See the 121-metre waterfall
The River Dargle falls 121 metres in a horsetail-fan cascade, the highest waterfall in the country, at the base of the Glensoulan valley. It flows all year and is visible as soon as you leave the car park.
Powerscourt Waterfall
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About
The River Dargle plunges 121 metres down rugged rock at the foot of the Glensoulan valley — Ireland's highest waterfall, ringed by woodland with picnic and barbecue areas at its base.
Things to Do
Picnic and barbecue by the falls
Picnicking and barbecuing are welcome at the waterfall. There are nine permanent BBQ stations, free to use and not reservable; bring your own charcoal or buy it in the on-site shop. Only BBQs on wheels are allowed — disposable ones are banned — and alcohol and loud music are not permitted.
Playground and sensory trail
Younger children have a playground, while older kids can explore the sensory trail and adventure through the trees.
Woodland and wildlife walk
The surrounding woods hold unusual tree species and some of the tallest trees in Ireland, plus red squirrels and deer — the Sika deer was introduced to Ireland here in the 1850s.
Refreshments at The Bug Buffet
The Bug Buffet kiosk serves hot drinks, hot snacks, ice-cream and confectionery. A refreshment kiosk open during the summer months adds coffee, tea, sandwiches and snacks.
Spot a film location
The waterfall has been filmed since the 1920s: the sword-from-the-lake scene in Excalibur (1981) was shot at its base, and Vikings (2015) and Cocaine Bear (2023) also filmed here.
Hill-walk from Crone Woods
The falls can be viewed from Ride Rock in Crone Woods, and the 7 km, three-hour Maulin Circuit hill walk takes in Crone Woods, Maulin and the waterfall.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Jan-Feb 10.30-16.00; Mar-Apr 10.30-17.30; May-Aug 09.30-19.00; Sep-Oct 10.30-17.30; Nov-Dec 10.30-16.00. Last admission 30 minutes before closing Sep-Apr, one hour before closing May-Aug. Closed 11-25 December, reopening 26 December at 10.30.
- Admission: Adults €8.00, seniors €7.00, students €6.50, children under 16 €3.50 (under 2 free); family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) €19.50. Pay on arrival only — no online tickets.
- Parking: Ample on-site parking at the waterfall, close to the refreshment area and toilets, including accessible car parking. No separate parking charge is stated; access is via the waterfall's own entrance, 6 km from Powerscourt Gardens.
- Food: The Bug Buffet kiosk sells hot drinks, hot snacks, ice-cream and confectionery; a kiosk open in summer adds coffee, tea, sandwiches and snacks. Picnics and barbecues are welcome on site.
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