Best Waterfalls in Ireland 21 Scenic Irish Cascades
Ireland is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Europe — from iconic cascades in National Parks to hidden gems tucked away in mountain valleys. If you’re planning a trip and want to chase waterfalls, this guide gives you both the beauty and the practical details: where they are, how to get there, and what to expect.
For each waterfall, you’ll find a short narrative plus a Quick Facts table covering height, location, trail access, parking, GPS coordinates, and best season to visit.
- Best Waterfalls in Ireland 21 Scenic Irish Cascades
- 21 Waterfalls to visit in the Republic of Ireland
- Devil’s Chimney (Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird) – County Leitrim
- Glencar Waterfall – County Leitrim
- Mahon Falls – County Waterford
- Aasleagh Falls – County Mayo
- Kilbride Waterfall – County Wicklow
- Glenmacnass Waterfall, Co. Wicklow
- Powerscourt Waterfall – County Wicklow
- Poulanass Waterfall – County Wicklow
- Torc Waterfall – County Kerry
- Conor Pass Waterfalls – County Kerry
- Reenadinna Waterfall – County Kerry
- Gleninchaquin Falls, Kerry
- Mahon Falls, County Waterford
- Clare Glens Waterfall, Tipperary/Limerick
- Largy Waterfall, the Secret Waterfall – County Donegal
- Glenevin waterfall, County Donegal
- Tips for Waterfall Chasers in Ireland
- Exploring the fascinating regions of Ireland
- 21 Waterfalls to visit in the Republic of Ireland
21 Waterfalls to visit in the Republic of Ireland
From the towering Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow to the serene cascades of Glencar in Leitrim, these natural wonders offer both peaceful retreats and awe-inspiring views. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a photographer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Ireland’s waterfalls promise unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Devil’s Chimney (Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird) – County Leitrim
Known as Ireland’s tallest waterfall, Devil’s Chimney reaches about 150 m (492 ft). The name comes from the Irish Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird meaning “stream against the height,” as the water can sometimes blow back upward in strong winds. The trail to the base is moderately steep but rewarding.
Quick Facts
Height: 150 m (492 ft) (World Waterfall Database). Location: Near Glencar Lake, Co. Leitrim/Sligo border
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; moderate hike. Best season: After rain; may run dry in summer
Nearby Attractions: Yeat’s Country Drumcliffe, Benbulben, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Glencar Waterfall – County Leitrim
Nestled in the lush greenery of County Leitrim and bordering Sligo, Glencar Waterfall cascades gracefully into a serene pool below. The surrounding landscape inspired W.B. Yeats, who famously wrote about its mystical beauty. The waterfall is easily accessible via a short walking trail, making it a perfect spot for photography, picnics, and quiet reflection.
Quick Facts:
Location: County Leitrim, Ireland. Height: 15 meters (49 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer. Accessibility: Short walking path from parking
Nearby Attractions: Glencar Lake, Drumcliffe Cemetery
Mahon Falls – County Waterford
Mahon Falls plunges dramatically into a narrow valley in the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and woodland, it’s a rewarding stop for hikers seeking breathtaking mountain views.
Quick Facts:
Location: Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford. Height: 80 meters (262 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn. Accessibility: Moderate hiking trail required
Nearby Attractions: Comeragh Mountains hiking, Waterford City
Aasleagh Falls – County Mayo
Near Leenane in County Mayo, Aasleagh Falls marks the start of the River Erriff. Its wide cascade is particularly impressive after rainfall, and the area offers scenic walking trails and photographic views.
Quick Facts:
Location: County Mayo, Ireland. Height: 10 meters (33 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring. Accessibility: Easily viewed from the roadside
Nearby Attractions: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey
Kilbride Waterfall – County Wicklow
This lesser-known waterfall in Wicklow offers a peaceful retreat amid dense woodland. The gentle cascade creates a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for quiet walks and nature photography.
Quick Facts:
Location: County Wicklow, Ireland.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn. Accessibility: Short walking path through forest
Nearby Attractions: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough
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.
Height: 80 m (estimate). Location: Wicklow Mountains, near Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Accessibility: Easy walking path, suitable for most visitors. Best season: Winter and spring for higher water flow
Nearby attractions: Wicklow Way, Sally Gap, Glendalough Monastic Site, Powerscourt Gardens
Powerscourt Waterfall – County Wicklow
Ireland’s highest waterfall, Powerscourt, tumbles 121 meters (397 feet) down the Wicklow Mountains. Nestled in the Powerscourt Estate, it’s a spectacular sight framed by lush woodlands and walking trails.
Quick Facts:
Location: County Wicklow, Ireland. Height: 121 meters (397 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn. Accessibility: long walking path from estate car park
Nearby Attractions: Powerscourt Estate Gardens, Enniskerry Village
Poulanass Waterfall – County Wicklow
Located in the Wicklow Mountains, Poulanass Waterfall offers dramatic views as water plunges into a steep valley. It’s surrounded by scenic trails popular with hikers and nature lovers.
Quick Facts:
Location: Wicklow Mountains, Ireland. Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer. Accessibility: Moderate hiking trail
Nearby Attractions: Lugnaquilla, Glenmalure Valley
Torc Waterfall – County Kerry
A scenic highlight of Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Torc Waterfall cascades 20 meters (66 feet) down rocky slopes. A popular hiking trail leads through forested paths to panoramic views.
