Brandon Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brandon Hill |
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| Cnoc Bhréanail | |
Brandon Hill from the northwest
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 515 m (1,690 ft) |
| Prominence | 450 m (1,480 ft) |
| Listing | County Top (Kilkenny), Marilyn, Arderin |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Irish |
| Geography | |
 Brandon Hill
Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland |
| OSI/OSNI grid | S697402 |
| Topo map | OSi Discovery 68 |
Brandon Hill (Irish: Cnoc Bhréanail) is the tallest mountain in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It stands at 515 m (1,690 ft) above sea level. A popular walking path called the South Leinster Way goes right through it. This trail winds through the beautiful Barrow Valley.
At the bottom of Brandon Hill, you'll find the village of Graiguenamanagh and the River Barrow. Brandon Hill is known as a "county high point." This means it's the highest spot in County Kilkenny! It also has other special classifications, like being a "Marilyn" or an "Arderin." These are ways that experts categorize mountains and hills.
Contents
What is Brandon Hill?
Brandon Hill is the highest point in County Kilkenny. It is a well-known landmark in the area. Hikers and nature lovers enjoy exploring its slopes. The mountain is part of a larger chain of hills.
Where is Brandon Hill located?
Brandon Hill is in the southern part of County Kilkenny. It is about 4 kilometers southwest of Graiguenamanagh. It is also 7 kilometers east of Inistioge and 11 kilometers east of Thomastown. The mountain sits in an area called the barony of Gowran. This is within the province of Leinster.
How was Brandon Hill formed?
Brandon Hill is at the end of a chain of granite mountains. These mountains stretch all the way from Dublin Bay. The lower parts of Brandon Hill, especially near the River Barrow, are made of a type of rock called schist. This rock is dark and shiny. It is hard enough to scratch glass. You might also find some marble and limestone near the base of the mountain.
Ancient Discoveries on Brandon Hill
Did you know that people lived on Brandon Hill thousands of years ago? In 1989, archaeologists found signs of early settlements. They discovered ancient stone piles called cairns. They also found old house sites and farming areas. There was even a large ritual enclosure. These findings show that people lived here over four thousand years ago!
Archaeologists also found two Norman sites on the lower slopes. These sites are about 600 years old. They likely belonged to farms connected to a nearby abbey. These discoveries help us understand the long history of human life on Brandon Hill.
Images for kids
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Brandon Hill from the River Barrow in Graiguenamanagh
