19 Most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland
Waterfalls in Ireland offer a unique and beautiful experience for visitors looking for nature at its purest. From the towering majesty of the Powerscourt Waterfall to the thunderous rush of rapids at Assaranca.
Ireland has plenty of stunning falls that will keep you coming back time after time. With such incredible sights to behold, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to explore the cascading waters of Ireland’s majestic falls!
From dramatic and remote waterfalls tucked into the Glens of Antrim or the Blue Stack mountains of Donegal here are nineteen of the best waterfalls in Ireland.
- 19 Most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland
- 19 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Ireland
- Best Waterfalls in Northern Ireland
- Best waterfalls in Ireland
- Assaranca, Donegal
- Largy Waterfall, Donegal
- Glenevin waterfall, Donegal
- Glencar Waterfall, Co. Leitrim
- The Devils Chimney Waterfall – Leitrim/Sligo border
- The Mare's Tail, Cork
- Torc Waterfall, Killarney, Kerry
- Tourmakeady Waterfall, County Mayo
- Aasleagh Falls, County Mayo/Galway
- Gleninchaquin Falls, Kerry
- Clare Glens Waterfall, Tipperary/Limerick
- Glenmacnass Waterfall, Co. Wicklow
- Mahon Falls, Co. Waterford
- Powerscourt Waterfall, Wicklow
- Kilfane Waterfall and Glen, Kilkenny
19 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Ireland
Ireland is full of stunning waterfalls that are sure to take your breath away! From the famous Torc Waterfall in Kerry to lesser-known cascades tucked away in the Irish countryside, there’s something magical about these beautiful falls. Here’s a look at some of Ireland’s most popular and noteworthy waterfalls.
Best Waterfalls in Northern Ireland
Pollnagollum Cave Waterfall, Fermanagh
Deep in Fermanagh Northern Ireland in Belmore Forest Park, you will find the Pollnagollum Caves which you might recognize as Beric Dondorian’s hideout in Game of Thrones.
Belmore Forest is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and the walk is right in the heart of cave country. Beneath your feet lies an extensive network of caves including the Pollnagollum Cave which is Irish for “Hole of the doves”.
This cave is fed by a stunning waterfall that drops down from a limestone cliff and swells to roaring streams during rainy weather. The waterfall flows into the cave and travels up to 2km underground before it meets with the river.
When your in Fermanagh check out the Stairway to Heaven Walk and the strange Janus headstones at Boa Island.
Glenoe Waterfall, Antrim
The Glens of Antrim are an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and a major tourist attraction along the Causeway Coastal route. Words don’t do the area justice from the views of Donegal in the west to World Heritage sites like the Giant’s Causeway, a road trip through the Antrim Glens is a must when visiting Ireland. The Glens of Antrim are one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, and nestled deep within is the scenic Glenoe Waterfall.
If you are staying in or near Belfast the falls are found just a few miles past Carrickfergus Castle in the village of Glenoe.
A short stroll from the charming village of Glenoe, the steps and paths winding around a small glen, will lead you to one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Northern Ireland. Glenoe is a magnificent 30-foot waterfall nestling in the Glens and is very popular for cold water swimming fans.
Glenariff Waterfall, Antrim
From the Glenariff Forest Park parking lot, you can follow the waymarked trail (Waterfall Walk) down the steps, along the boardwalks through Glenariff Nature Reserve.
This is a very steep descent down the path and steps to the bottom of the gorge passing some spectacular waterfalls within the Nature Reserve.
Cranny Falls, Antrim
In the seaside village of Carnlough, you can find the beginning of a walking trail which takes you from the middle of the village all the way to an area known as the Gortin Glen and further still to the Cranny Falls.
The path follows the old railway line that used to feed the harbour area with the rich mineral stones from the Gortin Quarry. At the end of the main path, there is an old Stone Building and a path that leads up to the quarry and to the Viewpoint. From the main path, you can then follow it to a crossroads which will eventually lead you to Cranny Falls waterfall.
