Knocknarea, CO. Sligo

 We decided to climb Knocknarea along the Queen Maeve trail which starts at Sligo Rugby Club.​ After parking at the Rugby Club, it annoys me that there are always cars parked along the cycle path leading into Strandhill, we started the trail just when the sun decided to come out.

Knocknarea is a 327 meter high limestone hill located nearby Strandhill in Co.Sligo. It is visually striking as it is monolithic surrounded by the Wild Atlantic ocean. On the summit is Queen Medb's tomb which is visually striking due to it's size and it's location.
Knocknarea is also the scene for the yearly Warrior's run which starts in Strandhill village and is 16 km of thoughness, tears and sweat.

The first 1km of the walk brings you quickly half way up the mountain along a nice path between fertile, lush fields.
There are a good few steps to be taken until you reach the edge of the forest.
It is amazing how much you have climbed and the views are far and wide. On a clear day, you can see as far as Slieve League in Co. Donegal.
The path follows from here the edge of the forest and turns around the mountain giving you now clear views towards the Ox Mountains and as far as Ben Nephin in Co. Mayo.

From here, the path turns into the forest. At this point, the path changes into a boardwalk with a lot of steps along the path. After a serious climb up the latter part of the mountain, you exit the darness of the forest into the brightness of the summit. Take a breather and enjoy the amazing views before you follow the summit trail towards Queen medb's tomb.