Knocknarea is a large prominent hill west of Sligo town in County Sligo, Ireland, with a height of 327 metres. Knocknarea is visually striking as it has steep limestone cliffs and stands on the Cúil Irra peninsula overlooking the Atlantic coast. Wikipedia
Queen Maeve Trail – Knocknarea
Please note, The cairn and its surrounds at the summit of Knocknarea constitute a sacred burial place to people in this area and should be treated with dignity and respect – PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB THE CAIRN.
The clear-cut limestone mountain of Knocknarea, located on the Cúil Irra (Coolera) peninsula, forms one of County Sligo’s most conspicuous landmarks. Knocknarea Mountain (320m) dominates the skyline of Sligo. Formed from limestone over 300 million years ago, the summit is crowned by the great cairn of Queen Maeve (Miosgan Meadhbha) and has been an importance ritual focal point since Neolithic times. The presence of the passage tombs, along with circular house foundations and an extensive system of earthen banks enclosing the eastern approach to the summit, are all reminders that this was a place of intensive activity. The large cairn measuring some 55 meters across and 10 meters in height, was probably built around 3400BC, while some of the smaller passage tombs are potentially some one hundred years older.
A visit to the nearby interpretive centre at Carrowmore is highly recommended in order to gain a greater understanding of this landscape.
This is a very rewarding climb with spectacular views in all directions, including the Ox Mountains, Lough Gill, and Slieve League in Donegal and on a clear day Croagh Patrick in the west.
Directions – How to get to the Trailhead.
From Sligo City follow the R292 towards Strandhill, after about 6.5km take the turn to your left at St. Anne’s Church (L3503). Follow this road for approximately 3km to a crossroads, take a right here (L3507, Glen Road) and continue for about 850m, turn right again and continue to the main carpark. Note after about 2.5km on L3503 you will pass the Rathcarrick carpark on your right. You may start your walk from here though it is advised that you continue to the larger main carpark. Also note that you can continue on the R292 for about 500m to the Strandhill entrance to the trail. There is limited on road parking here though on non-matchdays you should be able park at Sligo Rugby Club, just across the road from the trail entrance.
More information – https://sligowalks.ie/walks/qmt/
More Places in Sligo: – https://lovetovisitireland.com/?s=sligo&post_type=place
Explore Sligo
Viator