Strandhill is the perfect place for adventurous holiday makers with its distinctive blend of wild scenery, lively local culture, and abundance of outdoor activities. Perhaps Strandhill is most famous for its world class surfing, water sports and golfing, but it also boasts diverse walking trails from ambling on miles of scenic coastline to more invigorating hikes up the majestic Knocknarea mountain, the fabled seat of Queen Maeve.
The Glen, is a hidden gem, located just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the busy seaside village. A long, narrow chasm on the south face of Knocknarea, this mountain gap is 40 feet wide, 60 feet deep, and over three quarters of a mile long. Often referred to as ‘The Fairy Glen’ and notoriously tricky to find. Myth would have it that the Glen was created (and still guarded) by the fairies. If the fairies saw genuine goodness in your spirit, then, and only then, would they reveal the magically concealed entrance to the Glen!
In reality, experts are unsure exactly how the Glen was formed (adding fuel to the Fairy fire!). However, it’s widely agreed that it was formed thousands, even millions, of years ago either as the result of an earthquake or carved by the path of a glacier during the last ice age. Whichever epic activity, it resulted in an epic natural phenomenon and created the nearly mile long gorge sculpted out of limestone rock. Archaeological studies of the local area revealed evidence that thousands of years ago, the glen was likely used for ceremonial rituals and practices and rock was cut from this glen to be used for Dolmen graves throughout Sligo. South of the entrance, in the lower portion of the Glen, was found what appears to be a megalithic chamber.
Once you're inside, a long, winding, mossy tunnel unfolds, leading you down into an enormous, equally green-lined chasm. The entire length of the glen is lined with identical walls that rise to a height of 50 feet. At each end, vines cascade from the tree canopy above all the way to the valley floor. Even on a sunny day, the Glen is filled with the sound of trickling water, running off from the mountain, creating such an ethereal feeling, you’d be forgiven for falling for the Fairy legends!
A multitude of rich vegetation and diverse flora and fauna, including oak trees, sycamores, beech, and Scots pine, grow in abundance in the Glen, making it of particular interest for both experienced and novice botanists. Other plants can been seen growing in the crevices between the cliff faces, Bramble-bush, Holly, Hazel, and Honeysuckle thrive amongst the rocks with extraordinary heights reached by the ferns, nettles and ivy.
Strandhill's Glen is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. A gentle walk that is easily doable with children, making it an ideal activity for a family stay in Strandhill, allow around 40 mins to explore the Glen and be sure to wear waterproof footwear.
Getting there: Co-ordinates 52.2482 - 8.57608 There are no signposts or markers, so finding the entrance to the Glen can prove challenging, which surely can only add to the adventure! Follow the directions for Knocknarea Mountain, but instead of turning towards the Knocknarea car park, continue straight for at least half a mile until you begin to descend a fairly steep section of road overlooking the sea. On the right side of the road, look for a small well surrounded by a low white wall and find the entrance opposite, a small opening with a gate, amongst the overgrown bushes and trees.
As you’re in the area, a hike up Knocknarea is not to be missed. A more strenuous climb, scale this summit and you will be rewarded by the most stunning panoramic views of Strandhill, Culleenamore, Lough Gill and the Ox mountains. There are two main routes up the mountain, the first starting from the Knocknarea car park, and another, newer, route, Queen Maeve’s Trail, takes you on a 6km hike of paths and boardwalks through the forest to reach the cairn. As this is an ancient burial ground, visitors are not permitted to climb the cairn, but walking its perimeter will offer ever changing scenes, which on a clear day, can stretch as far as Donegal and Mayo.
To access Queen Maeve’s Trail, park at the rugby club car park (making sure to drop €2 into the honesty box) and cross the road through a gate to the path.
