Knocknarea is visually striking as it has steep limestone cliffs and stands on the Cúil Irra peninsula overlooking the Atlantic coast.

[1] In recent years there has been concern that the ancient cairn, a protected National Monument, is being damaged by climbers.

The Placenames Database of Ireland gives the Irish name as Cnoc na Riabh (meaning "hill of the stripes").

In recent years, archaeologists have warned that it is being eroded by hikers climbing on it and moving or removing stones.

[5][6] Irish folklore holds that it is bad luck to damage or disrespect such tombs and that doing so could bring a curse.

[9] The area around Sligo Bay is rich in pre-historic remains, and shares similar monuments and natural shapes.

From Knocknarea can be seen other sites such as Croaghaun Mountain, Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery, and Cairns Hill.