Knocknarea, Limestone mountain summit in County Sligo, Ireland
Knocknarea is a limestone mountain in County Sligo with steep rocky cliffs and a large cairn crowning its peak. The summit rises prominently above the surrounding landscape and offers broad views across the region.
A large burial cairn was built on the peak around 5000 years ago, making it one of Ireland's most significant Neolithic structures. Over thousands of years, the site served as an important focal point for successive cultures.
The mountain is linked to Queen Medb, a legendary figure in Irish mythology whose story remains woven into how locals and visitors understand the place. This connection shapes the way people experience and talk about it today.
The walk to the top takes roughly 45 minutes and follows a clear path starting from a car park at the base. The terrain is open and the route offers good views when the weather cooperates.
The northern face of the mountain contains natural caves, some showing signs of human occupation stretching across prehistoric and Medieval periods. These hidden cavities are often overlooked by visitors focused solely on reaching the peak.
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