The Knocknarea Tour
Carrowmore Tombs → Knocknarea → The Glen → Strandhill → Ballysadare → Beltra the Ox Mountains → Left at Dromard up Ladies Brea → Lough Acree → Aughris Head.
Experience Knocknarea Mountain
7 Days a Week
7 hours
Details & Itinerary
Carrowmore is the largest Megalithic cemetery in Ireland and is one of the oldest and most important in Europe. It covers an area of about a half of a square kilometre in the shadow of Knocknarea to the west. The area is now protected and 30 monuments in varying degrees of preservation can be visited. The monuments are dated from circa 4840 to 4370 BC. There is a Visitor Centre near the car park open daily from May to Sept. Garavogue Villas in Abbeyquarter, near Saint Anne’s Church in Sligo has a similar monument to those at Carrowmore.
We leave here and take the short journey to the car park for Knocknarea Mountain. From the car-park it’s about a 40 minute walk to the summit. Maeve’s Cairn which is situated on the peak of Knocknarea overlooks Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and is visible for miles around. Your walk is rewarded with spectacular views when you reach the summit. It is un-excavated but like Heapstown Cairn it may cover a passage tomb, possibly dating back to 3000 BC. The name of the monument along with folklore suggests that it may be the burial place of Maeve, the iron age Queen of Connaught. As we drive down the road from Knocknarea we look for a small Well on our right, “The Glen” is straight across the road.
Next we travel the scenic route to Strandhill which is a very picturesque village situated 8 kilometres west of Sligo town between the Atlantic Ocean and the towering slopes of Knocknarea Mountain. There are miles of golden sandy beaches and some gigantic sand dunes to explore. You may be lucky enough to experience the unforgettable views of Atlantic sunsets. High Atlantic surges provide the best surfing in Europe and it is an International Surfing Championship Venue. In the centre of Strandhill you will find the Seaweed Baths and on the outskirts there is an 18-hole golf course which is playable all year round. Molly’s Cottage is a 200 year old Traditional Irish Thatched cottage open to the public.
Next we head to Ballysadare or (Baile Easa Dara ) meaning settlement of the oak by the Waterfall is 7 kilometres from Sligo on the N59 Ballina road. There was massive economic growth during what was referred to as “The Celtic Tiger” boom years. Many new housing developments were built, several of which now lay empty, creating phantom estates. The town boasts a beautiful River and a small Waterfall and the river is a haven for Salmon and Trout anglers.
From Ballysadare we travel out the N59 to Aughris, Easkey and Inishcrone. Passing the villages of Beltra and Dromard we take the next left up to Lake Achree (from the Gaelic for “The Heart Lake”). When you are ready we head up to Lady’s Bray and see the Panoramic views of Sligo and the surrounding areas. Back on the N59 again we take the next right for Aughris. Aughris Head provides breathtaking views of Benbulben and Knocknarea. The natural beauty and coastline here offer pure tranquility and it is another walker’s paradise with beach walks and hill walks Aughris Beach Bar suitable for all the family. In the evening you can retire to the Beach Bar which is a Traditional Irish Thatched Pub and Restaurant.
