Knockboy and Priest's Leap are steeped in the local folklore of counties Cork and Kerry. Local legend has it that a priest, being pursued by British soldiers, made a miraculous leap from his horse near Kenmare in County Kerry and landed miles away in Knockboy, County Cork, giving this mountain pass its title of Priest’s Leap.
Priest's Leap (Léim an tSagairt) is a steep and nearly straight single lane mountain pass between Coomhola Bridge in County Cork, and the village of Bonane in County Kerry, east of the winding main N71 road from Bantry to Kenmare. It is the highest pass road in Munster at 463m, crossing from County Cork to County Kerry. The steep, narrow local road winds its way up through the mountains, revealing spectacular views of the landscape across the valley below. Look out for the rock with a cross on it as you travel along the road. Caution is advised on this non main roadway route.
Be prepared for the possibility of herds of sheep and cattle grazing along the narrow roadside.
