Walk to the waterfall
A short, well-maintained wooded path climbs gently from the car park to the base of the falls, with varied viewing platforms. The 15m (50ft) cascade is particularly impressive after rain.
Glencar Waterfall
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About
A 15-metre cascade tumbling into a wooded glen beside Glencar Lake - the spot that inspired W.B. Yeats's poem The Stolen Child. A short, easy path leads from the car park straight to the falls.
Things to Do
Glencar Lake and shoreline
The falls drain into Glencar Lake a short walk away. A gentle lakeside road walk hugs the shore and gives views over the water and its birdlife; early morning, when fog lies low in the valley, is the most atmospheric time.
Bog Road and hill walk
For a longer outing, the 7km Glencar Hill Walk leaves the car park and loops around the lake edge to the falls, with a climb to views of Sligo Bay, Knocknarea and the Leitrim hills. Graded moderate; walking boots advised.
Glencar teaSHED
A 50-seat coffee shop beside the falls serving specialty teas, locally roasted coffee, freshly baked scones, sandwiches, wraps, paninis and homemade soups, with gluten-free options and local crafts for sale.
Picnic area, playground and info point
Picnic tables, a children's play park and a Tourist Information Point sit by the car park, making this an easy family stop.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: The site is open year-round during daylight hours - roughly 9am to 9pm in summer, with slightly reduced hours in winter. The teaSHED is open seven days a week from April to October, and on weekends in winter.
- Admission: Free - no admission charge
- Parking: A large free car park sits directly across from Glencar Waterfall. A footbridge links the waterfall car park to the teaSHED and the playground.
- Food: Glencar teaSHED, a 50-seat coffee shop beside the falls, serves specialty teas, locally roasted coffee, freshly baked scones and bread, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads and homemade soups; gluten-free options are available and it also stocks local arts and crafts. It opens daily April to October and weekends in winter, and can be booked for events outside those hours.
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