Knockma, the Hill of Maeve, is a free 65-hectare Coillte forest park 8 km west of Tuam, where a 4.2 km looped walk climbs through native woodland to Bronze Age cairns, fairy doors and some of the finest views in Galway.
The main loop starts at the car park and climbs steadily on well-maintained, mostly tarred forest tracks to the 170 m summit — about 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow time to stop: the panoramas over Galway and County Mayo are the walk's reward.
The woodland is the reputed court of Finvarra, King of the Connacht fairies, and small fairy doors — even a fairy school — are tucked at the base of hazel, oak and ash trees. A firm favourite with children; the trail is not suitable for buggies.
This section crosses exposed carboniferous limestone pavement like the Burren, where local legend places the gateways to the otherworld. Benches along the way face the best of the views.
Just past the car park, the ruins of Castlehacket Tower Castle appear on your left at the start of the walk. The adjacent Castlehacket House (1703, rebuilt after a fire) is now guest accommodation and the route passes its gate.
Three Bronze Age cairns crown the hill. Tradition says Queen Maeve of Connacht and Ceasair, an early colonist of Ireland, are buried here; a later CastleHacket owner is also laid to rest on top.
An easy out-and-back stretch that leads away from the hill and returns the same way, giving different views of the countryside and the castle below.
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