Move to take Knockma's historic crown into public ownership

By TONY GALVIN THE broad vistas of some of this region's most captivating landscapes, which can be enjoyed from the famed summit of Knockma, are being enjoyed by more and more people, thanks to the development work carried out by the Parks and Wildlife Service. However, not many people realise that although the woodlands, paths and hill of Knockma are free for all to enjoy, once they step out onto the summit, they are actually on private property and have no right to be there. Now a move is on, which, it is hoped, will result in the summit being acquired and incorporated into the park so that it can be properly and safely developed, adding the crown to what is one of the most alluring and enjoyed public facilities on offer anywhere in the country. Knockma has become even more popular with the public since the provision of parking facilities and work is ongoing to make the entrance safer. Unrivalled views The forested hill walk is a delight at any time but the summit, in ideal conditions, provides an unrivalled view of the West of Ireland. On a clear day the visitor can survey the Connemara mountains stretching out past Lough Corrib, the hills of Mayo and, to the south, the Burren in Clare. It is hoped to acquire six or seven acres of the summit and incorporate this into the park. This will formally open up to visitors the area surrounding the extensive summit cairns, the monuments and the limestone pavement. The hilltop is the source of much archaeological speculation, but it remains just speculation, as it has never been extensively investigated. However, as one of the few raised locations in an otherwise flat landscape, it is considered unlikely that it would not have been used for rituals by our ancestors, especially burial rituals. One leading archaeologist has said it could be the site of Co Galway's only passage tombs. There is a rich store of mythology centred on the summit, with many even claiming it as the last resting place of the legendary Queen Maeve. More tales refer to the Fir Bolg and Tuatha de Danann disporting themselves on the ancient slopes. Where myth and fact intersect may forever remain unclear, but one thing is certain â€â€ the location is held dear by increasing numbers of people and there is considerable support for the proposal to take the summit into public ownership, and to preserve it. The owner of the land in question is Timmy Higgins. He says he is interested in its acquisition by the Parks and Wildlife Service because then it could be properly developed and incorporated into the park. He explained that the Parks and Wildlife Service already owns a small portion of the summit and his six or seven acres would ensure that all the important sites and monuments are under the control of a body that can preserve and protect them while opening the area to the public. [private] Modest sum Timmy also emphasises that he is not looking to make a financial killing on the transfer and the sum being mentioned is quite modest. He points out, however, that the property has been in his family for years and he's not willing to simply give it away. 'This is not a money-spinner for me. I'd just love to see it developed and its potential realised. I played there as a child, know what a wonderful place it is, and I'd like to see it passed on for future generations to enjoy,' he said. Conservation Ranger with the Parks and Wildlife Service, John Higgins, said that the service has an ongoing interest in acquiring this site as it would complement what is already on offer to the public in this priority habitat. He said there would be support for the move in the EU context as the site incorporates a small section of limestone pavement, possibly an off-shoot of the Burren. The move would allow the extension of the popular walking trail. 'If we got access to this area it would be a big bonus to our work and would allow people out walking to enjoy the magnificent views, which are difficult to see from within the woodland. This small purchase would add greatly to the Knockma experience and I hope that this is an opportunity which won't be missed,' John said. NUIG Archaeologist Dr Conor Newman feels that the acquisition of the land in question would be of great interest to archaeologists as, to the best of his knowledge, there has never been a proper scientific survey of the cairns. He suspects that there are passage tombs there and, if so, they would be the only such tombs in Co Galway, which would generate further interest in Knockma. However, he emphasised the need for caution: 'If this land is going to be acquired, it is not just a question of blasting through a path and opening the area up to the public. This is a sensitive area and there are other features of the hill that also have to be taken into consideration, not just that which is of interest to archaeologists. The monuments themselves are certainly of great importance, even the remodelling carried out on one of the cairns is of historical interest as that is part of the story of Knockma as well. Ownership also involves responsibility,' he said. On the whole, Dr Newman feels it could only be a good thing if the land was acquired, provided the process is handled sensitively. Cllr Tom McHugh told The Herald that he had approached his party colleague Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan, on the issue, and that's where the matter now lies. He said the acquisition of the land in question would obviously be of interest to those who wished to preserve this important heritage site and ensure its archaeological wealth is properly investigated and catalogued. Public amenity 'This is an important public amenity area and anything which enhances its appeal deserves our support. I don't know what the position is regarding funding for acquiring the lands in question but if it can be done, it certainly should be, as this opportunity many not arise again,' he said. The matter is now on the desk of the Minister and he has asked for further information. Cllr McHugh, and the  very many people who now consider Knockma their own, are awaiting developments. [/private]