Secret Waterfall

Secret Waterfall
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About

A dramatic waterfall hidden inside a sea cave on Donegal's Slieve League peninsula — accessible only at low tide and known only to those who do their homework.

Things to Do

The Coastal Scramble to the Cave

From Largy Viewpoint, walk ~250m north along the R263 (no footpath — beware of traffic) to a signed gate on your left. Cross the private field (~300–500m) to the coast, then pick your way along jagged, seaweed-slick rocks for 15–25 minutes. The waterfall announces itself with a growing roar before the cave mouth reveals it.

The Coastal Scramble to the Cave

The Waterfall Inside the Cave

The Largy Burn drops roughly 30–50 feet from the clifftop through a roofless sea cave, crashing onto boulders before flowing into Donegal Bay. It's at its most thunderous after heavy rain. Sunlight catching the spray inside the cave can produce rainbows. You're likely to hear it before you see it.

The Waterfall Inside the Cave

Sunset at Largy Viewpoint

Return to the viewpoint in the evening for one of Donegal's finest sunset panoramas. The sun sinks directly into the North Atlantic, painting Donegal Bay in deep oranges and pinks — a peaceful reward after the rugged coastal trek.

Sunset at Largy Viewpoint

Slieve League Cliffs (25-min drive)

Among Europe's highest sea cliffs, with a dramatic viewing platform at Bunglass. Combine with the waterfall for a full Slieve League peninsula day. Boat tours from Teelin Pier offer a sea-level perspective.

Slieve League Cliffs (25-min drive)

Assaranca Waterfall & Maghera Caves (30-min drive)

Assaranca is a roadside waterfall near Ardara — much more accessible than the Secret Waterfall, ideal for families. Combine with Maghera Beach and its extensive sea caves (also tide-dependent).

Assaranca Waterfall & Maghera Caves (30-min drive)

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Always open — but only safely accessible during low tide. You must check Killybegs tide tables before visiting. Aim to arrive 2–3 hours before low tide; the cave floods completely at high tide with no escape route.
  • Admission: Free. No admission charge.
  • Parking: Very limited free parking at Largy Viewpoint (on the R263, roughly here: 54.62994, -8.51164). Only a handful of spaces. If full, do NOT park on the road verges — the R263 is narrow with blind corners. Return another time.
  • Food: No on-site food. Cookey's Coffee trailer sometimes serves coffee at Largy Viewpoint. Nearest pubs and restaurants are in Killybegs (5-min drive), Carrick (10-min), or Ardara. The Rusty Mackerel in Teelin is a popular post-hike pub (25-min drive).

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