The most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland

With parts of Ireland experiencing over 225 days of rain a year, it’s no wonder the Emerald Isle has an incredible amount of greenery and an incredible amount of water. Some counties, like the overlooked Cavan County, have so many lakes that you could visit a new one every day for a year. Other places, like Dublin, are made up of the rivers that run through them.

But in addition to lakes, streams, lakes and rivers, Ireland is also home to impressive waterfalls. Some small falls are found in fairytale forests, while others cascade majestically down a mountainside. Ready to find your inner peace and reconnect with the Irish countryside? Here’s where to see the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland:

01
from 10

Cascada Torc, Co. Kerry

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+353 85 801 7973

Web

Visit the website

Located just a few miles from the charming town of Killarney, Torc Waterfall is one of the first stops on a tour of the Ring of Kerry. The beautiful waterfall is only a 5 minute walk from the road (there are many signs leading to the path) and can be found at the bottom of Torc mountain. The green setting is perfectly peaceful, but the waterfall is popular and can be crowded at times. For more open space, head to nearby Killarney National Park and rent a bike to explore the quiet trails.

02
from 10

Glencar Cascade, Co. Leitrim

Direction

Get directions

Web

Visit the website

Serene County Leitrim is home to the beautiful 50 foot tall Glencar Waterfall. The waterfall falls down the Dartry Mountains into Glencar Lough. It’s a romantic setting any day, but the falls are most impressive after a good rain when the water runs down the side of the mountain. The charming location is said to have inspired WB Yeats to write the poem “The Stolen Child,” which includes the lines:

Where the wandering water gushes from
the hills above Glen-Car,
in puddles among the reeds
they could barely bathe a star.

You can enjoy all the natural beauty from the picnic area overlooking the waterfall and it also has a small playground for children. Then continue exploring Leitrim with a trip to Innisfree, the Irish island that became the setting for his most famous play.

03
from 10

Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+353 1 204 6000

Web

Visit the website

Cascading in an unbroken cascade down a mountainside, Powerscourt Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Ireland. The 398-foot waterfall is known as a horsetail waterfall because of its free-flowing appearance and can be visited any time of year near Powerscourt Estate. In fact, the estate owns the waterfall and the beautiful valley surrounded by forests where it can be found in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The € 6 entrance fee is a small price to pay to experience the amazing natural surroundings, and it also gives you access to the picnic facilities and children’s playground near the base of the falls. It’s the perfect stop after visiting the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, which is located about 6 miles away.

04
from 10

Glenoe Waterfall, Co. Antrim (Northern Ireland)

Direction

Get directions

It seems that Glenoe Falls might be based on a fairy tale, but in reality, it can be found about a 2 minute walk from the main street of Glenoe Village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The small town sits right on the edge of the beautiful glen where the 30-foot-tall Glenoe Waterfall is located. The path and walkway at the foot of the falls have recently been replaced, so you can leisurely stroll through the idyllic location and take your time to view the waterfall through lush greenery, ending in a bubbling stream filled with mossy rocks. The waterfall is a short drive north of Belfast and is just a few miles from Carrickfergus Castle.

05
from 10

Glenevin Waterfall, Co. Donegal

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+353 74 937 6745

Web

Visit the website

The scenery only gets prettier as you get closer to Glenevin Falls, which is named after the valley where it is located and is lined with walkways to cross the stream. Finding this waterfall near Clonmany in County Donegal requires a short but enjoyable hike along a well-maintained, level trail. It’s about a 30 minute walk to the Glen House, where you can stop for tea before or after the hike. The 40 foot tall waterfall pools in a small natural basin, known as Pohl-an-eas.

County Donegal is no stranger to natural beauty and has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to take a detour to visit nearby Malin Head, the northernmost point in all of Ireland.

06
from 10

Cascada Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo

Direction

Get directions

Tourmakeaday Falls is the main attraction along the enchanting Tourmakeady Forest Park Walk. The less than 2-mile trail is suitable for nature lovers of all ages, and winds through a charming forest in County Mayo. The falls are part of the Glensaul River, and the hike ends at the highest point in the forest, overlooking the emerald landscape. The setting is truly romantic, and local legend suggests that Onamon de Valera, one of the central figures in the 1916 Easter Rising, once courted his wife here. The future rebel met her while he was teaching at the local Tourmakeady school. The picturesque village is nearby, or you can stop at the O’Tooles pub at the forest park entrance for drinks and food after your hike.

07
from 10

Assaranca Waterfall, Co. Donegal

Direction

Get directions

Cascading majestically down a rugged mountainside, Assaranca Falls are a beautiful stop when exploring the natural wonders of County Donegal. The falls are most impressive in winter, when higher rainfall tends to create a thunderous torrent, but Assaranca is more than a small detour any day of the year. Once you’ve explored the area around the falls, head to the nearby Maghera Caves (certainly more famous). The natural grottoes sit on a white sand beach also in Ardara.

08
from 10

Gleninchaquin Falls, County Kerry

Direction

Get directions

Telephone

+353 87 634 9282

Web

Visit the website

One of Gleninchaquin Park’s top attractions, this waterfall is a popular stop for a day hike in County Kerry. The free-flowing falls run down a rocky cliff, dragging in various streams depending on recent rainfall. The area around the falls is well prepared for picnics, and there are trails in the park that are suitable for all fitness levels. Kids will also love the sheep and cattle that roam nearby. Gleninchaquin Park and Falls are one of the best stops for a trip around the Beara Peninsula, but be sure to also explore the nearby white sand beach at Ballydonegan Bay and stroll through the enchanted fairy forest at Derreen Gardens.

Note: The private park where Gleninchaquin Falls is located is closed for the winter (usually November to early March).

09
from 10

Aasleagh Falls, Co. Mayo

Direction

Get directions

Located just across the border from County Galway, Aasleagh Falls is a beautiful waterfall along the Erriff River in County Mayo. The falls are within walking distance of the town of Leenane, requiring only a brisk walk to get from the parking spots along the R335. The easily accessible falls are in a popular salmon fishing area, so be sure to bring your gear if you want to try your luck catching something nearby. Otherwise, get back in the car to continue exploring the beautiful Killary Fjord, or head back to Galway to experience Connemara National Park. The impressive gardens of Kylemore Abbey are also just a short drive away.

10
from 10

Glenariff Waterfalls, Co. Antrim (Irlanda del Norte)

Direction

Get directions

Web

Visit the website

Glenariff Forest Park, near Ballymena on the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland, has so many small waterfalls that it has a special trail known as the Waterfall Walk. Follow the signs to traverse green ravines, descend a steep gorge, and pass multiple beautiful waterfalls. The 5-mile scenic trail is full of unique plant life, including rare ferns, which grow exceptionally well in the perpetually humid environment. The area is known as one of the most beautiful valleys in all of Northern Ireland and was even a filming location for ‘Game of Thrones’.