Knockowen is one of the highest Caha peaks and lies about 2.5 km NE of the Healy Pass. There's much undulating ground with many rocky ledges either to circumvent or to incorporate into a hike. It's the door to some very remote terrain between the Healy and Caha Passes.
SW. From the south west, park at V78640 53567 A where there is room for 3 cars. If the shop is closed parking is also possible at V78656 53463 B. There is a rough track leading east from the high point of the pass. Pick your way upwards around easy, rock shelfs onto a level rocky ridge. As you leave this ridge look for a grassy slope on the side of Knockowen to ascend to the summit cairn on a low rock shelf. 1.5 hrs should have you there comfortably.
W. You can also head from the west by parking at the hairpin bend (V78987 54544 C) where there is room for a couple of cars. First ascend the steep, grassy slopes to the rocky summit of Stookeennalackareha. After that, head due east, dropping slightly before a long pull up to the summit of Knockowen. [ allow 1.5 to 2 hours to summit this way]
If you're interested in a long day in very remote terrain look no further that track/2767 which is a 21k loop taking in 6 summits among its 1,125 metres of ascent.
Views are widespread to the north-west looking over Glanmore lake and over to the Iveragh peninsula while S and E there are great views of the nearby hills and valleys of the Cahas and on to Sheep's Head and Mizen peninsulas.
Beware of very steep ground to the N. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/175/comment/4935/