Discover the Magic of Glencar Waterfall

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | August 4, 2024

A Must-Visit in Yeats Country County Leitrim, Ireland

Glencar Waterfall

When hopes of climbing Ben Bulben in County Sligo, Ireland are dashed due to unacceptable footwear, you’re left with 4.5 hours to fill while your companions tackle the mountain. Fortunately, the enchanting Glencar Waterfall was nearby in County Leitrim, offering an unexpected yet delightful alternative. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Glencar Lough, this captivating waterfall is famous for inspiring one of Ireland’s greatest poets, William Butler Yeats.

A Poet’s Inspiration
Glencar Waterfall features prominently in Yeats’ poem “The Stolen Child,” capturing the imagination and spirit of this magical place. His words transport you to a world of wonder, echoing the sentiments of the waterfall itself:

‘Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star,’
WB Yeats
These lines, brimming with imagery, perfectly encapsulate the essence of Glencar Waterfall, where the water tumbles from a height of 50 feet, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty and poetic inspiration.

Glencar Waterfall Carpark

A Picturesque Retreat
Upon arriving at Glencar, the traffic remained heavy with a wait to enter the car park. Capture a spot, though, and cross to the park and stay to the right to reach the proper path to approach Glencar Waterfall.

Advancing up the path, we were greeted by the soothing sounds of water cascading down the rocky cliffs. The waterfall’s gentle mist filled the air, adding a touch of coolness to the warm day. A short, picturesque wooded, stepped walk led us to various viewing platforms, each offering a unique perspective of the waterfall. The lush greenery, punctuated by the vibrant rushes and delicate wildflowers, created a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Exploring the Surroundings
The entire area exudes a sense of tranquility, making it easy to understand why Yeats found such inspiration here. The woodland trail, stepped to protect from slippery falls, with its canopy of trees and dappled sunlight, invited us to slow down and fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us.

Practical Information
Entry to the site is free, making it an accessible destination for everyone. The amenities include a car park, picnic area, ice cream truck, public toilets, children’s playground, and a Tourist Information point. The site is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the beauty of Glencar Waterfall. The steps are short and wide, allowing for medical equipment maneuvering.

For those looking to extend their adventure, the TeaSHED Café offers a wonderful selection of homemade foods with views overlooking Glencar Lake. It’s the perfect spot to relax and savor a meal while taking in the serene landscape. From the car park, you can embark on the 7 km Glencar Hill Walk, which provides more opportunities to explore the stunning surroundings.

Glencar Waterfall

A Magical Atmosphere
Glencar Waterfall’s 50-foot drop into the serene Glencar Lough below creates a truly magical atmosphere. The water’s perpetual motion, combined with the lush landscape, evokes a sense of timeless wonder. It’s easy to lose track of time as you watch the water flow, listen to the melodic sounds, and breathe in the fresh, invigorating air.

A Poetic Escape
Though you miss the climb up Ben Bulben, the visit to Glencar Waterfall proved to be a serendipitous adventure, one that leaves you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. As we departed, Yeats’ words linger in your mind, a poetic reminder of the enchanting experience we had just enjoyed.

Glencar Waterfall is not just a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of Irish poetry and landscape, a place where the lines between reality and imagination blur, inviting every visitor to become a part of its timeless story.