Knockeyon

Knockeyon
(Cnoc Eoghain)
Knockeyon on a foggy morning
Highest point
Elevation	214 m (702 ft)
Prominence	128 m (420 ft)
Coordinates	53°37′24.3″N 7°17′49.6″W / 53.623417°N 7.297111°W / 53.623417; -7.297111Coordinates: 53°37′24.3″N 7°17′49.6″W / 53.623417°N 7.297111°W / 53.623417; -7.297111
Geography
Knockeyon Location in Ireland
Location	County Westmeath, Ireland

Knockeyon (Irish: Cnoc Eoghain) is a hill in County Westmeath, Ireland. When viewed from the Ranaghan, and Gillardstown side of the hill, it dominates the surrounding lakes in the countryside of northern County Westmeath.

The hill is on the southeastern shore of Lough Derravaragh and oversees much of the north Leinster countryside.

The ruins of an ancient chapel, built by Saint Cauragh and dedicated to Saint Eyon, are halfway up the hill.

The chapel was cut out of the natural rock, and is believed to have never possessed a roof. The ruins of Saint Cauragh's Well are adjacent to this chapel; its waters were believed to have miraculous properties.

Knockeyon and other surrounding hills support deciduous woodland which mostly consists of native species. Hazel, rowan, ash and oak are abundant. Exotic species occur occasionally, including beech.

The neighbouring Knockbody Wood is inhabited by wild pheasant and is a popular attraction for local pheasant hunters. On occasions the Common pochard (Aythya ferina) population, which is one of the largest in Ireland, has exceeded the threshold for international importance. (i.e. 3,500 individual fowl).