Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar]
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V5084 : Knocknadobar summit
Keith Cunneen Photo source
Overview
Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar]
Knocknadobar is a 690 m mountain in County Kerry, northeast of Cahersiveen on the Iveragh Peninsula. Its prominence is 565 m. The exact summit is the trig point at V5064884516. Current hill record
Cross and summit
The large Celtic cross marks the pilgrimage destination on the upper plateau, short of the natural summit. Hillwalkers seeking the exact top must locate the trig point rather than stop at the cross. Kells Mountain, also called Knocknadobar East Top, and Knocknadobar North Top are separate summits. Cross and summit distinction
Walking and access
The southwestern Pilgrim Path begins at the signed car park near St Fursey’s Well. Follow its stations uphill. For the exact summit, continue beyond the cross to the recorded trig and return by the same route. Do not drift onto the Kells traverse. The official 9 km there-and-back pilgrimage figure is not presented as a measured total for this summit extension; no exact-summit distance or duration is invented. Pilgrimage guide
Dogs are not allowed on the Pilgrim Trail. Respect private land and grazing animals. This is a substantial mountain outing: carry navigation equipment, warm waterproof clothing, food and drinking water. Wet ground, loose stone, exposed slopes and sudden cloud can make the descent difficult. Official access information
Landscape and history
Glacially scoured lower slopes contrast with frost-shattered rock higher up. Northern corries hold tarns. In clear conditions the views include Dingle Bay, the Skelligs and the Blaskets. The name refers to the mountain’s wells or springs. Geological guide
The pilgrimage tradition predates the fourteen stations erected in 1885. Leave the monuments undisturbed and do not treat traditional well-water beliefs as evidence that water is safe to drink.
Travel
Use the foot-of-mountain car park and follow current charging signs. Bus Éireann route 279A reaches Cahersiveen from Tralee via Killorglin; onward transport to the trailhead needs separate planning. Obtain supplies in town and check your return journey. Bus operator
Sources checked 18 October 2026. The latest visitor account consulted describes a walk on 22 August 2026; no personal on-foot inspection is claimed.
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Route planning notes
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Southwestern Pilgrim Path with precise summit return
Start at the signed pilgrim-trail car park near St Fursey’s Well, northeast of Cahersiveen. Follow the marked southwestern path and stations to the Celtic cross. The cross is short of the natural summit: in suitable conditions, continue on the summit ridge to the recorded trig point at V5064884516, then retrace the same way to the original car park. Carry a map and do not drift onto the Kells traverse or North Top. No complete distance or duration is supplied for the exact-summit extension: the official 9 km figure describes the pilgrimage variant. Dogs are not allowed. Sources: https://www.pilgrimpath.ie/cnoc-na-dtobar-kerry/ and https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/go-walk-cnoc-na-dtobar-knocknadobar-co-kerry-1.1970014
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V5084 : Knocknadobar summit
Keith Cunneen
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V5084 : Knocknadobar - Summit Trig Point
Colin Park
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
690m
2,264 ft
Prominence
565m
Coordinates
51.9931, -10.1751
V506845
OS Map
83
At the Summit
The precise DoBIH summit is the trig point at V5064884516, height 690 m. The large Celtic cross on the plateau is the pilgrimage destination and stands short of the natural summit. Kells Mountain (East Top) and the North Top are separate hill identities.
Terrain & Geology
Discover Iveragh records glacially scoured bedrock and perched boulders on Knocknadobar’s lower slopes, with frost-shattered blockfields higher up and glacial corries and tarns to the north. The interpretation that the top stood above the last ice sheet is qualified; the former schist-and-quartzite account is unsupported.
Views & Scenery
In clear weather the upper mountain overlooks Dingle Bay and the Dingle Peninsula, the Skellig and Blasket islands, and the mountains of Kerry. Visibility varies; these are Kerry views, not a Connemara panorama.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Cnoc na dTobar is rendered “mountain of the wells” by Discover Iveragh, referring to springs on the mountain.
Historical Significance
Knocknadobar is a long-established pilgrimage mountain. Pilgrim Paths of Ireland records that Canon Brosnan arranged fourteen Stations of the Cross in 1885 along the older trail. St Fursey’s Well lies near the base; traditional healing associations are historical beliefs, not drinking-water advice.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Use the signed pilgrim-trail car park at the foot of Knocknadobar near St Fursey’s Well, northeast of Cahersiveen. The official access page places the path entrance there. A visitor on 22 August 2026 reported a €3 honesty-box charge; check current signs and availability, and do not obstruct roads or farm entrances.
Public Transport
Bus Éireann’s route 279A serves Cahersiveen from Tralee via Killorglin. Arrange the onward journey to the pilgrim-trail car park separately and check the current return timetable. No direct bus to the trailhead is verified.
Nearby Facilities
Obtain supplies in Cahersiveen before the walk; the pilgrimage information lists town shops and the Old Barracks Heritage Centre as information or stamping points. No café, toilet or reliable drinking-water supply at the summit is verified.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Cloud, strong wind and rain can make navigation and footing difficult; carry a map, compass and suitable mountain clothing.
- Loose stone, wet ground and the steep northern slopes demand care. Return by your planned route.
- The pilgrimage cross is separate from the exact summit trig; do not mistake the cross or a companion top for the natural summit.
- Dogs are prohibited on the Pilgrim Trail. Respect grazing animals, gates, private land and current signs.
- Carry drinking water; do not assume springs or holy-well water are safe to drink.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar]?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar] search or of course create your own walk for Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar]
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Can I suggest a new route up Knocknadobar [Cnoc na dTobar]?
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Location
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Grid reference: V506845
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