Knockeyon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Knockeyon
Knockeyon, foggy morning, County Westmeath
Elevation	215 metres (705 ft)
Location	County Westmeath, Ireland
Range	Westmeath Hills
Prominence	197 metres (646 ft)}
Coordinates	53°37′24.3″N 7°17′49.6″W / 53.623417, -7.297111Coordinates: 53°37′24.3″N 7°17′49.6″W / 53.623417, -7.297111
Listing	Marilyn

An even colder, darker shot of Knockeyon at Crookedwood

Knockeyon (Irish: Cnoic Eoghain), when viewed from the Ranaghan, and Gillards-town side of the hill, it dominates the surrounding lakes in the countryside of northern County Westmeath. Situated between Lough Lene, upon the southeastern shores of Lough Derravaragh, Knockeyon oversees much of the north Leinster countryside.

[edit] Ancient Chapel

Half way up the hill slope remains the ruins of an ancient chapel, built by St. Cauragh, and dedicated to St. Eyon.

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

[edit] Habitat

Knockeyon and other surrounding hills around the southeastern shore of the lake support deciduous woodland which is comprised mostly of native species. Hazel, rowan, ash and oak are abundant. Exotic species occur occasionally, including beech.

Wild fowl	Winter 96 (individuals)
Little Grebe	42 i
Great Crested Grebe	34 i
Cormorant	34 i
Mute Swan	159 i
Whopper Swan	102 i
Greenland White-fronted goose	409 i
Wigeon	207 i
Teal	52 i
Mallard	195 i
Pintail	6 i
Shoveler	12 i
Pochard	3129 i
Tufted Duck	1073 i
Goldeneye	46 i
Coot	1358 i
Golden Plover	158 i
Lapwing	1079 i

The neighbouring Knockbody wood is inhabited by wild pheasant and is a popular attraction for local pheasant hunters.
On occasions the pochard population, which is one of the largest in Ireland, has exceeded the threshold for international importance. (i.e. 3500 individual fowl)
(obtained from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 13th September 2007).