Walking through the past, present and future in Knockmany

It’s easy to become immersed in nature and captivated by the magnificent scenery as you walk through Knockmany Forest.

The oasis of tranquillity near Augher and Clogher is an area steeped in Irish folklore with many legendary figures associated with Knockmany (Cnoc mBaine in Irish) which covers a 19th Century estate.

The top of the mountain is reported to be the burial place of Queen Anya and the later Queen Baine, the wife of the first century King Tuatnai Techmar. Even more remarkable is the fact that it was also the reputed home of Finn McCool and his wife Oonagh.

But the giants and kings can wait, as we contemplate the exciting modern potential of Knockmany as a place to get away from all the pressures of life in this age of coronavirus.

Both Mid-Ulster Council and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs have been working hard to develop the amenities at the forest and a new centre has been built, the paths improved and regular signage showcases the various options for reaching the summit.

There are two walks, suitable for all ages and abilities.

The first if the Ardunshin Lough Woodland Train, stretching for 1.4 kilometres. The small streams and towering fir trees, which were planted in the 1920s provide a welcome and relaxing interlude.

Then, there is the more challenging Clogher Valley View Trail.

Starting again from the main carpark, the derelict gardener’s cottage provides a glimpse into what life would have been like here in years gone by. It looks and sounds idyllic, but perhaps the gardener who lived there, tending the large flower and vegetable beds may have a different story to tell!

Knockmany Runners and the St Macartan’s Ladies GAA team regularly train at Knockmany, and their success is testament to the commitment in so regularly undertaking the challenging climb to the top.

There are few better places to be than Knockmany, so make sure that you take time to stop, look and listen.

These breath-taking vistas, accompanied by the babbling of the stream never fail to induce a sense of calm. And so to the final stretch to the top and the views get even better with every step nearer the summit.

Clearly visible are Ben Bulben to the west, the rolling drumlins of south Tyrone and north Monaghan to the south and the village of Augher just below. On a clear day, the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Donard can be seen in the distance.
There, too, is Queen Anya’s grave, nestled in a mound surveying the changing landscape and past events of millennia in the Clogher Valley and beyond.