Knocknashee – The Hill of the Fairies

Overview

Knocknashee (Irish: Cnoc na Sí – “Hill of the Fairies”) rises to 276 m on the edge of the Ox Mountains and dominates 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 limestone cap, encircled by two massive earth‑and‑stone ramparts, encloses an area of roughly 53 acres (700 m × 320 m). From the summit you can see the Ox Mountains, Benbulben, Knocknarea, and on a clear day the distant silhouette of Croagh Patrick.

History & Background

The site was first identified as a hill‑top fort in 1988 during an aerial survey by the Office of Public Works. Archaeologists now recognise Knocknashee as one of Ireland’s largest Bronze Age hill‑forts, a fortified settlement that may have acted as a regional capital around 1000 BC. The fort’s double ramparts are built of limestone and earth, and within the enclosure lie two neolithic passage‑graves, a cluster of about thirty circular hut foundations, and a series of subsidiary ditches that run around the hill at three levels (top, middle, bottom).

The northern cairn (≈ 28 m diameter, 2.5 m high) has never been opened, while the southern cairn (≈ 28 m diameter, 1 m high) contains a chamber of large limestone slabs whose entrance faces north‑west. The chamber floor is a single massive slab, and faint scratchings on the western wall echo early Christian motifs found at Knowth. Around the cairns, the hut sites – each 7–11 m in diameter, bounded by low stone walls and sometimes surrounded by shallow fosses – suggest a semi‑permanent community that lived under the protection of the fort’s walls.

Literary references add a layer of myth: Deirdre Kinahan’s play Knocknashee (2002) and the traditional song “The Hills of Knocknashee” both celebrate the hill’s fairy‑laden reputation. Folklore tells of a “wishing chair” on the southern face; if you sit there and can spot Croagh Patrick, a wish is said to be granted.

What to See & Do

Walkers can follow the red‑arrow waymarks from the roadside parking area. The route begins at a “kissing gate”, climbs a steep gravel path (about 120 m ascent over 0.5 km), and passes a pair of carved‑wood seats that double as viewpoints. At the plateau you may choose a direct line to the cairns or take the circular wall‑walk that loops the summit, offering ever‑changing perspectives of the surrounding countryside.

Guided tours are available through Seatrails (group price €100) and include a professional archaeologist who explains the cairns, hut sites and the broader mythic landscape that links Knocknashee to nearby sites such as Muckelty Hill, Carrowkeel and Knocknarea.

Practical Information

• Trail length & time: 1.2 km out‑and‑back (≈ 5.5 km round‑trip on the longer SligoWalks route) – about 1 – 1.5 hours for most walkers. Visitor guides also note a 45‑minute ascent‑and‑descent for those taking the direct route.
• Difficulty: Strenuous – steep initial climb, uneven limestone steps, and a few short stair sections.
• Waymarking: Red arrows on the path; a stile marks the entrance to the open plateau.
• Parking: Limited roadside space for 2–3 cars just off the N17 near the Sacred Heart Church. Early arrival is advisable, especially in summer.
• Access: The hill lies on private farmland; the landowner grants permission for public use, and visitors are asked to treat the archaeological features with respect.
• Dogs: Not allowed on the hill‑fort area.
• Facilities: No permanent visitor centre; a modest car‑park at the trailhead and a few wooden benches on the ascent.
• Guided walk cost: €100 per group (Seatrails), includes archaeological commentary and optional visits to nearby early‑Christian sites such as Court Abbey.
• Public transport: Regular bus services run along the N17; the trailhead is about 3.5 km from the nearest stop.
• Safety: The path can be wet and slippery; sturdy walking boots are recommended. The summit is open grassland, so stay on marked routes to protect the cairns and hut foundations.

Visiting Tips

• Time required: Most visitors complete the climb in roughly 45 minutes each way, making it a quick half‑day outing.
• Best season: Clear, dry days in late spring to early autumn provide the most expansive views. Winter can bring icy sections on the limestone steps, so extra caution is needed.
• What to bring: Water, a wind‑proof jacket, and a good pair of walking shoes. A camera is useful for the panoramic vistas.
• No entry fee or opening hours: The site is free and open year‑round; there is no ticket office or staffed facility.
• Leave no trace: Keep to the marked paths, especially around the cairns and hut foundations, to preserve the archaeological integrity.

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 Seatrails’ extended tours.
• Knocknarea – The hill crowned by the legendary Queen Maeve’s cairn, visible from Knocknashee’s summit.