A 15-metre cascade tucked into a lush glacial valley that inspired WB Yeats' 'The Stolen Child'. An easy, wheelchair-friendly paved path leads from the car park to the falls, with a café, playground and longer hill walks for those wanting more.
For a longer ramble, the 7km Glencar Hill Walk starts from the waterfall car park and climbs roughly 230m over about 2 hours. The Bog Road route winds up to the mountain plateau with panoramic views over Glencar Lough and the Dartry Mountains. Waymarked with yellow arrows; sturdy boots essential — sections are steep, muddy and on quiet country roads.
A short paved loop (about 500m) leads from the car park through woods to an elevated viewing platform right at the base of the 15m cascade. The trail is wheelchair and buggy accessible to the platform edge, though steps connect the upper and lower viewpoints. Allow 10–30 minutes depending on how long you linger.
A gentle, linear walk along the public road hugging Glencar Lough. Quiet and flat, it's ideal for birdwatching — the lake supports a rich variety of bird and animal life. Combine it with the waterfall for a relaxed half-day visit.
This 50-seater café beside the car park serves specialty teas, locally roasted coffee, fresh scones, sandwiches, wraps and homemade soups, with gluten-free options. Inside, you'll find photographs and artefacts from the original Siberry Tea House that operated here in the early 1900s. A children's playground and picnic area sit adjacent. Open 7 days April–October, weekends only in winter.
WB Yeats visited Glencar in the late 19th century and the waterfall's 'wandering water' became immortalised in his 1889 ballad 'The Stolen Child'. A plaque or simply standing by the cascade is enough to feel why — the fern-lined pool and misty woodland are pure Yeats country.
Just a 3-minute drive away is Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird — Ireland's tallest waterfall at 150m. It's only worth visiting after heavy rain; in dry spells it dwindles to a trickle. The 2.5km loop climbs about 130m to a viewing platform directly beneath the drop. On windy days the mist blows upward, giving the waterfall its name.
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