Description
Knocknashee is a 276 meter flat-topped limestone hill located close to the village of Lavagh. But it is so much more than just a hill, on top was once a bronze aged fortified fort which stretched over an area of 700m x 320m.
The fortification was made up of 2 ramparts made of limestone and earth, within the fort were huts and 2 cairns which can still be seen.
One of the cairns is open, the second one was never opened.
(NOTE: Please respect these structures, they have been there for a very long time)
The walk itself starts at the bottom of the hill (or mountain) where you can find a newly build car park which allows parking for a few cars.
The path leading up to Knocknashee is short enough which is only 490 meters from gate to gate. That being said, it climbs rapidly at the start, then you get a change to take a breather just before you start the steepest part of the climb.
For the last and steepest part, stairs have been installed to make this stretch of the path a little bit easier to navigate.
Along the path are a few artwork pieces of carved wood, both of them providing you with a seat allowing you to admire those amazing views.
Once you reach the top gate, you have to walk along sheep tracks towards the cairns. From here, you have basically views across a large part of Connaught. On a clear day, you can see as far as Croagh Patrick to the south, Benbulben and Knocknarea to the North and Boyle direction towards the East. Coming down is a little bit quicker and easier.
Distance: 490 meters (bottom gate to top gate)
Ascent: 90m (gate to gate) - 126m (gate to top)
Visitor facilities: Car Park
The fortification was made up of 2 ramparts made of limestone and earth, within the fort were huts and 2 cairns which can still be seen.
One of the cairns is open, the second one was never opened.
(NOTE: Please respect these structures, they have been there for a very long time)
The walk itself starts at the bottom of the hill (or mountain) where you can find a newly build car park which allows parking for a few cars.
The path leading up to Knocknashee is short enough which is only 490 meters from gate to gate. That being said, it climbs rapidly at the start, then you get a change to take a breather just before you start the steepest part of the climb.
For the last and steepest part, stairs have been installed to make this stretch of the path a little bit easier to navigate.
Along the path are a few artwork pieces of carved wood, both of them providing you with a seat allowing you to admire those amazing views.
Once you reach the top gate, you have to walk along sheep tracks towards the cairns. From here, you have basically views across a large part of Connaught. On a clear day, you can see as far as Croagh Patrick to the south, Benbulben and Knocknarea to the North and Boyle direction towards the East. Coming down is a little bit quicker and easier.
Distance: 490 meters (bottom gate to top gate)
Ascent: 90m (gate to gate) - 126m (gate to top)
Visitor facilities: Car Park