15 Amazing Waterfalls in Ireland

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Known as ‘The Emerald Isle,’ for its stunningly green landscapes, which are in large part due to its rainy climate, Ireland is notable for its rich and troubled history, beautiful scenery and among many other natural features, its waterfalls.

With mountains, sea, forests and waterfalls all packed into a relatively small country, a trip to Ireland will leave you feeling like you’ve really visited many different countries.

Below is a list of 15 amazing waterfalls in Ireland.

1. Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt WaterfallSource: walshphotos / shutterstock
Powerscourt Waterfall

Located in the modest but picturesque town of Enniskerry in County Wicklow, Powerscourt Waterfall stands at a majestic height of nearly 400 feet.

Set in the hills around the town, the area is known for its slow pace and charm and is a great place to stroll around to get a glimpse of how the locals live.

The walk to the waterfall’s base is relatively easy and it is a superb place to have a family picnic, a quiet day reading a book, or just gazing at the falls by yourself if that’s more your speed.

There’s a small fee to enter the park, and there are restrooms and a playground that the little ones will like.

2. Mahon Falls

Mahon Falls, IrelandSource: walshphotos / shutterstock
Mahon Falls

At nearly 270 feet tall, the Mahon Falls is surrounded by natural beauty.

You’ll find them in the Comeragh Mountain region near Waterford, on Ireland’s east coast close to the English Channel.

There’s no fee to access the falls, and there are trails leading to them for those who feel like hiking.

There’s a parking lot on the main road. If your stomach is grumbling when you get there fear not, because entrepreneurial locals have set up makeshift stands selling snacks and drinks.

3. Devil’s Chimney Waterfall

Sruth In Aghaidh An AirdSource: Jon Sullivan / Wikimedia
Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird

Near to popular Glencar Waterfall, Devil’s Chimney Waterfall scores high in the most ominous name category.

It also makes up for its relative obscurity with its sheer size.

At nearly 500 feet it’s the tallest waterfall in Ireland.

There’s a new, manmade path leading through the scenic forest that’ll take you to the waterfall’s crest, and the trip will take about an hour depending on your motivation and physical ability.

Despite its size, the water may stop flowing in times of drought, which are admittedly rare.

4. Glencar Waterfall

Glencar WaterfallSource: David Soanes / shutterstock
Glencar Waterfall

Found near the town of Leitrim, Glencar Waterfall is among Ireland’s most popular waterfalls, although at 50 feet it’s far from the tallest.

Getting to the falls at Glencar Lough will be half the fun due to the amazing views of the Irish countryside.

There’s no charge to view the falls, and the walk to the fall is short, easy and will take you through a scenic forest.

Once you’ve had your fill, there are other trails in the area, most of which are clearly marked.

The park also has bathrooms, a playground and even a tiny coffee shop on site if you’d like a snack or a drink.

5. Glenevin Waterfall

Glenevin WaterfallSource: Michelle Holihan / shutterstock
Glenevin Waterfall

At just 30 feet tall, Glenevin Waterfall is modest by Irish waterfall standards, but its size doesn’t detract from its beauty.

Located in Clonmany, County Donegal, in Ireland’s northern province of Ulster, like most falls it’s set among the traditional Irish countryside.

It’s free to enter the park, and just a short walk from the parking area will take you to multiple areas where you can view the fall.

There’s a quaint little café on site if you’d like a spot of afternoon tea, and there are also bathrooms.

6. Torc Waterfall

Torc WaterfallSource: Patryk Kosmider / shutterstock
Torc Waterfall

Close to Killarney, in scenic county Kerry, Torc Waterfall lies at the foundation of the mountain with the same name, and falls nearly 80 feet.

Located in Killarney National Park, it can be downright crowded at times, due to its reputation as a must-visit place for international and local tourists in the area.

From the parking lot, the walk to the falls is no more than 10 minutes, and will take you to a viewing area. If you’re brimming with energy you can take a formidable stairway nearby for an even better vantage point.

7. Assaranca Waterfall

Assaranca WaterfallSource: Michelle Holihan / shutterstock
Assaranca Waterfall

Assaranca waterfall is located near the small town of Ardara in County Donegal, which boasts a population of less than 1,000.

Clearly visible from the road leading out of town toward the Maghera caves and beach, the fall is the ideal spot to cool those heels and take in the view, if only for a few minutes.

The fall cascading from the surrounding rocky forest looks like an oil painting done by an old master.

The parking lot of the fall can’t be missed if you’re keeping your eyes open, and there’s no fee to see it.

8. Kilfane Waterfall

Kilfane WaterfallSource: Andrzej Bartyzel / shutterstock
Kilfane Waterfall

Located near Thomastown in County Kilkenny in southeast Ireland, Kilfane Waterfall is one of those underrated gems that may just be one of the highlights of your trip.

An Irish Heritage site due to the fall and historic importance of the surrounding area, the trail to the fall will wind through an old-growth forest and over picturesque bridges before depositing you near the falls.

