Knockeyon

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.

Knockeyon
(Cnoc Eoghain)
Knockeyon on a foggy morning
Highest point
Elevation214 m (702 ft) [1]
Prominence128[1] m (420 ft)
Coordinates53°37′24.3″N 7°17′49.6″W 
Geography
Knockeyon
Location in Ireland
LocationCounty Westmeath, Ireland
Knockeyon at Crookedwood

Location

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

Ancient chapel

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.

Habitat

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,[2] has exceeded the threshold for international importance. (i.e. 3,500 individual fowl).[3]


Wild fowl Winter 96
(individuals)
Little grebe 42
Great crested grebe 34
Cormorant 34
Mute swan 159
Whooper swan 102
Greenland white-fronted goose 409
Wigeon 207
Teal 52
Mallard 195
Pintail 6
Shoveller 12
Pochard 3,129
Tufted duck 1,073
Goldeneye 46
Coot 1,358
Golden plover 158
Lapwing 1,079

References
  1. Knockeyon, mountainviews.ie
  2. National Parks & Wildlife Service (2004). "Lough Derravaragh SPA 004043 Site Synposis" (PDF). www.npws.ie. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  3. British Trust for Ornithology (2011). "Species Threshold Levels". www.bto.org. British Trust for Ornithology. Retrieved 7 June 2014.


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