Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Knocknarea & Ballygawley Mountains SAC is a designated Special Area of Conservation located in County Sligo, Ireland, encompassing the distinctive Knocknarea mountain and the adjoining Ballygawley Hills. This SAC protects a noteworthy combination of upland heath and grassland habitats, supporting diverse flora including heather, bilberry, and bell heather, as well as typical Irish upland bird species such as the hen harrier and peregrine falcon. Knocknarea mountain, standing at 327 meters (1,073 feet), holds immense archaeological significance, featuring massive Neolithic cairns including the famed large cairn known as Queen Maeve’s Tomb at its summit. The area blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for hikers, history enthusiasts, and wildlife watchers alike. Trails to the summit provide rewarding panoramic views of Sligo Bay, the Atlantic coastline, and the Dartry Mountains. Ballygawley Mountains offer quieter lowland slopes characterized by blanket bogs and mixed heath, important habitats for wildlife conservation. Visitors can enjoy a combination of outdoor pursuits such as walking, birdwatching, and landscape photography. The SAC is managed under national conservation frameworks to safeguard its ecological and archaeological values from threats including habitat degradation, invasive species, and recreational pressure.
