This is the path to Knocknarea, a large hill near the city of Sligo, Ireland. The summit of this hill is believed to be the final resting place of Queen Maeve, the fairy queen.

Really, you say? Well, I’m not the only one who believes that. We were there mid-week and passed a thin but steady stream of fellow believers who were also visiting to pay their respects. There was an elderly couple, probably in their late 80’s. There was a single woman in her 40’s. And there were a few young families. From our B&B, a twenty-minute drive away, we could see the cairn that marks Maeve’s grave. It’s that little bump at the top in the image below.

Because it is a custom to carry your own rock to the grave and leave it as a sign of respect, my husband and I each had one in our pocket. And knowing daisies are one of the very favorite flowers of the fairies, I stopped beside the path where some were growing to consider bringing Maeve a few of those as well. On the rock wall beneath the flowers someone had left several coins in exchange for the flowers they’d taken. I smiled and left a few coins before picking a few of my own. Why? Because it’s all about respect with the fairies.

The hillside ahead was covered with rich, green grass and low-growing heather that was just beginning to bloom. Although we were anxious to reach the top, I found myself turning around again and again to admire the gorgeous view of the countryside, which just kept getting better.

After about 25 minutes, we could see the top. We could also see several people standing on top of the mound of stones left behind for the queen, which was quite disrespectful. I stayed beside the cairn where I left my stone and flowers.

I can’t imagine how many stones there were in that mound. There had to be a million!

Right after I posed for the photo above, it began to pour. The temperature was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the huge drops of rain felt like hail pounding down on us. As we were fighting to get our coats on in the wind, one woman passing by all alone said, “That’s Maeve…she never cares much for company.”

Being someone who loves my own solitude, I can definitely respect the queen for that.