There is a mountain in County Sligo, Ireland, called Knocknarea. Near the summit there is a Neolithic passage tomb, dating back 5,000 years, which is an Irish National Monument. It is, allegedly, the grave of Queen Maeve (or Modb in the Gaelic language). She was the famous warrior queen of Connacht and featured in the mythological epic tale of The Cattle Raid of Cooley (Tain Bo Cuailnge).
     Unfortunately the cairn (which sits right at the summit of Knocknarea) is suffering increasing damage and erosion from visitors who can walk all over it, without any form of protection. This is not surprising as even the tourist website YourIrish.com encourages people to climb to the summit to enjoy the views.
     The Irish Office of Public Works has become increasingly concerned over the damage being caused and has urged Sligo County Council to take serious steps to prevent any further damage. There has been some confusion over signs erected alerting walkers of the danger of walking on the cairn, with people interpreting that as a danger to the walker rather than the cairn.
     Dr Marion Dowd, a Sligo archaeologist, believes the problem is getting worse. She is quoted as saying "It is getting smaller. People have been removing stones. And then people climb to the top of the cairn to get a better view". It is hoped that the local authorities can put permanent protection measures in place without further delay.

Edited from The Irish Times (13 January 2019)