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Kilkenny

Brandon Hill Summit

Highlight • Summit

Brandon Hill Summit

Hiking

5.0

(28)

The highest point in County Kilkenny, Brandon Hill not only makes a great place to tick off the list but the views are fantastic. The hill lies between the rivers Barrow and Nore, overlooking the County Carlow border immediately to the east. From the summit, you can enjoy 360-degree views far into the distance.

The lower reaches of the hill are forested, so you’ll almost always start your exploration in glorious woodland. When you break the treeline, an open hillside rolls out before you and you can start glimpsing hints of the views awaiting.

Soaring views across Counties Kilkenny and Carlow

There are numerous trails ascending Brandon Hill and several car parks around its base from which to start. You can also begin your adventure in the nearby town of Graiguenamanagh. The beginnings of most routes are forestry tracks before moving onto the hillside trails, which can be rocky and muddy in places.

When you reach the summit, you’re treated to a sweeping panorama packed with patchwork fields and distant hills. There’s a large metal cross next to the top, as well as a wide, squat trig pillar with a toposcope. The hillside is covered in heather, making summer a wonderful time to visit, when it turns a deep purple. You can certainly explore the hill throughout the year though, as each season brings a different personality.

This is a great hill to ascend with children as it’s a steady climb and there’s nothing technical. Always take sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, keeping an eye on the forecast and the skies in case the weather should turn. The trees provide good shelter though, should you get caught out.

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    Tips

    July 27, 2021

    Hiking

    At 515 meters tall, Brandon Hill is County Kilkenny's highest mountain. The view from its summit is correspondingly beautiful.
    Translated by

    February 24, 2021

    Hiking

    Brandon Hill is the highest mountain in County Kilkenny, Ireland, with an elevation of 515 m (1,690 ft) and prominence at 448 m (1,470 ft). It is near the village of Graiguenamanagh on the River Barrow which is at the base of the hill. It is classified as a county high point, an Arderin, a Myrddyn Dewey, and a Marilyn.
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    Nearby routes

    Best routes near Brandon Hill Summit

    4.7

    (9)

    48

    hikers

    #1.

    Brandon Hill Loop

    19.8km

    06:14

    600m

    600m

    Hike the challenging Brandon Hill Loop, Kilkenny's highest peak, for panoramic views and varied terrain over 12.3 miles (19.8 km).

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    Hard

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Moderate

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Moderate

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 500 m

    Good to know

    Family Friendly

    yes

    Wheelchair access

    no

    Dog Friendly

    yes

    Weather

    Powered by Foreca

    Tuesday 5 May

    13°C

    4°C

    18 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

    Most visited during

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    Location: Kilkenny, Ireland

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