopes offer a straightforward ascent, often via the service road, rewarding walkers with sprawling views over Bantry Bay and the distant Caha Mountains.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The Irish name Cnoc na nAbhann translates as 'Hill of the Rivers'. This is a literal description of its geography, as the hill serves as a primary watershed for the region; the River Ilen rises on its southern slopes, while the source of the Bandon River lies just to the east.
• •The summit is a significant hub for telecommunications in West Cork. While the masts impact the skyline, they provide a reliable navigational landmark and a firm access track that avoids the deeper sections of surrounding peat bog.
• •From the top, the views are particularly rewarding for coastal orientation, offering a clear look at the Sheep's Head Peninsula and the distinctive radar domes atop Mount Gabriel near Schull.
• •Nowen Hill stands as a solitary Marilyn, separated from the main spine of the Shehy Mountains by lower ground, making it one of the most prominent points of interest for those travelling the R585 'Lough Lua' route.
• •The presence of the massive transmitter ensures that while you might feel remote in the mist, you are remarkably unlikely to suffer from a lack of mobile signal while consulting your digital maps.