How to Visit Glencar Waterfall
Read our travel guide on Glencar Waterfall in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get, parking, trail description, or when to go.
If you want to explore one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Ireland, you should make a trip to Glencar Waterfall.
This 15-meter tall waterfall is located in County Leitrim, on the border with County Sligo. Therefore, it's only a short drive from Sligo town.
It lies within the Glencar Valley, which is incredibly scenic and has a big freshwater lake and Dartry Mountains in the north.
Glencar Waterfall is accessible through a short 500-meter circular easy walk with a minor elevation increase, making it a perfect stop to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
If you're a fan of W.B. Yeats's poems, there is one more reason to add Glencar Waterfall to your Ireland road trip itinerary.
The tumbling waters of Glencar and the overall waterfall's beauty inspired his poem Stolen Child.
Simply put, Glencar is an enjoyable detour from the coast for anyone touring Wild Atlantic Way.
So here's everything you need to know about Glencar Waterfall before you go.
Glencar Waterfall Walk
You can get to the main Glencar Waterfall viewpoint from the parking lot by walking less than 250 meters.
Trail
Just cross the road, walk through a small black metal gate, and continue straight on.
In case you want to visit a nice little cafe first, turn left and cross a wooden bridge to get there.
This is an easy paved trail surrounded by lush green foliage for all ages and abilities, though there are some steps between the first and second viewpoints.
Viewpoints
The first viewpoint features not just Glencar but also a beautiful little cascade.
As the trail narrows down at this point, the walk is done as a loop, so be prepared for even more steps on the way back.
The main viewpoint brings you really close to the waterfall and allows you to enjoy its beauty and the soothing sound of the gushing water.
W.B. Yeats
At this point, some of you might even remember the captivating words of W.B. Yeats's poem.
A poem about fairies luring a child from home to the waters and the wild.
William Butler Yeats was born in Ireland's Sandymount and eventually became one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature.
In December 1923, Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Thanks to its mesmerizingly beautiful scenery, County Sligo inspired many of his works and is today known as Yeats Country.
Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star.
Despite a few more steps, the walk back is very easy, so you don't need to stress about it.
From the main viewpoint, it takes about five to ten minutes to get back to your car.
Glencar
Glencar name is derived from Gleann na Chairtha, meaning the valley of the standing stone.
The geological origin of Glencar Watterfalls's shale and limestone layers is more than 340 million years old.
During the Carboniferous period, Ireland was near the equator and surrounded by a tropical sea.
Fast forward to more recent times, the valley was formed at first by a river, but then the climate conditions changed. It was carved by ice about 13.000 years ago during the Ice Age.
As a result, this area has several waterfalls, but only Glencar is this picturesque.
Thanks to ideal living conditions, Glencar Valley has a long history of settlement, and many archaeological sites were found in the area.
If you want to enjoy the views of Glencar Lake and the entire valley, make sure to hike the 2-hour Bog Road trail.
Waterfalls in Ireland
Our Ireland road trip included several waterfalls, such as Powerscourt Waterfall or Torc Waterfall.
Even though this is highly subjective, Glencar was arguably the most beautiful one.
Due to its easy access, Glencar Waterfall is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Unless you arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, be prepared to see others there.
If you have time, make sure also to explore the nearby 150-meter tall waterfall known as Devil's Chimney.
Opening Hours
Glencar Waterfall can be visited at any time of the day, but we recommend getting there early to avoid the summer's crowds.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Glencar Waterfall. For this reason, Glencar is among the best free things to do in County Leitrim.
It's also a great place to visit if you're visiting Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
The walk to Glencar Waterfall and back takes anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your mood.
There are some picnic benches, a children's playground, and a cafe, so Glencar Waterfall is a place where you can easily spend more time if you want.
When to Go
Glencar Waterfall can be visited all year round.
We visited Glencar Waterfall in spring, and the trail and surrounding countryside were vividly green. Waterfalls with autumn colors make a great combination.
Both seasons are a good time when to visit Ireland, but you need to be prepared for any type of weather.
Summer is by far the most popular time to explore Glencar Waterfall, though the area will most likely be busy and accommodation more expensive.
By the way, Glencar Waterfall is also a perfect place to visit when touring County Leitrim on a rainy day.
In fact, waterfalls are generally most spectacular after rain, at least if you want to see them in their full glory.
What to Pack
Glencar Waterfall trail is short and easy, meaning you will need only comfortable shoes and suitable clothing according to the weather.
Even though the mist from the falls is not heavy, a rain jacket comes in handy here, especially in the off-season.
Here you will find our full Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Glencar Waterfall is by car. Alternatively, you could take a taxi from Sligo town to get there.
We even saw a few cyclists here, but we would suggest avoiding N16 if possible.
There is no bus to Glencar Waterfall.
Here you will find more tips on renting a car in Ireland.
Car
To get here, follow the N16 southwest from Sligo for 8 kilometers, then turn left onto L3403 and continue for 5 kilometers to the Glencar Waterfall parking area.
N16 is a lovely national road with two lanes, but L3403 is a narrow rural road, so drive carefully there. Also, read our tips for driving in Ireland.
Glencar Waterfall is 60 kilometers south of Donegal, about a three-hour drive from Dublin and two hours north of Galway.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Glencar Waterfall has a fairly large and free parking lot. There are also toilet facilities here.
Where to Stay
The town of Sligo is very close to Glencar Waterfall, providing visitors with everything they need when they visit.
As this is the largest town in the area, there are plenty of nice hotels for all budgets.
For a quiet experience, you will find plenty of bed and breakfasts scattered across the countryside, mainly along the coastline.
Don't stress too much about it; everything is within driving distance here.
Here are our tips on the best hotels near Glencar Waterfall.
Sligo | The Glasshouse - Situated in Sligo's center, this hotel has affordable rooms, a chic design, a great restaurant, a gym, and an ideal location for exploring this area. It's also conveniently located only 13 kilometers from the waterfall.
Drumcliff | Benbulben Farmhouse - Located only 12 kilometers from Glencar, this charming bed and breakfast has a quiet location, stunning views of Benbulben, immaculate rooms, friendly hosts, warm hospitality, delicious breakfast, and free parking.
Sligo Bay | Radisson BLU Hotel and Spa - Overlooking the Bay of Sligo, this 4-star hotel is only 14 kilometers from the Glencar Waterfall and boasts modern rooms, an award-winning restaurant, an 18-meter heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a spa. Free private parking is available.
Staying Safe
Glencar Waterfall is generally a very safe place to visit. The trail is well-maintained and clearly visible.
The footpath near the waterfall has a wooden railing, so this area should be safe even for families with kids.
It goes without saying that you should always stay on the designated trail to stay safe.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Glencar Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Without any doubt, Glencar Waterfall is one of Ireland's most stunning waterfalls that attracts many visitors to admire its beauty each year.
There are several reasons why to visit Glencar Waterfall.
It's free, easy to reach, and very picturesque.
If you're ever driving through Sligo along the Wild Atlantic Way, we believe Glencar Waterfall is worth a detour.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
