Climbed Knocknahillion from the west on a slightly overcast September day, setting off from the point where the western way meets the Ilion road (around L859 533 G). I took the route along the stream that goes up to the left of Knocknahillion (from that vantage point), and followed it up about 430m - a stiff but straightforward climb - into a high sheltered hollow with peaks on three sides, a rocky landscape, and a few ovine inhabitants who eyed me warily. Here the stream veered left, but I kept on straight to the peak ahead, called Maumean (541m) on my OS37 (but which I now see is called Knocknahillion North Top here). The wind was really lashing up here, and I pondered the name "Pass of the Birds" - birds might consider this a mountain pass, but nothing earthbound. The eastern slopes of Mamean looked really precipitous, almost or totally impassable. The ascent to Knocknahillion is easy from here, though.

From Knocknahillion's top, I went for the direct descent in a WSW direction to the road. Not recommended. I ended up doing some quite hairy scrambling. If I did it again, I'd probably take the same ascent, including Maumean/ North Top, but descend through Maumahoge. The mountain was as wild, windy and deserted as you could wish, and the journey probably took two-and-a-half hours, including short breaks, at a leisurely pace. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/260/comment/15192/