Due to the harsh climate, the fall and park are only officially open for a few months of the year, so check that it’s open before you go.

There’s a small charge to enter, and there are restrooms and a café on site too.

9. Glenmacnass Waterfall

Glenmacnass WaterfallSource: Michelle Holihan / shutterstock
Glenmacnass Waterfall

Located near the town of Laragh, in County Wicklow in Ireland’s northeast corner, Glenmacnass Waterfall reaches nearly 270 feet above the countryside below, making it one of Ireland’s most amazing waterfalls.

Found amidst the pristine landscape of the Glenmacnass Valley, this waterfall is a hotspot for those who like to commune with nature and forget the chaos of everyday life.

There’s a free parking area on the main road out of town heading toward Laragh. From there the hike to the top of the fall will just take a few minutes, and it’ll give you panoramic views of the surrounding valley and farmland.

10. Tourmakeady Falls

Tourmakeady FallsSource: walshphotos / shutterstock
Tourmakeady Falls

Located in County Mayo on Ireland’s northwest coast on the North Atlantic, Tourmakeady Falls can be downright windy and cold, even on days which the locals would consider moderate.

Near a group of lakes that lie on the border between Counties Galway and Mayo, the surrounding forests are places that seemingly haven’t been touched for centuries.

A relatively easy hike of about 2 ½ kilometers will take you to the falls from the parking area, and there’s also a large lake on the way that’s a great place to stop and rest.

The trails to the falls aren’t particularly family-friendly, as there are steep areas not suitable for young children.

11. Aasleagh Falls

Aasleagh FallsSource: Joanna K-V / shutterstock
Aasleagh Falls

Located in the scenic lake region between the counties of Galway and Mayo, Aasleagh Falls, located along the River Erriff, are ones you won’t want to miss when in the area.

Driving through this scenic region may make you wonder why you even need to see a waterfall with so much beauty in every direction.

There are areas to park on both sides of the river, and though the falls’ height isn’t dramatic, the surrounding landscape is. There are easily followed paths on both sides of the river, and the area is known for its fishing too, if you happen to have your rod and reel handy.

12. Gleninchaquin Falls

Gleninchaquin FallsSource: Andrzej Bartyzel / shutterstock
Gleninchaquin Falls

The town of Kenmare in County Kerry is home to Gleninchaquin Falls.

Located at the end of a long finger of water jutting inland on Ireland’s southwest coast, the falls are not as well-known as others in Ireland, but at nearly 470 feet, they aren’t easy to miss, and rank among the highest of Ireland’s falls.

The falls are easily accessible from town, and though there’s a fee to enter, it’s well worth it.

After you’ve soaked up your fill of natural beauty, head into town for a pint, a cup of coffee, or a round of golf at the town’s course.

13. Clare Glens

Clare GlensSource: Patryk Kosmider / shutterstock
Clare Glens

The Clare Glens Waterfall is located in a wooded area between the counties of Tipperary and Limerick.

The woodlands surrounding the park are divided by the River Clare which flows between the two counties.

The falls are accessible from two parking areas, which give access to trails that’ll lead to the scenic viewing areas.

The park includes a playground and restroom facilities, making it a great place for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.

There are also marked swimming areas along the trails, so take your swimsuit, though the water may be pretty darn cold most of the year.

14. Glenariff Waterfall and Forest

Glenariff Waterfall and ForestSource: Sara Winter / shutterstock
Glenariff Waterfall And Forest

Located in Northern Ireland’s County Antrim, the falls and forest at Glenariff have been luring in nature lovers for decades.

There’s a 2-mile trail called the Waterfall Walkway that will take you to the best points from which to view the falls.

Set along two different rivers, the path will actually take you to 3 different waterfalls, each with its own distinct charm.

There’s also a more advanced and scenic trail, for those looking to burn off that hearty Irish breakfast.

It’s about 6 miles long, and takes you from the river and falls down to the spectacular gorge below.

15. St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green Park, DublinSource: Nicola Pulham / shutterstock
St. Stephen’s Green Park

For those travelers who dare not venture outside the safe and comfortable limits of modern cities, the falls at St. Stephen’s Green may be just the ticket to experience a bit of nature.

Though the water features in this park probably aren’t technically waterfalls, there is a lovely pond, a few babbling streams, and beautiful trees and flowers interspersed with manicured walking paths. It’s right in the center of Dublin.

There are plenty of trendy cafés and restaurants on the streets just outside the park that are great places to stop for afternoon tea, or to just do a bit of people watching.



15 Amazing Waterfalls in Ireland:

  • Powerscourt Waterfall
  • Mahon Falls
  • Devil’s Chimney Waterfall
  • Glencar Waterfall
  • Glenevin Waterfall
  • Torc Waterfall
  • Assaranca Waterfall
  • Kilfane Waterfall
  • Glenmacnass Waterfall
  • Tourmakeady Falls
  • Aasleagh Falls
  • Gleninchaquin Falls
  • Clare Glens
  • Glenariff Waterfall and Forest
  • St. Stephen’s Green