By Alaric 
If you’re looking for some magical places to visit in Northern Ireland then look no further than Glenoe Waterfall.
It’s one of the most stunning and picturesque cascades in the country but is also one of its best-kept secrets.
Owned and protected by the National Trust, you can find this waterfall in the storybook hamlet of Gleno.
If you’re planning a road trip around the country, this fairytale walk makes a great pitstop.
The best part is that the falls are completely free to visit and are ridiculously easy to access on a scenic five-minute walk.
Here is a complete guide on how to visit Glenoe Waterfall in County Antrim!
Where is Glenoe Waterfall?
Glenoe Waterfall is located in Gleno Valley in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Also known as Gleno Falls, it’s a place of natural beauty that is owned and protected by the National Trust.
If you’re planning a road trip around the country, this waterfall makes a great stop from Belfast or Carrickfergus.
You can visit by navigating your way to the hamlet of Gleno which is just 5 miles south of Larne and the A2 Coast Road.
If you’re not driving, it’s easiest to catch the Ulsterbus 162B or 170B that passes through Glenoe.
The waterfall is located around a mile outside of the village and there are brown National Trust signs guiding you to the falls.
Fair warning, the turning to access Gleno Waterfall is quite sharp and you can easily miss it if you’re not paying attention.
As soon as you see the sign on Waterfall Road, make a turning and then drive down the steep narrow lane with bumps and passing places to the Glenoe Waterfall car park.
Gleno Waterfall Parking
There are two dedicated car parks located off the B99 just a few minutes walk away from the waterfall.
They are very convenient and are completely free to park in. In the one closest to the waterfall there was space for around 10-12 cars give or take.
As Gleno is a small hamlet and the waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem, I wouldn’t think you would have much trouble finding a parking space.
I visited in October and was the only one parked there at midday.
It may be a different story in the peak season of summer. Also, I did hear from locals that this place can get quite busy on the weekends!
How long is the walk to Glenoe Waterfall?
From the car park, the walk to Glenoe Waterfall is less than five minutes on an easy-to-follow trail. It’s around 100 metres or 330 feet.
I was honestly quite shocked but delighted. In October, the paths were a little wet and mucky so I was relieved I didn’t need proper boots.
Although the walk is very short, it’s utterly breathtaking, especially in autumn.
The woodland and glen looked like something from a fairytale with all the orange and red foliage and leaves falling all around.
You’ll eventually reach the river and, depending on the time of year, the current can be quite strong.
The water crashing over the rocks caused quite a roar!
Crossing the Fairytale Bridge
Eventually, the path will lead you to a wooden bridge where you can admire the glen and cross over the river to get closer to the cascade.
I gasped when I first arrived at the scene from above the bridge as it was like a moment captured in an oil painting.
From here, you can admire the waterfall, as well as the babbling brook below and all the swaying trees and foliage.
It was so romantic and, it sounds sad, but it made me quite emotional. In autumn, it was just so beautiful and I couldn’t believe my eyes.
This bridge is also a great place for some photo opportunities so make sure to have your camera ready!
Getting close to the magical Glenoe Waterfall
After you cross over the bridge, there’s a small platform that allows you to get closer to the cascade.
As it had been raining for a few days, the force of the waterfall was so strong in October and it made a racket.
This platform is another great opportunity to capture a few photos of you and the waterfall so have your phone at the ready.
There’s also a small bench you can perch on near the waterfall to relax for a while.
The bench was sadly a bit soggy on my visit. But, it would be the perfect place to rest in the summer.
Hiking to the upper falls
After you’ve finished admiring the lower falls, you can then cross back over the bridge to head up the stairs to the upper falls.
There are quite a few steep steps to traverse, but it is definitely worth the climb.
Eventually, you’ll reach a viewpoint to see more pools and the upper cascades.
Again, the entire woodland looked magical in autumn with all the flowing leaves on the breeze and I loved viewing the waterfall from above.
The end of the path leads you to a main road, so I just headed back down and over the bridge to my car.
Why not visit The Dairy?
There are some picnic benches located near the car park and a bench by the falls if you want to eat a packed lunch there.
But, if you’re feeling peckish for a freshly cooked meal or fancy coffee and cake break I would head to The Dairy.
It’s located around a mile down the road from the falls and it’s a lovely farm shop and butchers with a popular bistro inside.
