Glencar Lake and Waterfall

glencar lake

Walk Category: Upland Walk
Lakeshore Walk
Walk Grade: Strenuous
Walking Terrain: Mountain Trail,
Country Roads
Waymarking: Yellow Arrows
Trailhead: Roadside Parking
Dogs: Allowed on lead

Length: 2.2km
Ascent: 230m
Time: 2hrs
Suggested Gear: Walking Boots, Liquids, Mobile Phone
Longitude: 54.340360
Latitude: -8.373239


Directions to the Trailhead


Take the N16 northwards toward Manorhamilton and Enniskillen; continue for about 7 km, turning left at the sign for Glencar waterfall. Follow this local road for a further 5km until you reach the trail head, a large car park directly across from Glencar Waterfall.

The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 16

As you reach Glencar which straddles the border between counties Sligo and Leitrim with its dramatic steep cliffs, you will notice a series of waterfalls cascading from the heights. Glencar waterfall is perhaps the most dramatic descending from a 50ft rocky headland into a deep pool below in a haze of white spray. The Car Park at Glencar provides access to three alternative routes to the waterfall itself, the lake shore road walk and the “bog road” providing access to a spectacular semi-wilderness area in the Dartry Mountains.

The Routes

The Waterfall
Glencar Waterfall is one of the most accessible scenic spots in the region. The waterfall itself is located just across the county boundary in Leitrim and there is a short looped trail nearby and a lovely coffee shop at the entrance. This scenic glade inspired W.B. Yeats, who wrote his famous poem The Stolen Child, which includes the immortal lines:

‘Where the wandering water gushes
in the hills above Glen-car.’

The Bog Road
Having left the waterfall, turn right along the road (take care – this is a narrow road and used frequently by vehicular traffic) until you reach a turn to the right. Take this road (known as The Bog Road), which winds its way up to the mountain’s plateau. You will be rewarded by spectacular views across Glencar Lake and Valley.

The Lake Shore – The walk along the lake shore is linear in nature, gentle in gradient and uses the public road which is generally quiet. The road hugs the shore line and provides wonderful views over the expanse of the lake. This walk gives the visitor a discreet view of the vast array of bird and animal life which thrive on the lake.

*Sections of this route cross Coillte property, for up to date information on diversions/closures due to tree felling, please visit www.coillteoutdoors.ie

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7 responses to “Glencar Lake and Waterfall”

  1. Maria J Williamd

    It’s beautiful, not huge but idyllic because of the scenery . What makes it special is the fact that William Yeats wrote some of his poetry there, he was inspired by the falls. In recent years the entrance to the falls through the woods has been modified to make it more accessible which is a good thing, but I’ll never forget when I first saw Glencar falls many years ago when it was completely in it’s natural state. The modernisation ie putting in barriers fences and paths did improve it in safety and access terms but the natural beauty of the place is magically immortal. A place not to be missed when visiting Sligo.

  2. Mai Hernon

    I have taken many of my group tours to Glencar waterfall and all of the people I took there totally enjoyed it and were so delighted with the stop. They loved the peace and quite, the falls themselves and the lake. The Scenery is spectacular and I have Glencar Waterfalls on many of my Itineraries for future tours. Secret Ireland Tours LLC would highly recommend a visit to Glencar Waterfall.

  3. Paul

    Imagine giving a rating like that has absolutely nothing to do with the walk. Sad.

    Anyway we did this at the weekend. Absolutely stunning views at the top and beautiful woods with a wide variety of tree types.

  4. PAULINE MILLAR

    Further to my previous email, your website did not inform the public that dogs were not permitted

    1. Rachel

      It actually does say it on the website.

  5. PAULINE MILLAR

    Was very disappointed on arrival at the entrance to the falls, to see a notice saying no dogs permitted. What sort of country walk excludes dogs, it was too warm to leave our dogs in the car so we missed out on this. The notice should have specified that dogs be kept on a lead, like other local walks we have been on. Not a great advert for the local tourist trade. We will be putting this on trip advisor.

    1. John Warfarin

      Well, you were in the Irish countryside, so nobody would’ve complained, and I’m sure there were no dog patrols (as they don’t really exist), so there was nothing to stop you taking the dogs with you.

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