Dunseverick Falls, Antrim
Dunseverick Falls is located about 8 km northeast of Bushmills in County Antrim. You can walk between the houses to the coast to get to the waterfall. Most visitors to the North Coast will visit the harbour and the ruined castle at Dunseverick, but very few people ever even know that they have passed this beautiful location.
Park in across the road from the turn for the harbour and climb over a stile and walk down onto the coastal path. Turn left and there is a little river a couple of hundred yards along the coast. As you get closer you will see the waterfall, where the stream falls over a low cliff into the Atlantic.
The best views can be had by carefully climbing across rocks on the near side of the stream. Be careful these can be slippery, and be extra careful if the tide is high and the sea is rough as you could easily be swept away.
Best waterfalls in Ireland
Assaranca, Donegal
Just outside Ardara are the Maghera Caves and the gorgeous waterfall Eas a’ Rance (Assaranca). The road is quite a long way in but keeps going and eventually, you will spot the waterfall.
The waterfall is incredibly powerful during the rainy times (which is quite often in Donegal) and folks do swim at the base of it.
Largy Waterfall, Donegal
Donegal’s secret waterfall is no secret anymore and you may just find yourself with dozens of other adventurous tourists looking for the same spot along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Largy Waterfall can be found on the Slieve League peninsula on the outskirts of Largy a small hamlet on the R263 the main road that runs from Killybegs to Glencolumkille and is around 30 minutes from Donegal Town.
The Largy Waterfall can only be seen when the tide is out so it is imperative that you check the tide times to ensure you have plenty of time to walk to the waterfall, take your Instagram shots and get out before the tide comes in. Give yourself at least several hours to get to and back from the Waterfall.
Glenevin waterfall, Donegal
This is wedge-shaped fresh mountain water that cascades over the black rock from a height of 30ft. It is located in Clonmany, County Donegal on the Inishowen Peninsula. This hidden gem with good car parking and picnic tables. It is about a 1km walk up to the falls but the path is gravelled and lined with lovely fairy doors.
Glencar Waterfall, Co. Leitrim
This gorgeous Irish waterfall is said to have inspired Yeat’s poem “The Stolen Child”.
Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car…
Located in County Leitrim, the 50-foot-tall Glencar Waterfall is a must-see when travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. The waterfall flows through the Dartry Mountains and into Glencar Lough.
Known as one the most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland it sits almost on the border of Sligo and Leitrim and is a great stop with its picnic area and playground.
The Devils Chimney Waterfall – Leitrim/Sligo border
The Devil’s Chimney, ‘Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird’ in Irish, means the stream against the height and it is also called the Backwards Waterfall. During the south winds, the waterfall is actually blown upwards and back over the cliffs where it falls.
It is 492 feet high (150m) it sits a short drive from the Glencar Waterfall. It is a bit of a challenging hike of around 30 to 60 minutes but well worth it for the stunning views.
The Mare’s Tail, Cork
At the top of Hungry Hill Cork and Kerry’s Caha Mountains, you will find the Mare’s Tail reaching a height of 685 metres. This is not an easily accessible Irish waterfall and it takes a 3-hour hike over very uneven and steep terrain.
The Mare’s Tail Waterfall is located on the Beara Peninsula, about 4 km west of Adrigole. There is an unofficial trail to the waterfall that starts from a nearby farm. As you have to pass through their premises and cross private farmland, you should seek permission beforehand.
Torc Waterfall, Killarney, Kerry
Located in stunning Killarney National Park, the Torc Waterfall is among the top attractions in Killarney and for anyone planning to tour the Ring of Kerry.
This waterfall is about 70 to 80 meters high, found at the base of the lush Torc Mountain. The waterfall itself is 20 meters high and 110 meters long and from the carpark, it will only take a few minutes to reach the waterfall.
Tourmakeady Waterfall, County Mayo
A half an hour drive from the famous Croagh Patrick in Mayo is Tourmakeady Woods and the Forest Park Walk. A few miles of trail will lead you to the Waterfall which it set on the highest point of the trail. Tourmakeady falls on the Glensaul River is undoubtedly one of the best waterfalls in Ireland to see.
