Knocknarea

About this place

Knocknarea (; Irish: Cnoc na Riabh) is a large prominent hill west of Sligo town in County Sligo, Ireland, with a height of 327 metres (1,073 ft). Knocknarea is visually striking as it has steep limestone cliffs and stands on the Coolera Peninsula overlooking the Atlantic coast. At the summit is one of Ireland's largest cairns, known as Queen Maeve's Cairn, which is believed to contain a Neolithic passage tomb. In recent years there has been concern that the ancient cairn, a protected National Monument, is being damaged by climbers. There are also remains of several smaller tombs on the summit. Knocknarea overlooks the Carrowmore tombs and is thought to have been part of an ancient ritual landscape (see Bricklieve Mountains).

Visitor Information

Elevation

327 m

Getting There & Parking

Knocknarea is located in County Sligo, roughly 146 km (2h 10m drive) from Galway and 234 km (3h 25m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 1199 m away (Free). Nearby highlights within a short drive include Maeve's Cairn (0.0 km away).