Glencar Waterfall — Attraction in County Leitrim

Our visit to the Yeats-inspired Glencar Waterfall with creative director Jason Ó Fionnáin was nothing short of enchanting. Nestled in the stunning landscape of County Leitrim, this breathtaking waterfall has captivated visitors for generations and continues to inspire with its natural beauty and literary connections.

Jason’s infectious enthusiasm set the tone for our journey. As we approached the waterfall, he began with a recitation of W.B. Yeats’ famous poem, “The Stolen Child,” which beautifully captures the mystical allure of Glencar. His voice echoed against the cascading water, blending poetry with nature in a symphony of sights and sounds.

Glencar Waterfall, tumbling from a height of about 50 feet, is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Jason’s deep appreciation for the natural world and his knowledge of Yeats’ works made this visit feel like stepping into one of the poet’s verses. He explained how Yeats drew inspiration from the waterfall’s ethereal beauty, weaving its imagery into his poetry to evoke the magic and mystery of Ireland’s landscapes.

Walking along the paths leading to the waterfall, Jason shared fascinating anecdotes about Yeats’ life and his connection to the region. His stories brought the poet’s world to life, making it easy to see why Yeats was so enchanted by Glencar. Jason’s vivid descriptions and historical context enriched our understanding of the poet’s inspirations and deepened our appreciation for the site.

As we stood before the waterfall, Jason encouraged us to take a moment to simply absorb the beauty and tranquility of the scene. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees created a perfect backdrop for reflection and inspiration. It was easy to imagine Yeats finding solace and creativity in such a place.

Jason also pointed out the surrounding flora and fauna, highlighting the natural diversity that adds to Glencar’s charm. His knowledge of the local ecosystem, combined with his passion for storytelling, made the experience both educational and deeply engaging.

Our visit to Glencar Waterfall with Jason Ó Fionnáin was a seamless blend of nature, literature, and history. Jason’s ability to connect Yeats’ poetic vision with the tangible beauty of the waterfall left us with a lasting impression of this magical place. It was more than a tour; it was a journey into the heart of Ireland’s natural and literary heritage, brought to life by a guide whose passion and expertise made every moment...

Glencar Waterfall is one of those magical places that captures the heart the moment you arrive. Tucked away just off the main road, it’s an easy and rewarding stop for anyone exploring County Leitrim or nearby Sligo.

The waterfall itself, though not huge in height (around 15 meters), is absolutely enchanting—especially after a bit of rain when the water really gushes over the mossy cliffside. The short walk from the car park is well-paved, peaceful, and takes you through a lovely wooded area with birdsong and the sound of rushing water guiding the way.

What makes Glencar extra special is the tranquil setting: the surrounding lake, picnic areas, and a charming little café on-site. Everything is beautifully maintained, and it's very family-friendly, with toilets and easy access for strollers or those with limited mobility.

If you have more time, explore the nearby trails and viewing points around Glencar Lough—the scenery is breathtaking and very typical of Ireland’s natural beauty.

Best of all, entry is free, which makes it a perfect short stop or a relaxed afternoon outing. Highly recommend adding this to your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary—you...

This place was great. It was a right laugh to see people getting hiking boots and things out of their cars 🤣 none of the signage or the websites prepare you for this waterfall. It is literally 5 minutes up a little bit of a hill. Accessible in a wheelchair if needed if I remember rightly there were no steps up to the waterfall. There are steps if you want to go to the viewing platform and do the little loop walk but to see the falls you don't need to go up there. On the way up the hill there is also a tiny waterfall which just adds to the beauty of the whole thing. The car park is a reasonable size but it does get busy very quickly. There was a Mr Whippy ice-cream van in the car park who was a really nice guy and had a laugh with my husband but I assume he's not there all year round. The toilets were very clean and tidy but we went first thing in the morning, if you are going mid-day or later maybe bring your own loo roll (this is normally best for most public toilets anyway!) There is also a cafe and a play park right by the carpark if you want to stay longer. Car...