The Unnamed Road from Lismore met up with R668, the road that runs along the Knockmealdown mountains. The road climbed and climbed with beautiful views. The Vee is the steep switchback as the road descends. The Golden Vale, or Golden Vane is panoramic pastureland visible from the mountains.
R668 climbing up the Knockmealdown mountains, Ireland
Trucker having lunch at a pull-off on R668, view down the Knockmealdown Mountains, Ireland
View from R668, Knockmealdown mountains, Ireland
There was very little traffic and occasional pull offs along the way. This is the first pull off, just as you cross from County Waterford to County Tipperary. From the map, it seems to overlook the area around Bohernagore West Townland. In Ireland a “townland” is the name for the smallest administrative division of land.
Wow! Driving the top of the mountains!
Driving the top of the Knockmealdown mountain ridge!
The Vee, R668, Knockmealdown Mountains, Ireland, with the view of the Golden Vale
The Vee, R668, Knockmealdown Mountains, Ireland
The road starts back down out of the Knockmealdown mountains, through a gap at Sugar Loaf. The road makes a very sharp switchback, called the Vee.
The drive had climbed so gently, I had not noticed how high I had gotten. But, the drive from here down was much steeper.
The view is absolutely breathtaking. You are looking across the Golden Vale, or Golden Vein from the Knockmealdown Mountains to the Galtee Mountains.
The Golden Vale or Golden Vein, Beautiful rich pastureland in Munster, Ireland.
It is almost always called the Golden Vale now, but originally it was called the Golden Vein. Vale means valley, and it is kinda a valley. But, originally they called it a vein, like finding a vein of gold when mining. It may be the best land in Ireland.
Grubb’s Grave
There is a parking place at the Vee. You can walk back and up to Grubb’s Grave on Sugarloaf Hill.
July 28, 2016 at 1:37 pm
The Vee is a great place to cycle. The Vee is on Sugar Loaf. The Gap runs from Tipperary to Waterford between Knockaunabulloga (on which you will find Bay Lough) and the Sugar Loaf. The journey rises to about 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level above Bay Lough. You can see along and across the valley to Clonmel, Cahir, Ardfinnan, Clogheen, Ballyporeen and even Cashel.
January 28, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Tour the The Golden Vale: The Living land audio CD, from the Ballyhoura Office in Kilfinane leads you on a tour from the level pasturelands to the north, to the foot of the highest inland mountain, Galtymore (3015ft) by Griston Bog, you will pass from picturesque countryside through the medieval town of Kilmallock and around Lough Gur, famous for its many archaeological sites. The signposted driving route weaves through the villages and towns of Kilmallock, Bruree, Bruff, Croom, Lough Gur, Ballyneety, Pallas Grean, Emly, Galbally, Kilfinane and Ballylanders.
It includes:
Lough Gur- one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe renowned for its continuous habitation spanning over 3000 years
Kilmallock- medieval town fortified in 1375 with five impressive towers hints at the wealth of this once thriving town. Buildings of note include the Dominican Priory established in 1291, Johns Castle a 15th century Peel Tower and the 16th century Stone Mansion.
Galbally- the quaint market square has been the focus of village life since the early 1800s, when horses from the Bianconi company pulled mail coaches to stables on the northern side of the square. Darbys Bed and Moor Abbey are two historical sites of importance.
• Bruree- Home to former President of Ireland Eamonn De Valera, the former school house he attended as a young boy houses an interesting collection of his personal belongings alongside items recording early 20th century life.