The Glenoe waterfall and village walk has to be one of the prettiest little wanders in Northern Ireland.
The pretty waterfall located on the edge of the story book village of Gleno is free to visit and gives visitors the most beautiful fairytale- like views on an easily accessible short walk.
Here’s everything you need to know to visit the magical Glenoe waterfall.
Where is the Glenoe Waterfall?
The National Trust protected waterfall is located in Gleno valley, alongside the historic village of Gleno in County Antrim.
Free parking for the waterfall walk can be found at the aptly named Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE.
It’s an easy and very pretty walk to the waterfall and village from the carpark.
The Gleno waterfall is just 7 miles from the P&O ferry port at Larne, making it a great option as a stop off point. A lovely place to stretch your legs and a great walk option if travelling with a dog.
The Gleno Waterfall Walk
From the carpark simply follow the only path into the woods to begin the walk to the 30ft waterfall. Follow the path and follow your ears, you can hear the rushing water as soon as you start into the woods. It’s a beautiful, powerful sound.
Click on the video below to hear for yourself.
A short stroll through the woods brings you to a viewing bridge built across the stream; the perfect place from which to see the picturesque waterfall. This is a great spot for pictures.
Want to get closer to the beautiful Glenoe Waterfall?
Crossing the bridge brings you to a small rocky platform close enough to the waterfall to feel the spray coming off it. I visited in September and even though the weather hadn’t been too wet, the fall still had some force.
Beautiful spot, waterproofs recommended in the wetter months!
From the waterfall there is a short walk that climbs up and down the sides of the glen allowing different views of the waterfall and the tumbling pools that feed into it.
The ground is uneven and steep in parts, so much of the walk is wooden steps and boardwalks.
The glen has a real fairy tale feel: full of ferns and greenery with the sound of the waterfall always in the background.
Gleno Village, Co. Antrim
After exploring the woodland and waterfall, crossing the viewing bridge again and following the path in the other direction takes you into the tiny, historic village of Gleno.
The little place is perfect for a pretty village wander and keeper of some gorgeous old cottages which have been restored with the traditional white wash and green woodwork colour scheme.
Although the villages is beautiful, it does seem to be exclusively residential. No pub, cafe or tea rooms in the village itself. It is a beautiful place for a wander and there is a lovely local spot nearby though, in the form of…
The Dairy, Gleno.
Just a mile back along Waterfall Rd, The Dairy Bistro and Farm Shop is the perfect place to round off the waterfall walk.
In the 1930’s the site was home to a working dairy and glimpses of the past can be found in the building, including cafe tables crafted from the beams of the old dairy.
They also sell the delicious and locally produced famous Mauds Ice Cream, a must try when in Northern Ireland!
It’s a historic spot in a beautiful corner of Northern Ireland and well worth a visit when in the area. Find The Diary Gleno website here.
Is Glenoe Waterfall free to visit?
Yes, completely! You can visit the Glenoe waterfall without spending a penny. Free to visit and free to park. A great budget friendly Northern Ireland adventure.
My Tips for Visiting the Gleno Waterfall
- Whatever time of year you’re visiting, sturdy footwear is a must. The ground is rugged and slippery due to the spray from the waterfall. And probably rain, because this is Northern Ireland.
- If you’re visiting specifically to photograph the waterfall, visit early or late. We visited early afternoon and although the place never felt crowded, there was a steady flow of visitors. And everyone wants the shot of the falls or their picture taken in front of it.
- The walk is dog friendly, Little Wolf had a great time. There is a small section of river towards the village where dogs can safely access the water.
If you liked this post, you might like to read some more posts from my travels in Northern Ireland:
The Divis and Black Mountain Trails.
Northern Ireland Walks: Rough Island, Strangford Lough
The Ulster Folk Museum, nr. Belfast
Helen x
This seems such a lovely place, both the wildness of the waterfall, and the homeliness of the village.
That’s the perfect description!
I was almost disappointed in you, Helen, but you came up with the goodies in the end. What a fabulous walk xx
Thanks Jo, I aim to please 😊
I love the green and white cottages. Lovely walk, there is definitely lots to return to NI for!
NI is full of reasons to make a return trip. I think my list of things to do and places to go is longer than the time I have here. Off to see the Linen Hall and library next week, been meaning to get there since I read your post.
Oh, well if you come across the Librarian, Samantha, say hello from me!
This waterfall is gorgeous Helen and the village so cute with the white and green. What a lovely place.
It really is a lovely little spot, like something from a story book.
I’ve visited the Glens of Antrim but don’t think we stopped here but the waterfall and walk look lovely Helen.
Those cottages in Gleno village just scream Ireland (IMO). 🙂 Bookmarking for any potential future visits to NI.
I thought the same, I think it’s the white and green combo!
A real hidden gem! – it is for sure one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Northern Ireland. The walk up the narrow path up through the glen is superb (although you will definitely need walking boots and moderate fitness as it is steep enough). Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
just gorgeous!
Thanks Tanja, it’s a fairy tale place!