They have an amazing range of home-cooked meals using fresh and local ingredients.
They also had an incredible coffee and cake/dessert list. It’s the perfect place to fuel up.
I had a mouthwatering slice of apple pie with a coffee and it was just the tonic I needed for the cooler Fall weather.
Exploring the storybook village of Gleno
Gleno is a stunning hamlet in County Antrim which is a delight to explore after your waterfall adventure.
The name Gleno translates to “valley of the yew tree” and has a history as an ancient settlement.
You may be interested to know that Gleno Valley is the ancestral home of United States President Theodore Roosevelt.
It’s also the birthplace of Martha Craig who was a remarkable woman, an inventor and explorer.
Today, it’s a very small place with a gathering of residential houses and cottages on a steep snaking hill.
Gleno is most famous for its beautiful row of 18th-century white-washed cottages.
I loved the green doors and window frames and they had some lovely gnomes and flowers on display.
Although it’s quite a climb, the peak of Gleno provides amazing views over the countryside.
There’s also a historic well to see but that’s your lot! There’s not much else to do for tourists in Gleno apart from the waterfall and The Dairy.
Is Glenoe Waterfall free to visit?
Yes! The one thing that blew me away about this magical waterfall was the fact that it didn’t cost a single penny to visit.
Even though it was a National Trust site, the parking was free which is almost unheard of on mainland Britain.
The waterfall was also completely free to visit which makes it a great budget activity in Northern Ireland!
Is Glenoe Waterfall worth visiting?
Yes, I would say that Glenoe Waterfall is worth visiting as the entire place looks like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale.
On my visit during autumn, the orange foliage, falling leaves and babbling water were breathtaking.
I don’t use the word hidden gem lightly, but this waterfall truly is one of Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets.
It’s so picturesque with little to no crowds and I relished the peace.
It’s stunning, free to visit and it only took around 2 minutes to walk there from the car park which is astounding for such a stunning attraction.
All of these factors combined quickly bumped Gleno Waterfall up the list as one of my favourite places to visit in all of Northern Ireland.
You must go if you’re on a Causeway Coast road trip as it is simply magical.
My top tips for visiting Gleno Falls
- Drive safely – Gleno is a small village and the side road to access the waterfall is quite narrow. Drive with consideration and use passing places.
- Wear sensible footwear – It’s a very short walk and you don’t really need walking boots but trainers are better than sandals. It can get quite mucky in the wet.
- Prepare to get wet – after days of heavy rain, this waterfall can be very powerful. You may get a little wet from the spray.
- Be careful – Be cautious around the water. Don’t swim or enter the current. Be mindful when climbing close to the upper falls. Keep dogs on a lead etc. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Are you looking for more things to do in County Antrim?
If you’re on a road trip around Northern Ireland, there are so many amazing attractions to be found around County Antrim.
Most travellers will be driving the Causeway Coastal route and there are plenty of stops to make along the way.
You can start your journey at Carrickfergus Castle near Belfast. It’s an incredible fortress that has a history since the Normans in the 11th century.
You can also make a stop at Glenarm Castle and Gardens to see the famous Barbican Gate.
The area around Ballycastle is stunning with Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay and Fair Head.
Or, you can head further along to cross over the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge!
It’s quite scary but exhilarating and the views of the coast are unforgettable.
Ballintoy Harbour is also a gorgeous spot that has featured in many movies like Dungeons & Dragons.
Or, you can visit the spectacular Dunluce Castle on the cliffs which is featured in Game of Thrones.
You really can’t visit Northern Ireland without visiting the Giant’s Causeway.
It’s a magical attraction steeped in legend on the edge of the ocean.
There is also Kinbane Castle, Dowanhill Strand and the beautiful Mussendun Temple owned by the National Trust.
Don’t forget to stop at the Dark Hedges. This evocative tree tunnel is popular but well worth visiting as it looks like a scene from a dark fairytale.
Read more of my Northern Ireland guides
Ballintoy Harbour – Welcome to the Iron Islands
How to visit Dunluce Castle
A complete guide for Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Game of Thrones Studio Tour review
How to visit the Game of Thrones Tapestry
Glass of Thrones walk in Belfast
How to visit the Dark Hedges
Cushendun Caves Game of Thrones location
How to visit Pollnagollum Caves
Why you must visit the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast
Discover Northern Ireland
Save how to visit Glenoe Waterfall for later!
