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Glencar Lake and Waterfall
Shared by counties Leitrim and Sligo, Glencar Valley is where you’ll find the romantic Glencar Waterfall, hidden within the treeline surrounding Glencar Lake.
Glencar Waterfall is like something out of a fairytale. In a dark, intimate space with tree branches hanging overhead, glistening streams of water pour 15 metres down from moss-covered rocks into a green pool surrounded by ferns. The best views of this enchanted scene are from the elevated viewing platform. It’s a meditative space encompassed by nature and is so beautiful that it even inspired poet WB Yeats. Written in 1889, The Stolen Child is set within this idyllic landscape – "where the wandering water gushes" – and explores the faerie folklore that surrounds it.
After crashing down from the waterfall, the water flows into Glencar Lake, a short walk away. The best time to visit is early in the morning when fog lies low in the valley, swans glide across the still water and sheep graze lakeside on the dewy grass. This is the perfect place for salmon fishing – just make sure you secure a permit beforehand. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are popular ways to explore the lake, but if you don’t feel like getting your feet wet, the Glencar Hill Walk (7km) might be more your speed. It takes you on a route from the car park and traverses around the edge of the lake to Glencar Waterfall. Graded as moderate, there’s a climb involved in this walk and it treats you with exceptional views of Sligo Bay, Knocknarea and the Leitrim Hills.
Glencar Lake, counties Leitrim and Sligo
Need to know
Entry to this attraction is free, and there is a car park and toilets.
Make sure you visit the teaSHED, located by the car park, if you don’t want to miss out on freshly made sandwiches, locally roasted coffee and handmade crafts for sale.
Leave your furry friends at home because unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this walking trail.
Sligo Abbey
The Dominican priory known as Sligo Abbey has dominated Sligo's eastern district since the town was founded in the mid 13th century. Large parts of the church, sacristy and chapterhouse are preserved from this period, alongside the beautiful 15th century cloister and associated buildings.
Sligo
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Glencar Alpacas
Glencar Alpacas in County Leitrim is a sheep and alpaca farm offering guided alpaca walks, with panoramic views of the lake and valley of Glencar. The alpacas are friendly, curious and fun to be with.
Leitrim
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Ben Bulben Loop
Get up close to one of our most iconic mountains on the Benbulben Loop. This easy walk along primarily forest road will take a mere 90 minutes to complete, but walkers are in for a real treat with more than a few surprises along the route.
Sligo
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Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat
Renowned eco retreat centre Ard Nahoo is the perfect place to escape it all and truly relax. Situated near Dromahair, County Leitrim, Ard Nahoo offers three well-equipped eco cabins constructed with the latest in sustainable architecture.
Leitrim
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The Model - Home of the Niland Collection
The Model - Home of the Niland Collection, in Sligo town, is one of Ireland's important contemporary arts centres with an extensive and vibrant programme of visual and performing arts.
Sligo
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Rose of Innisfree Boat Tour
The Rose of Innisfree boat tour operates on Lough Gill, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland. This majestic, all-weather craft departs from historic Parkes Castle on the shores of Lough Gill and takes in the famous 'Isle of Innisfree'.
Sligo
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Creevelea Abbey
Discover Creevelea Abbey on the banks of the scenic River Bonet in County Leitrim. It was one of the last friaries established in Ireland before King Henry VIII dissolved monasteries throughout Ireland and England.
Leitrim
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Lissadell House & Gardens
Lissadell House & Gardens is situated on the shores of Sligo Bay, in north Sligo. The historic and literary associations of Lissadell and the natural beauty of its setting with sea, woodland and mountains makes Lissadell one of the top tourist attractions.
Sligo
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Parke's Castle
Parkes Castle was once an important stronghold of the local O’Rourke family, rulers of Breffni. It has been recently restored to its original 17th-century style and is situated on the shores of Lough Gill, in Kilmore Fivemilebourne, County Leitrim.
Leitrim
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