Donegal’s beautiful scenery still has some secret spots that are often overlooked by outsiders. This is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets.
County Donegal is located in the northernmost part of the Republic of Ireland. With over 1,000 km of coastline, its wild Atlantic landscapes are a paradise for nature lovers.
Every year, Donegal is an unmissable county explored by many tourists on the Wild Atlantic Way. Popular spots such as Malin Head, Fanad Head, and Letterkenny make this county a sought-after destination.
However, there are still a few places that outsiders miss, reserved for the most intrepid. The secret waterfall of Donegal is one of them.
Before you leave – only for the adventurous (and well-documented) explorers
Tucked away near Largy, on the Wild Atlantic Way, the hidden waterfall is not for the faint-hearted.
As it is only accessible at low tide, it is essential to plan your visit accordingly. If you don’t take this warning seriously, this magical visit can take on a much darker tone.
You can also check the tide at the start of the walk to ensure that you are not venturing into troubled waters (literally and figuratively). Just be aware that tides vary greatly depending on the time of year.
Walking along the coast can also be dangerous in some places. Slippery rocks have caused more than one fracture.
From our point of view, you will appreciate this wonder of nature all the more if you take the necessary precautions.
How to get there – the itinerary to the secret waterfall
You will find the secret waterfall of Donegal in Largy, a few minutes’ drive away from the village of Killybegs, overshadowed by the Slieve League Cliffs. The small car park at Largy viewpoint will be a great start for the excursion.
The walk starts along the main road and goes down the hill for about 400 metres crossing a signed gate that leads you down to a private field. Once you face the water, continue to your right.
You will need to be extra cautious on the treacherous rocks that will lead you to the secret waterfall that hides inside a cave!
Embrace the beauty – the waterfall straight out of a fairy tale
After all these efforts, prepare for a jaw-dropping moment. The beauty of Largy Waterfall is all the more dramatic because the cave hides it.
Until the last second, you will hold your breath to be rewarded by the most enchanting waterfall that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale.
Take it all in: the stream flowing down the cave, the impressive rock walls, and the bright green moss clinging to them, will make you feel as if you were in another world.
Leave no trace – sustainable is the new sexy
Once all the beauty has been imprinted in your memories, make sure to leave the place as you found it. Magnificent and unspoilt.
When the tide rises, it carries away all the potential rubbish left behind by some negligent adventurers. Remember that the beauty of such a hidden spot needs to be preserved by protecting the nature that surrounds it.
This is probably one of Donegal’s best-kept secret waterfalls that those outside of the county often miss.
