Caherlistrane is located in North Galway,
approximately 6 miles from Tuam and 15 miles from Galway
City. Caherlistrane's most prominent landmark, Cnoc Má, is
the highest hill in the plains of North Galway and South
Mayo, and there is evidence of a major pre-Christian
settlement through its ancient remains, including cairns,
underground passages and forts.
Places of interest in the parish are Lough Hackett, Cnoc an
Dún, Castlehackett House, Lisdonagh House, Ballindiff
Castle, Ballindiff Bay and Dabhach Cuana.
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Knockma the great 'Hill of Maeve' is situated 5
miles/8kmwest of Tuam.
Maeve the legendary Queen of Connacht is reputed to be
buried in the Cairns on the summit of the hill from which
one of the greatest panoramic views in Ireland may be
obtained. |
Tradition also points to Knockma as the home of fairy
legend. For here Finvarra, King of Connacht fairies, is
reputed to have held his court. This partially wooded hill
contains examples of the famous Burren flora, the Spring
Gentian and the Purple Helleborine to name but two species.
It is also associated with Cesair who according to legend
was a colonist who arrived during the time of the great
flood. Two of the three cairns on top of Knockma are said to
be the resting places of Maeve and Ceasair. Knockma is also
said to be the place where Finvarra (Finnbheara), the King
of the Connacht fairies, holds court.
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