Have you ever visited this hidden gem near Kilkenny?

Sitting high in the landscape at 296 metres, the Brown Mountain or the Rock or Fort of Carrigadoon overlooking the Lingaun Valley holds an amazing array of surprises for the visitor.

Afforested and a place of tranquillity with some coded log piles after harvesting, it provides sparse enough views on its slopes before its peak opens up to panoramic views over the rich green pastured Suir Valley.

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Down below it stretches past the river bends to the meeting of the Three Sisters beyond Waterford at one end, looks down on the ruins of Newtownlennon Church, Faugheen, the entrance at Poulmaleen, Carrick-on Suir, and on via Kilsheelin and the wood factory chimneys in Clonmel.

Beyond them it takes in the various shaped hills and mountains of Munster via Comeraghs, the famed Seskin Hills, Knockmealdowns and Galtees before it stretches via Curraghadobbin along to Slievenamon.

From there its foothills flow down over Grangemockler and on to Windgap with the background views being filled in as far away as the Devils Bit.

On its many road ways and well used single pathways, moss covered old ditches can be seen and large rocks remain untouched since time began.

At the main entrance in Newtown its closest and neighbouring hill sits just across the way in Birchwood and rising to its peak in Baunfree it has created a gorge for the Lingaun River that provides the background sound as it flows into its more gentle stages and the Suir at the Three Bridges.

Its industrial, communications and historical importance is reflected in many ways; the sign at the entrance celebrates the time when it was used as a base camp for the Young Ireland rebels in famine times as the country’s abundant food made its way out of the valley and country.

Close to the top, a multi dished mast uses its height and sight light lines to improve communications. Not far away a large open cast quarry is located where the renowned blue slate seam that was quarried and cut in the valley below turns to a softer pale green colour.

Just behind the seat of learning of Newtown School on the road to Ahenny of the High Crosses, the well-worn playing field carved into the hillside, lies close by to where the Walls of Newtown and Carrick Swan, Tommy and Willie set out to win hurling All Irelands for Tipperary.

Notably lacking litter on the lower parts, a Flymo electric Mower appears on the edge of a pathway as Sundae Cupcakes still remained untouched in their package.

At its peak it shows signs of an era of heavier dumping now almost subsumed in briars, under trees and in crevices.

Along it, and around the edges it contains pockets of native trees, where birds from wrens to buzzards and wildlife roam with plants with their in season flowers and fruits from freaháins to wild cherry to be seen.

The hidden gem with its unmarked walking trails suitable for all seasons is an asset of great potential.