Welcome to Knockmany Forest
Knockmany Forest is in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, near a small village called Augher. This forest is a special place. It has a very old stone tomb called Knockmany Passage Tomb or Anya’s Cove. The tomb is on a hill with pretty views of the Clogher Valley. People visit to walk, see history, and enjoy nature. I’m Douglas Baltes, and I love nature and history. I studied Marine Biology at the University of Tasmania. In this guide, I share simple, clear facts about Knockmany Forest and its tomb.
Why Knockmany Forest Is Special
Knockmany Forest is more than just trees. It has a tomb that’s 5,000 years old. The tomb has special stone drawings. These drawings are like ones at other old places in Ireland, like Newgrange. The forest also has amazing views of the Clogher Valley. The valley is between big hills called the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Beagh. If you like history, walks, or animals, Knockmany is a great place to visit.
The Knockmany Passage Tomb: A Very Old Place
What Is the Tomb?
The Knockmany Passage Tomb, also called Anya’s Cove, is on a hill 700 feet high. It’s a burial place from 5,000 years ago. It’s made of big stones called orthostats. These stones have drawings of circles, zigzags, and spirals. A concrete cover keeps the stones safe from rain and damage.
The Tomb’s Story
The tomb is from 4000–2500 BC. That’s when people started farming and building with stones. Diggers found pottery, tools, and burnt stuff, maybe from a ceremony. No bones were found, so people might have taken them away after rituals. The tomb is like other old places in Ireland, like Loughcrew and Newgrange, because of its drawings.
The Stone Drawings
The tomb’s stones have special carvings. At least six stones have designs like:
- Circles inside circles, which might mean the sun or life.
- Zigzags, maybe showing water or energy.
- Spirals, which could be like stars or comets.
These drawings are rare in this part of Ireland. They make Knockmany important for learning about old art. One stone is upside down, showing it was moved long ago. The drawings might be about spirits or the sky, but we’re not sure.
Stories About the Tomb
People say the tomb belongs to Queen Áine, a goddess in old stories, or Queen Baine, a king’s wife from long ago. The tomb is much older than those stories, but they make it exciting. The name “Knockmany” might come from “Cnoc mBáine,” meaning Baine’s Hill. Another story says a hero named Finn McCool and his wife Oonagh fought a giant here. These tales make the tomb a fun part of Irish history.
Walking in Knockmany Forest
How to Get There
Knockmany Forest is 1.75 miles from Augher, near Clogher. You can drive from Augher or Clogher. There’s a car park on the northwest side of Knockmany Hill. Look for a small sign that says “Knockmany Forest” at a lane near Augher’s roundabout. The sign is tiny, so look carefully. The car park is new, but it has no toilets or tables.
The Anya’s Tomb Walk
The main walk is called Anya’s Tomb Trail. It’s about 6 km long and takes 2 hours. It’s a bit hard because the path goes up the hill. Here’s what you’ll see:
- Start: Begin at the car park. There’s a map on a board, but it might not show all paths.
- Path: Walk through trees like pines and oaks. The trail goes up Knockmany Hill.
- Top: At the top, you’ll see the tomb and a big view of the Clogher Valley. On clear days, you can see far away.
- Tips: Wear strong shoes. Bring water and a map because signs are not clear.
Other Walks
The forest has more paths:
- Short Walk: A 2–3 km loop around the forest’s bottom. It’s easy for kids or new walkers.
- Murf’s Hill Path: A side trail to a quiet spot with a bench and valley views. It’s named after a local runner, Paul Murray.
- Longer Paths: Some trails go to places like Lumfords Glen or Killyfaddy for more adventure.
Paths can be muddy after rain. Signs are not great, so use a map or an app like AllTrails.
Views from the Hill
At the top, you see the Clogher Valley’s green fields and streams. The Sperrin Mountains are north, and Slieve Beagh hills are south. On sunny days, the view goes far. The hill is open, so it’s windy.
Animals and Plants in Knockmany Forest
Trees and Flowers
The forest has tall pine trees from the 1920s and other trees like oaks. Some areas are dark and shady. Others are bright and open. In spring, bluebells grow on the paths. In fall, leaves turn red and yellow. The forest covers 250 hectares, so there are many plants to see.
Animals
You might see:
- Red squirrels, which are not common in Ireland.
- Deer, early in the morning or at night.
- Birds like robins, hawks, and owls.
- Foxes or badgers, if you’re quiet.
Bring binoculars to watch birds. Stay quiet to see animals. Dogs are welcome, but clean up after them to keep the forest nice.
Problems and Tips for Visitors
Common Problems
People say:
- Bad Signs: It’s hard to find paths or the tomb. The car park map isn’t enough.
- No Toilets: There are no bathrooms or picnic tables. The closest ones are in Augher.
- Hard Climb: The hill is steep for some people.
- Damage: The tomb has a cover because of past vandalism. Be kind to it.
Tips for a Fun Visit
- Check the weather before you go.
- Wear waterproof shoes and warm clothes. The hill is windy.
- Go early in the morning for fewer people and more animals.
- Don’t touch the tomb’s stones. Look through the gate.
- Call the Historic Environment Division to see inside the tomb. They might open it if they have time.
The Clogher Valley Around Knockmany
The Clogher Valley is a pretty area in County Tyrone. It’s between the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Beagh hills. A river called the Blackwater flows through it. The valley has green fields, small villages like Augher and Clogher, and farms. Other places to see nearby are:
- St. Macartan’s Church: An old church in Clogher from the 5th century.
- St. Patrick’s Chair and Well: A stone “chair” in Altadaven Glen with stories about healing.
Knockmany Forest is a great start to explore the valley. Its trails connect to the Carleton Trail, a 30-mile path through the valley’s history and nature.
Keeping Knockmany Safe
The forest has some problems, like litter and vandalism. The tomb’s cover, built in 1959, protects the stones but looks odd. Mid Ulster District Council takes care of the forest and paths. To make it better, they could:
- Add clear signs for paths and the tomb.
- Build toilets or picnic tables.
- Clean up litter and dog mess.
- Teach visitors about the tomb’s history.
I’m Douglas Baltes, and I’ve worked with groups like the Australian Marine Conservation Society to protect special places. Knockmany could use similar help. Planting trees or adding signs could bring more visitors while keeping the forest safe.
Why Knockmany Is Different
Knockmany Forest is not just a walk. It takes you back 5,000 years. The tomb’s drawings show how ancient people thought. The forest’s paths and animals are peaceful. Unlike crowded places like Newgrange, Knockmany feels secret and quiet. Its views of the Clogher Valley make every step special.
Final Thoughts
Knockmany Forest and its stone tomb are treasures in County Tyrone. The Anya’s Tomb Trail takes you to a 5,000-year-old place with rare drawings and big views. The forest’s trees and animals make it fun for everyone. Even with problems like bad signs, it’s worth visiting. I’m Douglas Baltes, with a Marine Biology degree and five years studying nature. I love places like Knockmany. Visit the forest, respect the tomb, and enjoy the Clogher Valley. Tell me your thoughts or tips in the comments!
Disclaimer: This article about Knockmany Forest and its Neolithic tomb is for informational purposes only. All information is based on research and personal expertise, but accuracy is not guaranteed. Visitors should verify details, such as trail conditions or access to the tomb, with local authorities like the Historic Environment Division or Mid Ulster District Council before visiting. The author, Douglas Baltes, is not responsible for any issues, injuries, or damages that may occur during your visit to Knockmany Forest. Always respect the site, follow local guidelines, and ensure your safety while exploring.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
