Biggest and Best Waterfalls in Ireland

Ireland has some fantastic waterfalls. After exploring the country for the past 10 years, I’ve seen quite a lot of them. From the most famous waterfall in Ireland to the biggest, I’ve ticked quite a few off my list. So I think I’m the perfect person to give you a virtual tour of the Best Waterfalls in Ireland

Most famous waterfalls in Ireland:

Waterfalls in Leitrim . Waterfalls Near Sligo

Biggest waterfalls in Ireland – the Award goes to…

The Devil’s Chimney – County Leitrim – Ireland’s Highest Waterfall

The Devil’s Chimney has the official title for Ireland’s largest waterfall. While you might see a few trying to claim this title this is the true winner. You’ll spot it towering over the landscape for miles around – the water almost appears to fall off a sheer cliff. At 150m (490ft) it stands boldly against the skyline as you drive along Glencar Lough. It’s part of the Dartry Mountains and if you want to get a closer look you can do the a hike to a viewpoint looking straight at it. It’s an hour hike and you can see more about it in the video above!

This beautiful waterfall has another name “Sruth in Adhaidh an Aird” which means “Stream against the height”. The reason for this is because sometimes due to the crazy winds, the waterfall can fall “backwards”. The water will literally start “falling” into the sky! You might even say it looks like smoke rising from the Devil’s Chimney!

Many people confuse this for being a Sligo waterfall, but it’s on the border of Sligo and Leitrim.

Scardan Waterfall Leitrim

Scardan Waterfall is 20 minutes from Leitirm Village or just under half an hour drive from Carrick-on-Shannon. It’s along “the Miner’s Way” hiking route.

Glencar Waterfall – County Sligo

Glencar Waterfall is a gorgeous one. You’ll find it just up the road from The Devil’s Chimney – it’s just a 3-minute drive away. It’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone. It’s in no way the tallest but it’s one of the most famous and most visited in the country I would say.

How to get to Glencar Waterfall:

It is 15m (50ft) high and easy to get to. There’s a free carpark and you can take the well-maintained gravel path up to see it. The walk has been turned into a little loop but it only takes 15 – 20 minutes to do the loop (minus the time you stand to admire the waterfall!).

Just to clear this up: this one definitely belongs to County Leitrim although again, it gets mistaken for Sligo a lot. It’s just 15-20 minutes drive from Sligo town so a great one to do if you’re in the area. It’s also close-ish to the “Gleniff Horseshoe” – a famous scenic drive in Ireland. If you’re out and about, why not make a day of it? Tick off all the nearby attractions!

Waterfalls in County Donegal

Glenevin Waterfall – Waterfalls in Donegal Ireland

Glenevin Waterfall is similar to Glencar Waterfall although a larger version! It has a similar gravel path route to the view point although it’s a longer one. The trail is about 1km and it takes 30-40 minutes to reach the waterfall.

Where is Glenevin Waterfall:

The waterfall is on the Inishowen Peninsula of Donegal and there are so many gorgeous things to do nearby (check out this post for proof!). There’s a car park and while it’s free, there is a little donation box that you can show your appreciation to. Each winter, due to storms and rainfall, parts of the path can be effected or in some cases washed away. So it’s great to see it maintained so well year after year.

Why not check out some of the beaches in Donegal too!

Assranca Waterfall in Donegal

This is one of the easiest waterfalls in Ireland to get to (bar the long drive to Donegal!). It’s right alongside a road so you just pull up, get out and stand and admire the view!

It’s a great location as it’s right along Granny’s Pass drive and near Glengesh Pass. For some more scenic drives in Ireland check out this reel.

Waterfalls in Kerry

Torc Waterfall Killarney National Park

Torc Waterfall is another one fighting for the most famous waterfall in Ireland. It’s located in Killarney National Park and it’s also along the Ring of Kerry route.

It’s a short walk from the small (free) car park and the walk is gorgeous. You’re walking under tree cover and along the river coming from the waterfall.

It’s 20m (66ft) and you can also get there on foot if you are exploring the National Park.

Sheen Falls, Kenmare County Kerry

These falls are small and are just a couple of minutes outside the cute and colourful town of Kenmare. However, catch them after a heavy rainfall and you’re in for quite a treat. and quite an audio experience too as the noise of the water crashing over the rapids is EPIC!

Waterfall in Wicklow

Powerscourt Waterfall – Waterfall near Dublin Ireland

Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow is popular one due to it’s location and proximity to Dublin. At 121m (398ft), it’s Ireland’s tallest continuous waterfall, tumbling down in a dramatic cascade. It’s in Powerscourt Estate which is also worth a visit, surrounded by gorgeous woodlands full of old oak and beech trees. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the main estate, and there’s a small entry fee to access the waterfall grounds.

Devil’s Glen Waterfall – hiking trail

The Devil’s Glen Waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem in Wicklow. While you hear about the hike you don’t hear much about the waterfall. The trail winds through the Devil’s Glen woods, with a mix of native and ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and the River Vartry flowing alongside. It’s about a 4km loop, taking you on a peaceful stroll that’s perfect for a bit of forest bathing. The path brings you right up to the waterfall.

Other falls I’ve not yet visited:

Mahon Falls Waterford

The National Trail Conference did a “waterfall tour” around Leitrm and Sligo so keep an eye out for more events like this:

I haven’t yet visited waterfalls in Northern Ireland although I aim to get to some asap! So this list will continue to grow but for now, this is my list of the best waterfalls in Ireland. Hope you get out to enjoy some of them 🙂

Tinyboots

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Biggest and Best Waterfalls in Ireland

Most famous waterfalls in Ireland:

Waterfalls in Leitrim . Waterfalls Near Sligo

Biggest waterfalls in Ireland – the Award goes to…