A steep but rewarding climb to the 5,500-year-old cairn of Queen Maeve atop Knocknarea — the largest unopened passage tomb in Ireland — with panoramic views over Sligo Bay, the Atlantic, and the Dartry Mountains.
The Queen Maeve Trail is a 6–8km loop rising 327m to the summit. The route from Strandhill (Sligo Rugby Club trailhead) climbs through farmland, then via 500+ wooden steps and a raised boardwalk ('bog bridge') through Coillte forest. Allow 45–50 minutes up, longer for the full loop. The path is steep, rugged, and can be slippery when wet — sturdy boots essential.
At the summit stands the colossal cairn named Miosgan Meadhbha: 55m wide, 10m high, built around 3400 BC. Legend says the warrior queen is buried upright inside, facing her Ulster enemies. The cairn has never been excavated. Do not climb it — it's a protected National Monument and sacred burial site. Tradition says you may carry a stone from the base and add it to the cairn's edge.
A highlight of the Strandhill approach: a raised wooden boardwalk zig-zags through dense Sitka spruce forest. The light filters through the trees, illuminating vibrant mosses. It's steep but broken into manageable switchbacks. Care needed — wet wood can be treacherous underfoot.
On a clear day the reward is immense: Benbulben to the north, the Ox Mountains to the east, Lough Gill below, Slieve League cliffs in Donegal, Croagh Patrick in Mayo, and the Atlantic stretching west. Even on an overcast day, the sweep from Strandhill Beach to Ballisodare Bay is spectacular.
A 5-minute drive from the trailhead, Carrowmore is one of Europe's largest megalithic cemetery complexes with over 30 passage tombs. It's the perfect companion to Knocknarea — many of its tombs align with the cairn on the summit. An interpretive centre tells the full story.
Strandhill's vibrant surf village is minutes from the trailhead. Grab a coffee or meal at one of the lively cafés (Shell's is a local favourite), walk the beach, try a seaweed bath, or watch surfers ride the Atlantic waves. The perfect wind-down after a strenuous climb.
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