Queen Maeve Trail: Knocknarea Walk Guide (With Map)

There are two versions of Sligo’s Queen Maeve Trail, both of which lead to the summit of Knocknarea Mountain, which stands at a height of 327 m (1,073 ft).

There’s the route from Strandhill, which reopened in early July of 2025 and there’s the trail from Primrose Grange.

Below, you’ll find a map for each version of the Knocknarea hike along with info on parking.

The Queen Maeve Trail up Knocknarea Mountain

On a clear day, those that reach the summit of Knocknarea Mountain will be treated to views of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. Here’s some key information you need before you set off:

1. Two versions of the trail

So, you’ve decided to tackle the trail. The next thing you need to decide is which route you’ll go for (maps of both below):

• From Strandhill: Easy start-point for those without a car as it’s close to the town. There’s also a boardwalk through the forest
• From Primrose Grange: There’s a steep slog from the car park but views behind you towards Lough Gill for when you need a rest

2. Height and difficulty

Knocknarea stands at 327 metres (1,073 ft), with a moderately difficult trail that’s well trodden but steep on both sides.

3. How long you’ll need

The 6km linear trail typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours return. Allow extra time for breaks or soaking up the views at the summit.

4. Car park

There are several car parks for the Queen Maeve Trail, depending on which side you want to start from. If you are starting from Strandhill, you can park right across from the trail entrance in Sligo Rugby Club (make sure to stick €2 in the honesty box!). However, there’s also parking on the other side, right here.

5. The cairn

At the summit stands Queen Maeve’s Cairn, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb where legend says the warrior queen of Connacht from Irish mythology is buried upright in full battle gear. The 55m-wide, 10m-high cairn is a protected National Monument, and climbing it is strictly forbidden.

The Knocknarea walk from Strandhill

The more popular walk is the Queen Maeve Trail from Strandhill. As this is one of the more popular things to do in Sligo, the trail can get busy at weekends, so try and arrive early, if you can. Take a look over the map, first. Here’s a trail overview:

Starting the walk

Regardless of which of the car parks around Strandhill you park at, you’ll want to aim for Dolly’s Cottage – you can’t miss the trail head (here on Maps).

The first section of the Knocknarea walk is relatively uneventful, as you’ll walk through a field towards the base of the mountain.

Things get interesting when you start to make your way uphill along the base of the mountain, as the views out over Strandhill and Donegal Bay open up to your left.

The boardwalk

You’ll soon reach the recently refurbished boardwalk. From this point, the Knocknarea hike can be a bit of a challange as you’ve plenty of ground to cover before reaching level ground.

Keep going until you reach the clearing, where the summit comes into view. Take a moment to turn around and soak up the sweeping vista over Strandhill.

The summit of Knocknarea Mountain

Keep on going and the cairn will become visible, along with more glorious views. From this point, you can either retrace your steps or you can walk a little further to enjoy the views on the other side towards Sligo Town and beyond.

The Knocknarea hike from the opposite side

You can also tackle the Queen Maeve Trail from the opposite side of the mountain, from this car park at Primrose Grange.

Having done both versions of the Knocknarea walk, I wouldn’t rush back to this one as I found it tougher and less enjoyable overall compared to the Strandhill route.

I think this could have been partly psychological, as you’re pretty much straight into the incline from the get-go. With that said, you can take a breather and enjoy the views behind you if you need.

Things to do nearby

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do after the Knocknarea walk, from food and more walks to beaches and much more

1. A very hidden gem: The Glen is a hidden mossy chasm on Knocknarea’s side, formed naturally and alive with ferns, trickling water, and an otherworldly stillness
2. Post-hike food: There are some great restaurants in Strandhill for a post-hike feed. You can ramble along Strandhill Beach after, too
3. Lots more to do: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (5-minute drive), Benbulben Forest walk (20-minute drive), Devil’s Chimney (25-minute drive), Glencar Waterfall (30-minute drive) and Gleniff Horseshoe Drive (40-minute drive)