Queen Maeve's Cairn
Queen Maeve's Cairn: A Journey Through Time
Knocknarea: Queen Maeve's Mountain
Hike to the summit of Knocknarea, where myth and history converge, and panoramic views reward your journey to Queen Maeve's Cairn.
Knocknarea, a striking limestone hill in County Sligo, is crowned by a massive cairn believed to be the final resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve. The mountain offers panoramic views and a journey through Ireland's ancient past.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Knocknarea
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Knocknarea South, Co. Sligo, IE
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Getting There
Driving
From Sligo town, follow the R292 towards Strandhill. After about 6.5km, turn left at St. Anne's Church (L3503). Follow this road for approximately 3km to a crossroads, then turn right onto the L3507 (Glen Road). Continue for about 850m and turn right again to reach the main car park. Parking is free. From the car park, follow the Queen Maeve Trail to the summit.
Public Transport
From Sligo Bus Station, take the S2 or S3 bus towards Strandhill. Get off at Dorrins Strand. From there, it's approximately a 40-minute (3 km) walk to the Knocknarea trailhead. A single bus fare costs approximately €4-€6. Check the Bus Éireann website for the most up-to-date schedules.
Walking
From Strandhill, follow the road towards Knocknarea. Pass the church on your right and continue on the road out of the village. After 2km, turn left, signposted for Knocknarea. Follow this road up a steep hill, passing "the Glen" on your right as the road gets very narrow. Take the first left, again signposted for Knocknarea, bringing you to the car park. From the car park, the Queen Maeve Trail leads to the summit.
Local tips
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Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be steep and rocky, especially closer to the summit.
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Be prepared for changeable weather; bring layers and rain gear.
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Do not climb on the cairn or remove any stones; respect this ancient monument.
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Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the mountain itself.
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Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip hike, plus extra time to enjoy the views.
Discover more about Knocknarea
Knocknarea (Cnoc na Riabh, meaning 'Hill of Stripes' or possibly 'Hill of the Kings' ) dominates the skyline west of Sligo town, rising to 327 meters (1,073 ft). This prominent limestone hill on the Coolera Peninsula offers commanding views of the Atlantic coast and surrounding landscape.At the summit lies Miosgán Meadhbha (Maeve's Heap), a large cairn about 55 meters (180 ft) wide and 10 meters (33 ft) high. Believed to date back to around 3000 BCE during the Neolithic period, it is one of Ireland's largest cairns and is thought to conceal a passage tomb. Though unexcavated, it shares features with classic passage tombs. Legend claims it is the burial site of Queen Maeve, a legendary warrior queen of Connacht, said to be interred standing upright, facing her enemies in Ulster.Knocknarea was a significant ritual and meeting place in Neolithic times. Remains of hut sites and a 1-kilometer-long embankment have been found. Today, marked trails, including the popular Queen Maeve Trail, guide visitors to the summit. While offering stunning views, the increasing number of visitors has led to concerns about erosion and damage to the cairn, a protected National Monument. Visitors are urged to respect the site by not climbing on the cairn or removing stones.
A brief summary to Knocknarea
Use Knocknarea as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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