Glencar Waterfall
1 / 10

Glencar Waterfall

4.7
·7k reviews·, Ireland

A serene 50-ft waterfall in County Leitrim, Ireland, famed for its woodland setting and inspiration to poet W.B. Yeats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rain

Most powerful waterfall flow

CrowdMedium
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Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall

Best Time

After rain

Most powerful waterfall flow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 50-ft waterfall in County Leitrim, Ireland, famed for its woodland setting and inspiration to poet W.B. Yeats.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"A truly beautiful site. Easy-to-walk trail (some stairs). The falls and stream are picturesque and calming."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park & Explore

Ample parking available with ice cream, tea house, play area, and lake views. Easy access to the falls!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paved paths are lovely, but can be slippery when wet. Stairs offer higher views.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 6,649 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall

County Leitrim

Ireland's stunning 50-ft tiered waterfall, a peaceful woodland escape and inspiration for W.B. Yeats.

Devil's Chimney Waterfall

Devil's Chimney Waterfall

Sligo/Leitrim Border

Ireland's tallest waterfall at 150m, best viewed after heavy rain for a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

W.B. Yeats' Inspiration

W.B. Yeats' Inspiration

Glencar Valley

Discover the magical atmosphere that inspired the famous poet W.B. Yeats' 'The Stolen Child'.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best Views

Visit after a good rain for the most dramatic waterfall flow. While Glencar is beautiful year-round, its power is amplified by recent rainfall, making it a truly spectacular sight. Check local weather forecasts before you go to maximize your experience.

Accessibility and Trails

The main path to Glencar Waterfall is paved and accessible for mobility users up to the falls themselves. However, for those wanting to explore further or reach higher viewpoints, there are stairs and moderate inclines involved, so wear comfortable shoes.

Best Times

When
After rain
Why
Most powerful waterfall flow
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Fragrant flowers & lambs
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Places to visit in Ireland before you die🇮🇪💚 - Ring of Kerry - Achill island - The devils chimney - Donegal cliffs such as Glencolumbkillle or Slieve League - Connemara - Belfast - Antrim coast such as Glens of Antrim or the Causeway coast
@explorewithcriostoir
108.9K likes • 1.2M views

🚗 Park & Explore

Ample parking available with ice cream, tea house, play area, and lake views. Easy access to the falls! TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paved paths are lovely, but can be slippery when wet. Stairs offer higher views. Reddit

Tallest waterfall Ireland 👇 📍 Devil’s Chimney, Sligo 🇮🇪 At 150m high, this spectacular waterfall is best after rainy days and is a 30-minute walk from the car park. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a must-see stop in Ireland. #ireland #sligo #wildatlanticway #devilschimneywaterfall #waterfall
@tropic_sails
15.4K likes • 342.8K views
Nestled in County Leitrim, this 15 m-high waterfall inspired the poetry of W.B. Yeats. Not only is Glencar one of Ireland’s most magical waterfalls, it is also steeped in myths and legends, making it a truly magical place to visit. It is said to be home to spirits, fairies, and other mystical beings, and some even believe that the waters of Glencar have magical healing properties. ✨ The walk to ...
lianamodonova
0 likes • 16.5K views

🌧️ Best After Rain

For the most dramatic views of Devil's Chimney, visit after significant rainfall. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Magic

The Glencar Valley offers stunning scenery, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Instagram

🌊 How many of these iconic Leitrim waterfalls have you ticked off your Bucket list? 🌟 Glencar waterfall situated in the north of the county reaching 50ft high! 🌟Pól an Eas waterfall situated outside Ballinamore- an ideal place for a picnic 🌟Scardan Waterfall- located along the national waymarked way “Miners Way”. 🌟Fowleys Falls- named after a local landowner in the Rossinver. Start planning your...
enjoyleitrim
282 likes • 5.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park & Explore

Ample parking available with ice cream, tea house, play area, and lake views. Easy access to the falls! TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paved paths are lovely, but can be slippery when wet. Stairs offer higher views. Reddit

🌧️ Best After Rain

For the most dramatic views of Devil's Chimney, visit after significant rainfall. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Magic

The Glencar Valley offers stunning scenery, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Instagram

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy refreshments and information at the cafe near the parking area. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Glencar Waterfall for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility. The easy walk, picturesque scenery, and the calming sound of the water are frequently highlighted as major draws. While generally well-received, some note that paths can become slippery when wet, and the popularity means parking can be busy during peak times.

