County Kilkenny at its highest
Brandon Hill is County Kilkenny's high point, with a forest recreation area near Graiguenamanagh providing a useful starting point for research. It adds a southeastern hill to a challenge that ranges from low inland woodland to the largest western mountains. Coillte publishes information for a summit outing here, which makes the distinction between the forest paths and the actual high point easier to investigate before deciding on your day's walk.
Before you go
Plan your visit
Read Coillte's Brandon Hill Deerpark page and trail map before choosing an outing. The operator describes its summit route as strenuous and says dogs are not allowed on the open ground because of sheep. Confirm the current trailhead and any forestry notices rather than assuming every forest entrance serves the same walk. High Point Ireland recommends Discovery Sheet 68 and the EastWest Blackstairs, Mount Leinster and Barrow Valley map for the wider setting.
Check before travelling
Local notices and access can change. Read the current source before setting out.
Use a current detailed map, check weather and access, and choose a route within your experience. Plan a hill day →
Sources and further planning
Source observations: 15 October 2026. Access and closures can change; check the linked operator before travel. Heights follow the stated list convention.