Waterfalls in Ireland

Ireland's waterfalls are modest by world standards but plentiful, fed by an Atlantic climate that keeps upland streams running for most of the year. Powerscourt Waterfall, on the Powerscourt Estate below the Wicklow Mountains near Enniskerry, is the country's highest at about 121 metres, the River Dargle sliding down a steep rock face into a wooded parkland valley less than an hour's drive from Dublin. Torc Waterfall, in Killarney National Park in County Kerry, is a 20-metre cascade on the Owengarriff River in a mossy, wooded gorge, a few minutes' walk from the Kenmare road. It is also the starting point for the climb up Torc Mountain and sits on the long-distance Kerry Way, so many walkers pass it on the first stage out of Killarney.

When to go

Rain falls year-round, so neither waterfall runs dry, but both are fullest after wet spells in autumn, winter and early spring and can thin noticeably in a dry July or August. Spring brings fresh growth in the woods, while September and October bring autumn colour and fewer visitors. Powerscourt keeps shorter hours in winter and can close temporarily in storms or when the river is in spate.

Getting around

Powerscourt Waterfall has its own entrance about six kilometres from Powerscourt House and is easiest by car from Dublin; buses and the DART reach Bray and Enniskerry, but not the waterfall itself. Killarney is on the rail network from Dublin, usually with a change at Mallow, and Kerry Airport is nearby. Torc is about seven kilometres from town, an easy cycle or jaunting-car ride.

Entry requirements

Ireland is not in the Schengen area: US and Canadian citizens need no visa for visits of up to 90 days, UK citizens travel freely under the Common Travel Area, and EU citizens have free movement. Visitors who are not British or Irish citizens and cross into Northern Ireland need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Entry rules checked September 2026. They change without much notice — confirm with the official government source before you travel.