There was no shortage of rain during my quick trip to Ireland this month. Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim was particularly impressive after so much precipitation.
Plenty of water cascaded over the falls, even if the foggy light was less than optimal for photos.
Table of Contents
Glencar Lough
On the drive to the waterfall I stopped by Glencar Lough to snap these gray shots of the lovely lake in County Leitrim.
Just 8 miles north of Sligo town, the drive to the waterfall takes you through beautiful scenery along the foot of Ben Bulben and the shores of Glencar Lough.
Despite being overcast and wet, the lake rippled romantically in the gloom.
The car park greeter wore a wet, woolly coat.
Sheep grazed on the soggy shores of the lake.
The car park opposite the falls overlooks the lake where I took this shot of the flock.
The Sound of Rushing Water
The waterfall is just a short walk from the car park. The sound of rushing water fills your ears. As I crossed the road I felt my heart quicken in expectation.
Waterfalls are beautiful, and no matter how many waterfalls you ever see in a lifetime, the prospect of another veil of cascading water always makes the heart sing.
And as I worked my way along the wooded path, my heart galloped in sync with the thundering water.
The Stolen Child Poem By Yeats
I remembered the words of Yeats' poem, The Stolen Child, which immortalized this mystical place.
"Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star,
We seek for slumbering trout
And whispering in their ears
Give them unquiet dreams;
Leaning softly out
From ferns that drop their tears
Over the young streams."
William Butler Yeats
"Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand,
For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand."
William Butler Yeats
I stood at the top of the wet steps, leaning on the fence watching the lacy froth of the glorious plunge pool.
Glencar is magical, just as Yeats proclaimed. Wandering along the looping paths, breathing the finely misted air you can't help but imagine the faeries dancing here at night.
Boardwalk and Stairs To The Waterfall
The previous time I visited Glencar I was probably only ten years old. Back then the path to the waterfall was muddy and treacherous. The new decking, bridges, and beautifully maintained paths make this wonderful place accessible to those who are not so nimble of foot.
Some purists may believe the natural beauty of the waterfall is somewhat eclipsed by all the levels of decking, but I thought it was very tastefully done.
As you say goodbye to the waterfall don't forget there are some wonderful hiking trails for the more adventurous.
Wooded trails wind through the trees, meandering in loops up the steep incline along the flanks of Ben Bulben, and finally emerging over the waterfall.
This trip I had no time to take the rocky path to the top, but next time..... Yes, next time I hope to scale those mysterious heights.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Mariana
Lovely pictures
Irish American Mom
Thanks Mariana. Glad you liked them, despite the rain. My camera lens was foggy by the time I was leaving.
All the best, and have a lovely weekend.
Mairéad
Vince
I've seen the Torc, the Ashley and the Powerscourt in summer and I wondered what all the fuss was about. Then I saw them in winter....
Irish American Mom
Vince - Many of the waterfalls here in Kentucky are completely dry or reduced to a mere trickle during the summer months - best seen in late winter and early spring. My Kentucky "to do" list includes a trip to Cumberland Falls in the south of the state, where on clear full moon nights, a moon bow appears.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.
Mairéad
brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, thanks for the picts, never been to Leitrim till this post,
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - Hope you enjoyed this quick tour of a corner of County Leitrim. It is a beautiful county full of lakes, but doesn't get as much notice as Sligo since it has such a short coastline.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeff Morrissey
Really enjoyed your article on Glencar waterfall, brought back some very pleasant memories. The last time I remember walking up that muddy path was back in 1947. The Germans were mining a mineral called brites, a soft white chalky substance from midway up Ben Bulben. I vaguely remember seeing the large steel buckets been hoisted on steel cables bringing this white stone down the mountain to be off loaded on to lorries. Looking forward to visiting it again in the next few months and seeing the transformation of the whole area in this beautiful part of Leitrim.
Irish American Mom
Dear Jeff - So glad you enjoyed my ramblings about my misty trip to Glencar. It really is a magical place to visit. I remember the muddy path to the falls from the 1970's, but I am sure it was even more difficult to navigate back in 1947. When you visit again you will see such lovely changes. The paths and decking are really helpful and make viewing the waterfall far safer than in years gone by.
I had no idea the Germans had mined in the area back in the late 1940's. Thanks for sharing that little piece of history, and for stopping by my site.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sophie Moss
Gorgeous pics! I love the one with the green boat and the one with the sheep. 🙂 These images are making me long to go to Ireland and take a misty walk through the countryside.
Irish American Mom
Thanks Sophie - I love that boat too. It seems to be calling out to be taken on a quick lake trip. As you know there's no shortage of soft days in Ireland, so it is good to hear you enjoy misty walks.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kay G.
Oh, how BEAUTIFUL!!
The next time you go to Ireland, TAKE ME WITH YOU!!
Did you see my post about Cloudland Canyon when I went there in April? I have a video on there of the waterfall and also one of the quiet mountain stream....we love our nature, Mairead!
Irish American Mom
Absolutely Kay - we do love our nature. And waterfalls are always so beautiful. I remember visiting Bridal Falls just outside Telluride in Colorado, many years ago. The water looked just like a wedding veil. I checked out your waterfall video clip from Cloudland Canyon. Just gorgeous. Here is the link for any readers who might like to check it out:
http://georgiagirlwithanenglishheart.blogspot.com/2013/05/cloudland-canyon.html
Thanks so much, and all the best,
Mairéad
Aimee
Beautiful! I grew up with Yosemite practically in my backyard...we hiked many treacherous paths- I don't know what my parents were thinking! I like that they have decks, so taking the littler ones would be less stressful! There are so many fantastic things to do in Ireland- how's a person to decide??
Irish American Mom
Aimee - Yosemite is on my must see list of places to visit in America. Hopefully I'll make it there someday. What a beautiful place to grow up.
All the best,
Mairéad
Aimee
I hope you make it there one day too! Yosemite and the Sierra's are incredibly beautiful.
Mary
Just beautiful. Waterfalls are always so magical.
Irish American Mom
Mary - Magical is definitely a perfect word for waterfalls, and Yeats definitely captured some of that magic in his poetry.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Wonderful photos, Mairead. Looks like a magical place to visit for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - Rain or shine Glencar Waterfall is beautiful. More often than not, visits are in the rain only making the water cascade more dramatic.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Grammy
Oh, the picture with the old green boat!!! I adore...
Irish American Mom
I love that one too, Grammy.
colin
Lovely pics i live right beside the waterfall.
Irish American Mom
Colin - What a beautiful part of the world to live in. Thanks for checking out my photos.
All the best,
Mairéad