Quick Facts:
Location: Killarney National Park, County Kerry. Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer. Accessibility: Moderate trail from parking
Nearby Attractions: Muckross House, Killarney Lakes
Conor Pass Waterfalls – County Kerry
Scattered along the route of the Conor Pass in County Kerry, these waterfalls tumble into rugged glens. Often fed by mountain streams, they are best appreciated after rainfall.
Quick Facts:
Location: Conor Pass, County Kerry. Height: Varies (10–25 meters)
Best Time to Visit: Spring. Accessibility: Viewable from roadside or short hikes
Nearby Attractions: Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head Drive
Reenadinna Waterfall – County Kerry
A hidden gem in County Kerry, Reenadinna cascades quietly in a secluded forest valley. Its gentle flow makes it ideal for peaceful walks and photography away from crowds.
Quick Facts:
Location: County Kerry, Ireland. Height: 8 meters (26 feet)
Best Time to Visit: Summer. Accessibility: Short forest path
Nearby Attractions: Kenmare, Ring of Kerry
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.
Location: Gleninchaquin Park, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Height: ~30 m (estimate)
Accessibility: Moderate hiking trail, suitable for most fitness levels. Best season: Spring and summer
Nearby attractions: Kenmare, Ring of Kerry, Moll’s Gap
Mahon Falls, County 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.
Location: Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford. Height: ~80 m
Accessibility: Hiking required, moderately steep. Best season: Spring and early autumn
Nearby attractions: Waterford City, Comeragh Mountains, Copper Coast Geopark
Clare Glens Waterfall, Tipperary/Limerick
The picturesque red sandstone gorge through which the Clare River flows through both Tipperary and Limerick 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.
Location: Clare Glens, Co. Tipperary/Limerick border
Accessibility: Easy walking trails
Best season: After rainfall
Nearby attractions: Mitchelstown Cave, Lough Gur, Limerick Citypicnic area and a children’s play area.
Largy Waterfall, the Secret Waterfall – County Donegal
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.
Location: Near Ardara, Co. Donegal. Height: 15 m (estimate)
Accessibility: Very difficult trail and dangerous with gravel and slippery stones, imperative to check tides
Best season: After heavy rain
Nearby attractions: Slieve League Cliffs, Ardara, Donegal Town
Glenevin waterfall, County 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.
Location: Glenevin, near Kilcar, Co. Donegal. Height: ~12 m (estimate)
Accessibility: Easy forest trail, family-friendly. Best season: Spring and autumn
Nearby attractions: Kilcar, Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal Coastal Drive
Assaranca Waterfall – County Donegal
A roadside beauty, Assaranca Waterfall near Ardara is one of the easiest to visit. Just off the road to Maghera Beach and Caves, this cascade is often at full force, especially after a wet spell. I’ve seen many folks swimming in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall and even my son fell in the pool.
Quick Facts
Location: Near Ardara, Co. Donegal. Height: ~20 m (estimate) (Go Visit Donegal)
Accessibility: Roadside, suitable for all. Best season: After heavy rain
Nearby Attractions: Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal Town
The Mare’s Tail (Hungry Hill) – County Cork
On the slopes of Hungry Hill (685 m) in the Beara Peninsula lies the dramatic Mare’s Tail, one of the highest cascades in Ireland. It’s often mistakenly described as 685 m tall (the height of Hungry Hill itself), but the waterfall is considerably shorter. The fall is wild, remote, and best suited to seasoned hikers.
Quick Facts
Location: Hungry Hill, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork. Height: Less than 685 m; exact drop debated (Wild Atlantic Way)
Accessibility: Remote; requires fitness & navigation. Best season: Spring or after rain
Nearby Attractions: the scenic Healy Pass and Ring of Beara drive, Gleninchaquin Park, the Allihies Copper Mine Museum, the villages of Eyeries and Castletownbere, and Dursey Island via its unique cable car.
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.
Location: Near Tourkameady, Co. Mayo. Height: 8–10 m (estimate)
Accessibility: Roadside, suitable for all. Best season: After rainfall
Nearby attractions: Westport, Croagh Patrick, Connemara National Park
Tips for Waterfall Chasers in Ireland
Timing: Waterfalls look their best after rain but may dry in summer.
Safety: Trails can be slippery; wear sturdy footwear.
Respect access: Some waterfalls cross private land — check signs.
Photography: Early morning light and rainy days bring the best shots.
Ireland’s waterfalls are more than scenic stops — they connect you to the island’s rugged landscapes, folklore, and natural rhythms. From the accessible grandeur of Powerscourt to the remote wildness of the Mare’s Tail, each fall offers a unique experience worth the journey.
Planning a trip to Ireland promises a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. For nature lovers, the Wild Atlantic Way offers dramatic coastal cliffs, charming seaside villages, and iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, and the Skellig Islands.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Ancient East invites travelers to step back in time with its megalithic tombs, medieval castles, and historic towns such as Kilkenny, Waterford, and Trim. Whether you’re chasing cascading waterfalls, exploring rugged coastlines, or uncovering centuries-old history, Ireland’s diverse regions ensure every adventure is both scenic and culturally enriching. With so much to see and do, arranging your itinerary carefully will let you experience the perfect balance of natural beauty and historic charm.
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