Where the Knockmealdowns are
The Knockmealdown range straddles the Tipperary–Waterford border, south-east of Clonmel and north of Lismore. The highest point is Knockmealdown itself at 794m. The range runs roughly east-west and the famous Vee Pass (R668) cuts through the middle.
From Clonmel, the northern Knockmealdown slopes are about 25 minutes by car via Clogheen.
The riding
The Knockmealdowns are heavily forested on the lower slopes — extensive Coillte plantation gives you a network of fire roads, doubletrack, and the occasional bit of singletrack. The ridge line is open mountain and rideable in good conditions, but it's exposed and the weather changes fast.
Typical ride: park at one of the forest entries off the R668 or the Mountain Road from Clogheen, climb on fire road, descend through pine. The forest layout in places favours loops of 8-15km. Add a ridge traverse for a bigger day.
Skill level: similar to the Comeraghs. Trail riders comfortable on natural terrain. Nothing here demands a downhill bike.
Conditions
Less rainfall than the Comeraghs (the Knockmealdowns sit in a slight rain shadow) but still Irish-wet. The plantation forest drains better than the higher peat ground. Year-round riding is possible but autumn through spring needs proper tyres.
Getting in
From Clonmel: south on R670 to Clogheen (25 mins), then up the Vee Pass (R668). Multiple Coillte trail heads are signed off the Vee road and the lower forestry network.
For Lismore-side access, the R668 from the south is the main route.
Pair it with
The Knockmealdowns pair naturally with a day in the Comeraghs (next valley east) or with a Cork trip if you're driving from Cork city.