Not sure if any of your Irish friends have mentioned this to you yet, but let me give you a heads-up: it rains in Ireland. A lot. And honestly, we kind of love to grumble about it.
But here’s the thing—that rain is what makes Ireland so stunningly beautiful. All that water turns our little island into a patchwork of lush green fields, mossy woods, and rolling mountains. It also blesses us with some incredible rivers, lakes, and—you guessed it—waterfalls.
So, if you’re planning a trip and fancy chasing a few waterfalls (go on, do it!), we’ve put together a list of some of the most beautiful ones around the country. Let’s start with a favourite:
Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim.
This gem is tucked beside Glencar Lough, a peaceful lake in the heart of Glencar Valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and misty mountains. Even the drive there is a treat—you might catch glimpses of a few smaller waterfalls along the way, so don’t rush it!
When you arrive, you’ll find handy facilities like toilets, a café, a playground, and a picnic area. There are also walking trails to explore, and three different routes from the car park to the waterfall itself. The easiest one is just a short 1km stroll on a paved path, making it super accessible for everyone.
As you approach, you’ll reach some lovely viewing platforms where you can just stand still, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the fairytale-like surroundings. It’s easy to see why Irish poet W.B. Yeats was so inspired by this spot—he even wrote his famous poem The Stolen Child after visiting.
The waterfall itself is 15 meters (about 50 feet) tall, tumbling into a clear pool framed by mossy stones and vibrant greenery. It feels like stepping into another world.
If you’re coming from Dublin, you can get to Glencar by public transport, though it does take a bit of time—around four hours. You’ll catch a train from Connolly Station to Sligo, then hop on the S2 bus to Rosses Point. Get off at Sligo IT, and from there, it’s about a 15-minute taxi ride. If you’re driving, the journey takes roughly three hours.
Either way, trust us—it’s well worth the trip.
Powerscourt Waterfall, County Wicklow
Okay, I’m just going to say it—Powerscourt Waterfall is hands-down my favourite on this list. If you’re only going to pick one waterfall to visit, let it be this one.
It’s super easy to get to from Dublin, so if you’re staying in the capital and don’t have much time to head too far off the beaten path, Powerscourt is perfect. The waterfall is part of the grand Powerscourt Estate, which also includes the gorgeous Powerscourt House and Gardens (totally worth a wander), the distillery (yes please), and a golf course if that’s your thing.
The waterfall itself is nestled in a lush forest filled with towering ancient trees—think beech, oak, pine, and larch—plus a few majestic redwoods that were planted over a century ago. It feels like something out of a fantasy novel. No wonder it’s been featured in shows and films like Vikings and Cocaine Bear.
Aside from jaw-dropping scenery, the area has BBQ spots, a sensory nature trail, and a little kiosk where you can grab a warm drink or a snack—ideal if you’re making a day of it.
And here’s a fun fact: Powerscourt Waterfall is the tallest in Ireland, standing at a dramatic 121 meters (that’s 398 feet!). It’s as impressive in person as it sounds.
Getting there? If you’re driving, it’s a quick 30-40 minute spin from Dublin city centre. Prefer public transport? Hop on the 133 Wicklow bus from Busaras (or one of its other stops in the city) and ride 16 stops to Kilmacanogue. From there, a quick 10-minute taxi will get you the rest of the way.
The Mare’s Tail Waterfall, County Cork
If you’re up for a bit of a wild adventure, The Mare’s Tail might be calling your name.
Located at the top of Hungry Hill (Knockday or Cnoc Daod), the highest peak in the Caha Mountain range on the Beara Peninsula, this waterfall is not for the casual stroller. Standing at 685 meters, the climb to the top is serious hiking territory—so make sure you’re well-prepared, and only attempt it on a clear day. But if you do? You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the sight of one of Ireland’s most striking high-altitude waterfalls.
It’s remote and peaceful, but it’s also not accessible by public transport. If you’re coming from Dublin, driving to the Beara Peninsula will take you about 4.5 hours—but trust me, the scenic drive alone is worth the effort.
