Knockmealdown

Knockmealdown
Cnoc Mhaoldomhnaigh
Knockmealdown east face and summit The screes are steep and barren looking though sheep are grazing
Highest point
Elevation	794 m (2,605 ft)
Prominence	c. 676 m
Parent peak	Galteemore
Listing	Marilyn, Hewitt
Coordinates	52°13′41″N 7°54′57″W / 52.22806°N 7.91583°W / 52.22806; -7.91583Coordinates: 52°13′41″N 7°54′57″W / 52.22806°N 7.91583°W / 52.22806; -7.91583
Geography
Knockmealdown Ireland
Location	Waterford, Republic of Ireland
Parent range	Knockmealdown Mountains
OSI/OSNI grid	S058084
Topo map	OSi Discovery 74
Climbing
Easiest route	hiking

Knockmealdown (Irish: Cnoc Mhaoldomhnaigh) is the highest peak of the Knockmealdown Range of mountains, located on the border between Co Tipperary and Co Waterford. 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 (OSI Discovery Map 75). Of the more prominent peaks to the east of the 'Vee' road — Sugarloaf, Knockmealdown, Knocknagnauv and Knockmeal sit on the border, Knocknafallia and Knocknanask are in County Waterford and Knockshane, Crohan West and Knocknasculloge are in County Tipperary. The same situation is true for part of the nearby Galty mountains where the highest peaks are shared between Tipperary and Limerick.

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.

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