Overview
Knockmany Passage Grave, also known as Anya’s Cove or Annia’s Cove, sits atop the conical Knockmany Hill in the heart of Knockmany Forest Park. At an elevation of about 237 m (700 ft) the mound commands panoramic views across the Clogher Valley and the surrounding Sperrin landscape. The monument is a Neolithic passage tomb dating from roughly 3000 BC, making it one of the oldest surviving stone structures in Ulster. Its 13 sandstone orthostats are decorated with rare megalithic art – concentric circles, spirals and zigzags – that rival the carvings at the famous Loughcrew and Newgrange sites.
History
The original tomb would have been covered by a stone cairn and an earthen bank, typical of passage‑tomb construction in the Boyne cultural sphere. Excavations in the early 1950s by A. E. P. Collins and D. M. Waterman uncovered a burnt layer beneath the cairn, fragments of human bone and a scatter of heavily burnt flint tools, suggesting a ritual fire or cremation event predating the stone chamber. Unlike classic passage tombs, Knockmany lacks a surviving stone‑lined passage; the burial chamber is accessed directly from the mound.
The site was recorded by 19th‑century antiquarians such as George Coffey and W. F. Wakeman, who noted the engraved stones. In 1959 the Ministry of Finance (now the Historic Environment Division) erected a concrete protective chamber and a modern domed covering with glass‑lantern windows to shield the orthostats from weathering and vandalism. The protective fence around the chamber was renewed in 1951. While the modern shelter has been criticised for its stark appearance, it has succeeded in preserving the carvings, three of which still display the intricate spirals and concentric circles that link Knockmany to the wider network of Irish passage tombs.
Local legend weaves the monument into Ireland’s mythic tapestry. The hill’s Irish name, Cnoc mBáine, translates as “the Hill of Queen Báine”, a supernatural figure later conflated with the goddess Áine. Folklore also claims that the giant hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) and his wife Oonagh once dwelt in the vicinity, adding a layer of storytelling to the stone circle.
What to See & Do
Visitors are greeted by a modest, roughly circular cairn about 80‑90 ft in diameter. The modern concrete chamber sits at the centre, its locked gate allowing a glimpse of the interior through polycarbonate windows. Although the chamber is normally closed, the surrounding orthostats can be examined from the outside, and the decorative motifs are best viewed from the south‑facing entrance where the carvings catch the light.
The hike up to the summit is a rewarding woodland walk. From the north‑west car park, a well‑marked path climbs through mixed‑species forest for roughly ten minutes, looping back from the northeast for those who prefer a longer circuit. Along the way, the forest offers glimpses of native flora and occasional sightings of red‑breasted tits and meadow brown butterflies.
At the top, the view stretches across the Clogher Valley, the rolling hills of the Sperrins, and on clear days, the distant silhouette of the Mourne Mountains. Photographers will find the sunrise especially dramatic, as the first light sweeps over the ancient stones.
Visiting the Chamber
The chamber is locked to protect the delicate carvings. To view the interior, contact the Historic Environment Division in advance – phone 028 9082 3207 or email scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk. Staff will arrange a supervised opening when possible; this service is free, though charges may apply according to the latest policy. Arrangements are made on a case‑by‑case basis and are not guaranteed outside normal office hours.
Nearby Attractions & Walks
Knockmany sits within a landscape rich in heritage and outdoor pursuits:
- Beaghmore Stone Circles – a cluster of Bronze‑Age stone circles just a short drive north, offering another glimpse of ancient ritual sites.
- Bessy Bell – a popular summit walk in the Sperrins with rewarding views, ideal for a longer day out.
- Carleton Trail – a marked walking route that threads through the surrounding countryside and passes near Knockmany Forest.
- Glenelly Valley – the longest Sperrin valley, perfect for scenic drives or cycling.
- St Macartan’s (Forth Chapel) in Dungannon – historic ecclesiastical site within 10 km.
- Augher – the nearest village (≈0.9 mi) with pubs, cafés and accommodation such as the Corick House Hotel & Spa.
These sites can be combined into a full‑day itinerary exploring the archaeological heart of County Tyrone.
Practical Information
Access & Parking – The monument is reachable via an uphill path from the north‑west car park on Knockmany Road. A lower car park at the base of the hill offers an alternative, longer walk for those seeking a more strenuous trek. Both car parks are free and provide basic facilities.
Opening Times – The mound is accessible at all hours, day and night. Chamber access depends on staff availability and is therefore arranged on a case‑by‑case basis.
Ticketing – Entry to the mound is free. A simple table summarises the cost structure:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General admission (mound) | Free |
| Chamber access (by arrangement) | Free (charges may apply) |
Location Details
- Coordinates: 54.44861 N, ‑7.1577 W
- Grid reference: H 54690 55900 (as listed by the Department for Communities)
- SM number: TYR 059:001
- Listed on the Historic Environment Map Viewer (link available on the official site).
Contact – Phone: 028 9082 3207 | Email: scmenquiries@communities‑ni.gov.uk
Preservation Note – The site is a protected State Care Monument. Visitors are asked to respect the fence surrounding the chamber, refrain from climbing on the stones, and avoid writing or carving on the orthostats. The modern dome and glass lantern, though criticised, remain essential for the long‑term survival of the ancient carvings.
Enjoy the blend of deep history, striking art, and natural beauty that makes Knockmany Passage Grave a compelling destination for anyone exploring County Tyrone.