Overview
Knocknashee (Irish: Cnoc na Sí – “Hill of the Fairies”) rises to 276 m on the edge of the Ox Mountains, casting a distinctive profile across the drumlin plain of south-west Sligo. The hill is a classic table-top Marilyn, easily spotted from the N17 between Tubbercurry and Collooney. Its flat limestone cap, encircled by two massive earth-and-stone ramparts, encloses a plateau of roughly 53 acres. From the summit, the view stretches across the county toward the Ox Mountains, Benbulben, Knocknarea, and on a clear day, the distant silhouette of Croagh Patrick.
History & Archaeology
Knocknashee was first identified as a hill-top fort in 1988 during an aerial survey by the Office of Public Works. Archaeologists now classify it as one of Ireland’s largest Bronze Age hill-forts, a fortified settlement that likely functioned as a regional centre around 1000 BC. The fort’s double ramparts are constructed from limestone and earth, and within the enclosure lie two Neolithic passage graves, a cluster of approximately thirty circular hut foundations, and a series of subsidiary ditches that trace the hill at three distinct levels.
The northern cairn measures roughly 28 m in diameter and stands 2.5 m high. It has never been excavated. The southern cairn, also about 28 m across but lower at 1 m, contains a chamber built from large limestone slabs. Its entrance faces north-west, and the chamber floor rests on a single massive slab. Faint scratchings on the western wall echo early Christian motifs found at sites like Knowth. Scattered around the cairns are the hut foundations, each 7–11 m in diameter and bounded by low stone walls, some surrounded by shallow fosses. These remains point to a semi-permanent community that lived under the protection of the fort’s defences.
The hill’s reputation extends beyond archaeology. Deirdre Kinahan’s 2002 play Knocknashee and the traditional folk song “The Hills of Knocknashee” both draw on the site’s fairy-laden folklore. Local tradition speaks of a “wishing chair” on the southern face; visitors who sit there and spot Croagh Patrick are said to have their wishes granted.
The Walk & What to See
The ascent to Knocknashee is straightforward but physically demanding. Walkers follow red-arrow waymarks from a roadside parking area near the Sacred Heart Church. The route begins at a kissing gate and climbs a steep gravel path, gaining about 120 m over half a kilometre. Along the way, a pair of carved-wood seats offer a brief rest and a clear view back across the Sligo plain.
Once on the plateau, you can take a direct path to the cairns or follow the circular wall-walk that loops the summit. The wall-walk provides constantly shifting perspectives of the surrounding landscape and gives you time to spot the low stone walls and shallow depressions of the ancient hut sites. For those interested in the deeper historical context, Seatrails offers guided walks for €100 per group. These tours are led by a professional archaeologist who explains the cairns, settlement patterns, and the broader mythic landscape that connects Knocknashee to nearby sites like Muckelty Hill, Carrowkeel, and Knocknarea.
Practical Information
- Trail length & time: The main out-and-back route is 1.2 km, but the longer SligoWalks loop extends to roughly 5.5 km. Most visitors complete the direct ascent and descent in about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Difficulty: Strenuous. The initial climb is steep, and the path includes uneven limestone steps and short stair sections.
- Waymarking: Red arrows guide the route; a stile marks the transition onto the open plateau.
- Parking: Limited roadside space for 2–3 cars just off the N17 near the Sacred Heart Church. Arrive early in summer to secure a spot.
- Access & permissions: The hill sits on private farmland. The landowner permits public access, so visitors are asked to respect the property and archaeological features.
- Dogs: Not permitted on the hill-fort area.
- Facilities: No visitor centre or toilets. A modest car park and a few wooden benches are the only amenities.
- Public transport: Regular bus services run along the N17, with the trailhead approximately 3.5 km from the nearest stop.
- Safety: The path can become wet and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy walking boots are essential. The summit is open grassland with exposed archaeological remains, so stay on marked routes to protect the site.
Visiting Tips
- Best conditions: Late spring through early autumn offers the clearest visibility and drier ground. Winter visits require caution due to potential ice on the limestone steps.
- What to pack: Water, a windproof layer, and comfortable walking shoes. A camera is highly recommended for the panoramic views.
- Etiquette: Keep to the marked paths, particularly around the cairns and hut foundations. The site is free to visit and open year-round, but its preservation relies on visitor care.
Nearby Attractions
- Benbulben Forest Walk – A 7 km loop that skirts the base of Benbulben, offering forest scenery and additional hill-fort viewpoints. Benbulben Forest Walk
- Carrowkeel Megalithic Complex – A short drive north-east brings you to one of Ireland’s most important Neolithic passage-grave sites. Carrowkeel
- Court Abbey – Ruins of a 13th-century Franciscan friary, often included in extended local walking tours.
- Knocknarea – The hill crowned by the legendary Queen Maeve’s cairn, clearly visible from Knocknashee’s summit. Knocknarea
Plan your visit around dry weather and comfortable footwear, and allow extra time at the summit to properly navigate the cairns and take in the layered landscape of Sligo’s ancient past.