With all the rivers, lakes and fresh water surrounding us in the North West, it's no surprise that there are some spectacular waterfalls on our doorstep here as well. Here we list some of the ones closest to your Landmark Hotel base in Carrick-on-Shannon...
Killukin Cascade Waterfall, Roscommon
Just down the road on the Roscommon side of the Shannon bridge, only a couple of miles from Carrick-on-Shannon, you will find Killukin Cascade Waterfall just off the road that leads to you to Anderson’s Thatch Pub. Follow the brown toursim signs and you will find the small roadside park, which is picture perfect with its stone bridge and the cascading water fall. You can take a walk further along the river to larger falls.
Poll an Eas, Aughnasheelin
Outside the town of Ballinamore is Pól an Eas Waterfall, a bathing and swimming hole, frequented by locals during the hot summer days in rural county Leitrim. This true haven of natural beauty is a perfect spot for a picnic and a swim, perfect for the little ones and rarely ever busy since it is off the beaten track. A cascading, double waterfall, with upper and lower levels and a fresh mountain water pool for splashing about in, Pól an Eas is well worth seeking out on a hot sunny day.
Glencar Waterfall
‘The Hills above Glengar’ as described in Yeats’ poem ‘The Stolen Child’ create the lovely atmospheric location for the 15m/ 50 ft high Glencar Waterfall which is situated near Glencar Lake, 11km west of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim.
The waterfall is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk. The short up-hill walk from the car park brings you to a secluded viewing spot from which to enjoy the waterfall, with more waterfalls visible from the road. The facilities on site include a car park, picnic area, public toilets, playground, tea room and Tourist Information Point. This site is wheelchair friendly.
The TeaSHED Café, with views overlooking Glencar Lake serves a wonderful selection of homemade foods and the 7km Glencar Hill Walk starts from the carpark.
The Devil’s Chimney (Sruth in Aighaidh an Aird) Over the border into Co Sligo yet still close by, the Devil’s Chimney is a sight to behold on a day when the weather might otherwise prompt you to stay indoors. Only during or after steady reainfall will you see the waterfall, and there happens to be a Southerly wind, the ‘Stream against the Height’ is blown back upwards when whence it came, to spectacular effects … the wind just won’t let the waterfall do what it is supposed to do ! If you want to see this one, wear some good boots and waterproofs – it will be worth the treck.
Fowley’s Falls
Another well-kept secret jewel in North Leitrim, Fowley’s Falls consists of a series of cascading drops over the exposed bedrock , creating a spectacular torrent of water that rushes through the steep valley towards Lough Melvin. A greta place for a hike, wear good boots and rain gear if you fancy an energetic walk. Otherwise, you have yourself yet another lovely spot to admire unspoilt natural surroundings.
And finally …for this week only, I thought I might just include a sixth option for you ! Scardan Waterfall can be accessed from the Arigna Miners Way walk. “ The mist that comes off a waterfall as the water rushes down” seems to be the translation of the name and from here you have wonderful views over Lough Allen below. Located between Drumkeering and Drumshanbo, you will see a sign to direct you to the site.
As with all the waterfalls, they are bound to be more spectacular during or after rainfall – so let’s face it , that is bound to happen at some point during your visit ! So, bring good sturdy footwear if you want to hike around the falls, decide if you will be going for a dip, and maybe it’s best to ask locally if and where is the safest access point, and bring a picnic! Many of the places mentioned are isolated, so bring provisions as you might be hungry after all the activity!