Glenoe Waterfall
A magical 30-foot waterfall hidden in a fairytale glen—free to visit, unforgettable to experience.
A magnificent 30-foot waterfall nestled in a lush glen in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Owned and protected by the National Trust, this picturesque cascade is set within a charming storybook landscape of ferns, moss, and ancient woodland. The site offers a short, well-marked walk with wooden steps and boardwalks winding through the moist valley, providing multiple viewing angles of the tumbling water. Completely free to visit with ample parking, it's an ideal stop for photographers, nature lovers, and families seeking a magical outdoor experience near Larne.
A brief summary to National Trust - Glenoe
- Waterfall Rd, Larne, Gleno, BT40 3LE, GB
- +442890647787
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 2 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. The ground is perpetually wet and slippery due to spray and moisture, and many sections feature uneven, steep terrain with exposed roots and rocks.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon if photography is your priority. The midday hours see a steady flow of visitors, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons, making it harder to capture solitary shots of the waterfall.
- The waterfall is most dramatic after heavy rainfall, when water volume and flow are at their peak. Check weather forecasts and plan your visit accordingly for the most impressive display.
- Bring a light rain jacket or waterproof layer. The spray from the waterfall and frequent Northern Ireland rainfall mean you may get wet even without swimming.
- Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the full circuit walk if you want to explore the upper cascades and multiple viewpoints. The main viewing bridge can be reached in just 5–10 minutes if time is limited.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Car from Larne Town Centre
Drive south from Larne town centre on the B99 for approximately 4 miles. The journey takes about 8–10 minutes. Follow signs toward Gleno village. Turn onto Waterfall Road and continue to the free car park at the end. The car park is small but usually has adequate space except during peak weekend hours. Parking is completely free.
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Bus from Larne or Belfast
Translink operates bus services to the Larne area. Journey times from Belfast city centre are approximately 45–60 minutes depending on the service. From Larne town centre, local buses serve the Gleno area, though service frequency is limited (typically 2–3 services daily). Check Translink's journey planner for current timetables and fares. The walk from the nearest bus stop to the waterfall car park is approximately 0.5–1 mile depending on which service you use.
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Walking from Gleno Village
If you're staying in or visiting Gleno village, the waterfall is accessible on foot. The walk from the village centre to the car park is approximately 0.5 miles and takes 10–15 minutes on quiet country roads. From the car park, the walk to the main waterfall viewing bridge is only 5–10 minutes. The village itself is charming and worth exploring, with traditional whitewashed houses and The Dairy bistro and farm shop.
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Taxi or Ride-Share from Larne
A taxi from Larne town centre to the Glenoe Waterfall car park costs approximately £12–18 and takes 8–10 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-share services may be available in Larne but are less reliable in rural areas. This option is useful if you're arriving by ferry and want a quick, direct route to the waterfall without renting a car.
National Trust - Glenoe location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Trust - Glenoe
A Hidden Gem in the Glens of Antrim
Glenoe Waterfall stands as one of Northern Ireland's lesser-known treasures, a magnificent 30-foot cascade tucked into a small, lush glen in County Antrim. Owned and protected by the National Trust, this picturesque waterfall has captured the imagination of visitors for generations, offering a fairytale-like experience that feels worlds away from everyday life. The waterfall is particularly stunning after rainfall, when the volume of water creates a powerful, thundering display that echoes through the surrounding woodland. The site's remote charm and accessibility make it an increasingly popular destination for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and families exploring the Antrim coast.The Enchanted Landscape and Natural Setting
The glen surrounding Glenoe Waterfall creates an almost mythical atmosphere, with dense woodland, vibrant ferns, and lush moss-covered rocks framing the cascade. The valley is deep and moist, with the constant sound of rushing water providing a natural soundtrack to your visit. Ancient trees tower overhead, their branches creating a canopy that filters light in soft, ethereal patterns. The ground is uneven and steep, characteristic of a deep gorge, with wet underfoot conditions due to the spray and running water. This natural moisture supports an abundance of plant life, making the glen particularly verdant in spring and summer, while autumn brings golden foliage that complements the waterfall's dramatic presence. The sensory experience—the roar of water, the scent of damp earth and vegetation, the sight of cascading white water against dark rock—creates an immersive natural environment that justifies its reputation as a magical destination.The Walk and Viewing Experience
From the free car park on Waterfall Road, a short stroll through the trees leads visitors to a well-constructed viewing bridge that spans the stream, offering the perfect vantage point for photographing and admiring the main waterfall. The walk is well-signposted and features a network of wooden steps and boardwalks that meander up and down the sides of the glen, allowing visitors to experience the waterfall from multiple perspectives. The main viewing bridge provides the most iconic sight of the cascade, but those willing to tackle the steeper sections can ascend to upper viewing points that reveal additional smaller cascades and tumbling pools feeding into the main waterfall. The entire circuit walk covers approximately one mile and takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on pace and how many viewpoints you explore. The wooden infrastructure makes the walk more accessible than the natural terrain alone would allow, though the ground remains steep, slippery, and challenging in places.Practical Considerations for Visitors
Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential for any visit to Glenoe, as the ground is rugged, uneven, and perpetually slippery due to spray and moisture. The walk is dog-friendly, with a small section of river near the village where dogs can safely access the water. Visitors planning to photograph the waterfall should arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the steady flow of visitors that typically builds throughout the day, particularly during peak seasons and weekends. The site offers free parking and free admission, making it an economical choice for a day out. Picnic tables are available near the car park, and The Dairy—a local bistro, butchers, and farm shop—is located nearby in Gleno village, providing refreshment options. Swimming is not permitted on site, and overnight camping is prohibited. Mobile reception can be variable in the glen due to the deep valley and tree cover.Location and Regional Significance
Glenoe Waterfall is situated just 7 miles south of Larne, a major ferry port on Northern Ireland's northeast coast, making it an ideal stop-off point for travelers arriving by sea or exploring the Causeway Coastal Driving Route. The historic village of Gleno, with its traditional whitewashed houses perched on the hillside, sits just a short walk from the waterfall and adds to the storybook character of the area. The site's inclusion in the official Causeway Coastal Driving Route has increased its profile among road-trippers heading to other attractions such as Carrick-a-Rede and the Giant's Causeway. Its proximity to Belfast and the broader Antrim coast makes it an accessible destination for both day-trippers and those incorporating it into a longer Northern Ireland itinerary.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Fiddlesticks
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Storybox
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Dandy Lion Shop
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The Union Jack Shop
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
