Knockma, the Hill of Maeve, is a 170m fairy-haunted hill 8km west of Tuam with free woodland trails, Bronze-Age cairns and a panoramic summit. Legend makes it the court of Finvarra, King of the Connacht fairies.
The main 4.2km loop climbs through woodland to the hilltop cairns where Queen Maeve and Ceasair are said to be buried. Allow 1-1.5 hours; the 300m Maeve spur detour reaches the burial site itself. On clear days the summit gives views over Connemara, Lough Corrib, Galway Bay and Clare.
This 1km route crosses exposed carboniferous limestone pavement — clints and grikes like the Burren — which folklore calls the gateways to the otherworld where Finvarra holds his court. Benches are placed along it for taking in the views.
The longest section (3.6km) starts from the car park and winds up through hazel, oak and ash woods on well-maintained tarred paths, with playful fairy doors tucked at the base of trees.
Children love hunting the fairy doors, a fairy school and the carved wooden figures dotted through the woods. The walk is family-friendly, though there are steep stretches, so buggies and wheelchairs will struggle.
A 2km out-and-back that leaves the hill and returns the same way, with views of the countryside and the ruins of Castlehacket (Finvarra's) Tower, visible just past the car park. A memorial to American Civil War officer Colonel Patrick Kelly stands on Finvara's Trail.
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