"Very beautiful waterfall, there is plant of designated parking nearby with ice cream van, play area, lake view, sheep, tea house and the route to waterfall. This route is accessible for mobility users up to the waterfall. There is choice to climb stairs and come round to the tea house. Rest areas and toilet are nearby in parking."

Abdul Hakeem

"Absolutely beautiful Waterfall.
It is really high and the sound of the water falling is so peaceful. You can go up the steps at the side of the waterfall just to watch the water fall at such a great height. Really worth a visit and no charge to visit it."

Frances Killen

"A truly beautiful site. Easy-to-walk trail (some stairs). The falls and stream are picturesque and calming. In the spring flowers on the grasses and trees were plentiful and fragrant. Worth the drive. As a bonus, the lambs below the parking lot were entertaining."

Evan Harston

What People Like

Beautiful and picturesque
Peaceful and calming
Easy to access

What People Dislike

Paths can be slippery
Parking can be busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Glencar Waterfall is located in County Leitrim, Ireland. It's accessible by car, with designated parking available near the falls. Many visitors find it a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Glencar Waterfall is situated along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way, making it a popular stop for road trippers exploring the west coast of Ireland. TikTok+1

Yes, Devil's Chimney (Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird) is located on the Sligo/Leitrim border, near Glencar Waterfall. It's often visited in conjunction with Glencar. Instagram+2

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring Glencar Waterfall and the surrounding Sligo/Leitrim region, offering flexibility to visit other nearby attractions. Reddit

Yes, there is substantial designated parking available at Glencar Waterfall, though it can get busy during peak times. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no charge to visit Glencar Waterfall, making it an accessible and free natural attraction for all visitors. Reddit

Glencar Waterfall is a natural attraction and is generally accessible at all times. However, facilities like the cafe and restrooms may have specific operating hours. Reddit

No advance booking is required for Glencar Waterfall as it is a free public attraction. Simply arrive and enjoy the natural beauty. Reddit

There are no specific entry restrictions for Glencar Waterfall. However, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines. Reddit

Absolutely! Glencar Waterfall is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering beautiful scenery, a pleasant walk, and nearby amenities. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The walk to Glencar Waterfall is generally easy, with a paved path leading to the falls. There are some stairs for those who wish to ascend for different viewpoints, and rest areas are available. TikTokReddit

The main path to Glencar Waterfall is paved and accessible for mobility users up to the waterfall itself. However, some of the upper paths and stairs may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

Glencar Waterfall is approximately 50 feet (15 meters) high. The Devil's Chimney waterfall nearby is significantly taller, at around 150 meters (492 feet). Instagram+1

Nearby attractions include the Devil's Chimney Waterfall, Streedagh Beach, Strandhill, Hazelwood, and the Gleniff Horseshoe Walk, offering a variety of natural beauty and activities. InstagramReddit

Swimming is generally not recommended at Glencar Waterfall due to the natural terrain and water flow. It's best enjoyed for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main viewing area offers a great perspective of the falls. For different angles, explore the paths leading up the sides of the waterfall, and consider the surrounding woodland and the lake at the car park. Instagram

Drone footage can capture the impressive scale of Glencar Waterfall and its woodland setting, offering unique aerial perspectives of the landscape. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful, especially with fewer crowds. However, the waterfall's beauty is captivating throughout the day, and after rain, the dramatic flow is a photographer's dream. Reddit

Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the water's movement – a slower speed can create a silky effect. The lush greenery provides a vibrant backdrop. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire waterfall and its surroundings. A tripod can help with longer exposures, especially in lower light conditions. Instagram

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