Highlight • Historical Site
Queen Maeve's Grave (Knocknarea Cairn)
Hiking
5.0
(144)
Running
5.0
(1)
Known as Queen Maeve’s Cairn, it’s said to be the burial place of the mythical queen of Connaught in Irish mythology. It’s thought to have been created around 3000 BCE and contain other graves. A Neolithic embankment and evidence of huts and tools has revealed the hill to be a significant meeting place in prehistory.
Exploring mythology and history with coastal views
Queen or no queen, an adventure on Knocknarea rewards in many ways. Thanks to its peninsula location, the trails to the summit and the top itself are all blessed with excellent views of the surrounding scenery. As you make your way to the hill, its stacked limestone cliffs, covered in grass, are mesmerising.
There are numerous ways to reach the top, allowing you to tailor your adventure to the time you have. The trails are generally easy underfoot, wide and clear to follow, but the higher you go, the steeper it gets. Nonetheless, it’s a perfectly suitable outing for enthusiastic children as well as adults.
You can ascend this beautiful hill at any time of year but it does lie on an exposed, Atlantic coastline. The weather conditions can change quickly no matter what season, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. Dogs are only allowed on some paths and must always be on a lead, so pay attention to signage.
Tips
May 4, 2017
Hiking
•
August 23, 2017
Hiking
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March 10, 2021
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Queen Maeve's Grave (Knocknarea Cairn)
4.3
(27)
81
hikers
10.8km
03:16
320m
320m
Hike the moderate 6.7-mile Knocknarea loop from Strandhill, featuring Queen Maeve's Grave and 360-degree views of Sligo Bay.
4.9
(18)
104
hikers
3.47km
01:12
190m
190m
Hike the 2.2-mile Knocknarea Trail to Queen Maeve's Grave, an easy 1 hour 12 minute ascent with panoramic views over Sligo Bay.
4.8
(57)
361
hikers
7.75km
02:34
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 380 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Tuesday 12 May
11°C
6°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
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