walk no 1 knocknarea mountain

Walk No. 1: Knocknarea Mountain: (1.5km/1m. 45 mins. 240m/800ft) This is probably the most rewarding climb in Ireland. It offers a 360 panorama over six counties yet it is an easy 45 minute climb. Route: There is a well marked track to the Cairn from the carpark. There are tracks on the summit plateau and in fine weather the walk can be extended by: Circling the top of the mountain and returning to carpark or, Descending by the path to Strandhill Village. Beware of steep and dangerous cliffs. Keep to paths. Following the pathway leading W from the cairn towards Strandhill but instead of descending, follow the edge of the mountain anti-clockwise. Where the steep cliffs give way (on the E side of Mts) there is a path which leads down to Glen Road at a point about 2km E of carpark.

Approach: GPO, Wine Street to Railway Station. L. into Wolfe Tone Street and R. Church Hill. The building on the L. is Nazareth House formerly residence of the Pollexfen Family. Continue straight on for 6km/4m climbing the foothills of the mountain until a remarkable old building is seen on the right. This is Primrose Grange, a school from 1702 to 1907 but now a guest house. A little further on, SP on R for carpark.