Directions to the Trailhead

From Sligo town, take the N16 Enniskillen Road for approx 8km. Turn left (sign-posted Glencar Lake and waterfall). Drive for approx 3.2km, the trail car-park is located on the left.

The Waterfall

Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird roughly translates as Stream Against the Height. It flows from the peaty summit of the Dartry Mountains overlooking Glencar Lake.
Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird is listed on the World Waterfall Database as Ireland’s tallest waterfall. With a vertical drop of 150m (492 ft), it is especially spectacular after periods of rainfall. When the wind blows across Glencar Valley, this can give the impression that the waterfall is flowing upwards. Note that the waterfall generally doesn’t flow during prolonged periods of dry weather.

The Route

This is a looped upland trail of 2.5km in distance. Upon leaving the car park, enter the walk through the kissing gate and follow the path. Walking through an area of woodland populated with native Irish trees, the ground gradually rises by a total of 130m. The recommended route is counter-clockwise and as you approach the high point of the walk, a kissing gate to your right brings you to a viewing point that is almost directly beneath the waterfall itself. Continue along this path to reconnect with the main path before beginning your descent.

Alternative viewing points are located at the high points of the main path. These provide seated areas that give spectacular views both of the waterfall and also back towards Glencar Lake and the opposite side of the valley. Steps have been installed to help the walker navigate the steeper parts of the trail, and care should be taken particularly after rainfall as they can become slippery.

Dogs must be kept under control at all times due to the presence on these lands of sheep, lambs, donkeys, ducks, hens and cats. Please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after your dog. The trail will be closed for one day annually on the 24th December.

Geology & Landscape
Throughout Ireland the iconic landscape of Benbulben and the Dartry Mountain plateau is so well known that in many people’s minds it symbolises County Sligo. The magnificent rock edifice rises abruptly some 526m from sea level and is largely composed of Carboniferous limestone, the layers of which can be seen on the cliff face. The limestone rock was carved by glaciers coming west down Glencar and around from the north-east, cutting the face of Benwisken on the way. Glencar is a magnificent example of a glacial U-shaped valley with a ribbon lake situated within.
Since the glaciers cut the vertical faces out of the limestone rock, the processes of erosion have taken their toll and the stone has gradually fallen away to create the characteristic limestone talus or scree slopes at the base of the cliffs which are visible from the elevated portions of the trail.

Flora and Fauna
Glencar valley supports a wide variety of plants and animals. Both the lands above the trail and the lake are designated as a Special Area of Conservation due to their own rich ecological value. Species range from Otter to Peregrine Falcon. Of particular interest are the yew trees which grow high on the steep slopes below the cliff face. Due to their inaccessible location and slow growing nature, these trees are believed to be some of the oldest growing on the island of Ireland, some of which may be as old as 1000 years.