Kilfane Waterfall, County Kilkenny
Now, this one is pure magic.
Kilfane Glen and Waterfall is a hidden gem just outside of Kilkenny City, and it’s like stepping into a fairytale. This romantic 18th-century garden spans about 10 acres, full of winding paths, leafy woods, and peaceful, moss-covered nooks. Follow the trails through the forest and you’ll stumble upon a lovely surprise—a serene green grotto with an arched stone bridge leading to the most charming little thatched cottage (called a cottage orné) right in front of the cascading waterfall.
Honestly? The whole scene feels like something out of a Disney movie. It’s peaceful, whimsical, and impossibly photogenic.
You can reach Kilfane in about 1.5 hours by car from Dublin. If you’re going by public transport, hop on the Kildare/Waterford train from Heuston Station and ride five stops to Kilkenny MacDonagh. From there, it’s a short 20-minute taxi ride to Kilfane Glen.
Torc Waterfall, Killarney, County Kerry
Let’s start with a bit of Irish legend, shall we? The word “Torc” means boar in Irish, and there’s a local tale that gives this waterfall its name. According to legend, a man who lived at the foot of Torc Mountain was cursed by the devil and turned into a wild boar every night. One day, his secret was discovered by a farmer, and in a fit of rage, the man exploded into a ball of fire and vanished into a nearby lake—aptly named the Devil’s Punchbowl. It’s said that the lake overflowed from the force of it all, and gave birth to Torc Waterfall. Now that’s an origin story.
You’ll find this magical spot nestled in Killarney National Park, in beautiful County Kerry. Honestly, Kerry is like Ireland turned up to 11—lakes, mountains, wild beaches, rivers… it’s all here. The waterfall itself is 20 meters (about 66 feet) tall, and it’s super easy to access, with plenty of lovely forest trails around if you’re in the mood for a scenic stroll.
It’s a bit of a trek from Dublin, but if you’re spending a few days in Killarney, Torc is a must. Here’s how to get there: Take the Intercity train from Heuston Station to Cork, hop off at Mallow (six stops), and switch to the Tralee service. Ride four more stops to Killarney. From there, it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride, a leisurely bike ride, or a long walk if you’re feeling energetic. Driving straight from Dublin will take you around four hours.
Poulanass Waterfall, Glendalough, County Wicklow
Poulanass Waterfall in Glendalough feels like it was pulled straight out of a storybook.
Tucked away in Wicklow’s enchanting forest trails, Poulanass is an easy one to find thanks to well-marked paths and good signage. The walk to the waterfall is scenic and peaceful, with towering trees, birdsong, and the sound of rushing water guiding your way.
Glendalough itself is a gem—perfect for a day trip. You’ll find tranquil lakes, forest paths, dramatic mountain views, and ancient monastic ruins that seem to whisper their stories on the breeze. Poulanass is the cherry on top, cascading through mossy woodland and offering perfect photo ops (or just a lovely place to sit and breathe).
It’s only about an hour’s drive from Dublin, but if you’re not driving, there’s a daily St. Kevin’s Bus that leaves from Stephen’s Green and takes you straight to Glendalough and back. It’s a family-run service, and it’s great for a relaxed day out. Just check the timetable before you go!
Assaranca Waterfall, County Donegal
Assaranca Waterfall is one of those places that feels wild. Like nature just decided to show off.
Found along the scenic coast road between Ardara Village and Maghera Beach in County Donegal, Assaranca is dramatic and powerful—especially just after a rainstorm (which, let’s be honest, is often). The sound of the water crashing down into the pool below is enough to give you chills—in the best way.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to visit. The waterfall is right beside the road, with a parking area just steps away. No hiking required—just pull up, hop out, and soak it all in.
If you’re driving from Dublin, it’ll take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic. While you can technically reach Ardara Village by public transport, it’s a bit of a mission. You’d start with the number 30 or X30 bus to Donegal Town (around four hours), then switch to the 492 bus to Dungloe, which will take you on to Ardara. From there, it’s a short drive to the waterfall—but honestly, if you can, a car is the way to go.