Local stories say that this is where Èamon de Valera a key part of the 1916 Easter Rising proposed to his wife.
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Aasleagh Falls, County Mayo/Galway
Located 1 km north of the Galway/Mayo border, this location provides views over Aasleagh Falls, a picturesque waterfall located on the River Erriff just before the river meets Killary Harbour.
We took a drive up from Cong, to Killary Harbour and on the way stopped at the stunning Aasleagh Falls which is probably one of Ireland’s most scenic hidden secrets.
Killary Harbour extends 16km (10 miles) from the Wild Atlantic Way to its head at Aasleagh, Aasleagh falls right within the Connemara Loop. Killary Harbour forms the border between Mayo and Galway and the area certainly contains some of the most spectacular scenery in the Irish West.
The easily accessible Aasleagh Falls is situated along the River Erriff in County Mayo, very close to the border with County Galway. It is a short distance from the parking lot to the falls. This is a small Irish waterfall but the cascade sweeps over dramatic rocks and roars into a stream where you can do some salmon fishing.
Gleninchaquin Falls, Kerry
Gleninchaquin Waterfalls makes a great stop if on a Ring of Kerry tour. It is 459ft tall, and one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland. Set in Gleninchaquin Park where you can wander mountain paths, stroll through lush meadows and delight in the tranquil landscapes of Ireland. There is a car park and a tearoom to enjoy the scenic views and take a rest in.
Clare Glens Waterfall, Tipperary/Limerick
The Clare Glens is a wooded area along the banks of the Clare River, which separates counties Limerick and Tipperary. The scenery is breathtaking, with wild dense forest combined with the calm rushing of the crystal clear waters.
The picturesque red sandstone gorge through which the Clare River flows displays numerous waterfalls, natural rock pools, waterfalls and rapids.
You can hike the Clare Glens Loop, starting from the village of Murroe (Moroe) on the R506 between Limerick City and Cappamore. Follow the signs for Clare Glens which take you north out of the village. Follow this road for approximately 5km to reach the trailhead at a car parking area on your left. There are also restrooms, as well as a picnic area and a children’s play area.
Glenmacnass Waterfall, Co. Wicklow
The Glenmacnass River follows the Old Military road from Sally Gap to Laragh and Glendalough in the magnificent Wicklow Mountains. The Glenmacnass Waterfall tumbles from a height of 80 metres and is a stunning scenic location there is a car park above the Waterfall and the Waterfall is a 2 minutes walk.
Mahon Falls, Co. Waterford
The tumbling Mahon Falls is located in the Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford, near the village of Lemybrien. The falls are lined with sheer rock faces and the water falls over 80 metres from the River Mahon.
There is a car park close to the falls with an easy walk and stunning views of the sea and the village of Dungarvan.
Powerscourt Waterfall, Wicklow
An absolute must-visit is the Powerscourt Estates and Gardens with the tallest waterfall in Ireland. It is 121m (398ft.) and is located 6km from the Main Estate. It is set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful parklands at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. These stunning falls were used in the History Channel’s TV epic drama The Vikings.
Kilfane Waterfall and Glen, Kilkenny
This lovely hidden gem is near Thomastown, Kilkenny past the Kilfane Church and up the hill to the parking lot. The Kilfane Waterfall and Glen are listed as an Irish heritage garden and cost €7 per person to keep the garden maintained, they only accept cash.
The gardens are an absolutely pristine example of a romantic era garden dating from the 1790s. Untouched for 200 years, it is a paradise with a waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage orné. Tiny bridges sit among ancient trees, wild fox gloves, ferns and another historically correct 18th-century planting.
Ireland is a nature-lovers paradise, full of rolling hills and majestic waterfalls. These are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring waterfalls in Ireland that are definitely worth a visit on your next trip to the Emerald Isle! From thunderous cascades to tranquil plunge pools, there’s something for everyone to admire. So grab your camera and get ready for an adventure – these stunning Irish waterfalls won’t disappoint!
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