Knockma Wood, County Galway Travel Guide

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Explore Knockma Wood in Galway: Hike scenic trails, discover ancient cairns, and immerse yourself in Irish history and fairy folklore.

Knockma Wood, near Belclare, Co. Galway, is a captivating destination steeped in history and Irish folklore. This scenic woodland, crowned by Knockma Hill, offers walking trails leading to ancient cairns, believed to be the burial places of Queen Maeve and other figures from Irish legend. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, discover fairy doors along the trails, and immerse themselves in the area's rich natural beauty and mythical atmosphere.

A brief summary to Knockma Wood

Belclare, Castlehacket, Co. Galway, IE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Knockma Wood.

Wear sturdy footwear, as the trails can be uneven and stoney, especially towards the summit.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the park.
Keep an eye out for fairy doors along the trail, especially if you're visiting with children.
Take your rubbish with you and leave no trace to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.

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Explore Knockma Wood on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Knockma Wood, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are already in Belclare, you can walk to Knockma Wood. From the center of Belclare, head southeast on the R348 road for approximately 2 kilometers until you reach the entrance to Knockma Wood on your left. The walk is scenic and offers a chance to enjoy the rural landscape of County Galway.
Public Transport

From Galway City, take Bus Éireann route 438 towards Tuam. Get off at the Belclare stop. From there, it is approximately a 2-kilometer walk to the Knockma Wood entrance. Head east on the R348 road, following the signs for Knockma Wood. The path to the entrance will be on your left. Bus fare from Galway to Belclare typically costs around €5-€10.
Car

If driving from Galway City, take the N83 road towards Tuam. After approximately 14 kilometers, take the first exit onto the R348 road toward Belclare. Continue on this road for about 5 kilometers, and you will see signs for Knockma Wood. Turn left onto the road leading to the forest entrance. Free parking is available at the trailhead.

Discover more about Knockma Wood

Knockma Wood, situated near Belclare in County Galway, is a place where history, mythology, and natural beauty converge. Known in Irish as Cnoc Meadha, meaning 'Hill of Maeve,' this wooded hill rises from the surrounding plains, offering visitors a chance to step into a landscape filled with ancient legends and breathtaking vistas.The main draw of Knockma Wood is the looped walking trail that winds its way through the forest to the summit of Knockma Hill. The trail is approximately 4.2 kilometers long and is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, you'll traverse a mix of forest paths, and at the summit, a stoney path. Keep an eye out for whimsical fairy doors nestled at the base of trees, adding a touch of magic to the experience.At the summit, you'll encounter several cairns, ancient burial mounds that date back to the Bronze Age. Tradition holds that Queen Maeve of Connacht, a legendary figure in Irish history, is buried in one of these cairns. Another cairn is said to be the final resting place of Ceasair, Noah's granddaughter and one of the earliest colonists of Ireland. The summit also offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Galway Bay, Lough Corrib, and the Burren.Knockma is also associated with Finvarra, the King of the Connacht fairies, who is said to hold court within the hill. The area exudes an ethereal atmosphere, making it easy to see why it's been linked to folklore and legend for centuries. At the base of the hill, you'll find Castle Hackett, a ruined 13th-century tower house that adds to the area's historical charm.