Forest Loop to the summit
The longest section climbs from the car park through native hazel, oak and ash woodland to the top of Knockma Hill. The full looped circuit is about 4.2 km and takes roughly an hour.
Knockma Forest Trail
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About
Knockma, the Hill of Maeve, is a Coillte forest walk 8 km west of Tuam where hazel and oak woods climb to two Bronze Age cairns and one of the widest panoramas in the west of Ireland. Legend says Finvarra, king of the Connacht fairies, holds court here.
Things to Do
Finvarra's Trail
A 1 km stretch of exposed carboniferous limestone pavement, with clints and grykes said to be gateways to the otherworld. Benches sit where the panoramic views open up, and the trail passes the memorial to American Civil War officer Colonel Patrick Kelly.
Fairy doors for families
Fairy doors at the base of trees and a "fairy school" keep children interested along the way. Steep gravel paths mean the walk is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Queen Maeve's cairns and fairy lore
Two large Bronze Age cairns crown the hill. Tradition holds that Queen Maeve of Connacht and Ceasair are buried here, and that Finvarra, king of the Connacht fairies, keeps his court on the hill.
Avenue Loop
A 2 km out-and-back that leads away from the hill for countryside views and a glimpse of nearby Finvarra Castle before you retrace your route.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open all year round. No specific daily opening times are published.
- Admission: Free — there is no entry charge at any time of year.
- Parking: Free car park at the trailhead, reached by a tarmac entrance road off the R348 near Belclare.
- Food: None on site: there are no facilities in the park, so bring your own water and snacks. Belclare is about 2 km away and Tuam about 13 minutes' drive.
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