Aasleagh Falls

Overview

Aasleagh Falls (Irish: Eas Liath – sometimes written Aashleagh Falls) is a picturesque cascade of rocky steps that drops roughly four metres into a series of clear pools before the River Erriff rushes into Killary Harbour. The falls sit on the R335, about 1 km north of the village of Leenane, straddling the historic Galway‑Mayo border. Surrounded by the rugged Connemara landscape—ancient oak woods, the looming Ben Gorm and the dramatic Devil’s Mother mountain—the waterfall is a magnet for hikers, anglers, photographers and anyone seeking a quiet riverside retreat.

The site is marked as a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Point and a small map board at the bridge introduces the Western Way long‑distance trail that begins here.

Name & Language

The Irish name Eas Liath translates as “grey waterfall”, reflecting the pale rock that frames the cascade. Older guidebooks sometimes list the falls as Aashleagh – a spelling still used by some locals.

History & Background

The River Erriff, a spate river famed for its salmon and trout runs, forms from the confluence of the Owenree and Owenmore rivers at Glennacally. Historically the river has supported a thriving fishery, and the falls have long been a gathering point for local anglers, especially between June and September when salmon make their upstream run. While the waterfall itself is a natural feature, the surrounding landscape bears the marks of centuries of Gaelic settlement; crannogs on nearby Tawnyard Lough hint at habitation dating back over 5,000 years.

Film & Media

Aasleagh Falls gained a touch of cinematic fame when a memorable fight scene from Jim Sheridan’s film The Field was shot here. Decades later, Sir David Attenborough visited the site to film a segment on the European eel’s life cycle, perched above the falls while his crew captured the elusive creatures navigating the river.

Wildlife & Angling

The pools and riffles below the falls support a healthy trout population, while the river’s upper reaches host the famed salmon run from June to September. Bird‑watchers can spot red‑breasted mergansers, kingfishers and, on quiet days, otters slipping along the banks. The eel, a focus of Attenborough’s footage, is a resident of the Erriff and can be seen in the deeper pools.

What to See & Do

• Watch the cascade – After a heavy rain the river swells, turning the modest four‑metre drop into a thundering torrent. The best viewpoint is from the bridge that spans the river just upstream; from here you can photograph the water plunging over the rocky steps against a backdrop of mist‑shrouded mountains.
• Walk the short trail – A flat, 200‑metre path leads from the bridge down to the base of the falls. The trail is easy for most visitors, though the ground can become very muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are advisable.
• Fish the Erriff – The river is a noted salmon and trout fishery. Anglers often set up near the falls during the summer months, hoping to spot leaping salmon making their way upstream.
• Western Way segment – The Western Way long‑distance trail begins at Aasleagh Falls. From here a 12‑km stretch winds through the Erriff Valley, past Devil’s Mother and Ben Gorm, before reaching Sheeffry Pass. The route offers panoramic views of Killary Fjord, the only fjord on the Irish coast.
• Canyoning – For the adventurous, the gorge below the falls provides a short canyoning line. Local outfit Connemara Outdoor Adventures (and similar providers) can arrange equipment, a safety briefing and a guided descent.
• Wildlife spotting – The surrounding woodlands host native birds such as the red‑breasted merganser and occasional otters. In the pools below the falls you may glimpse trout darting beneath the surface.
• Cultural snapshots – Spot the metal post that marks this spot as a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Point, and imagine the film crew that once staged a dramatic showdown here for The Field.

Seasonal Highlights & Photography Tips

• Autumn & winter – Heavy rain in these months creates the most dramatic flow. The mist and roar are at their peak, making for striking photographs.
• Spring to early autumn – The weather is milder, the surrounding foliage is greener, and the salmon run (June‑September) adds movement to the water.
• Best light – After a rain shower, wait for the sun to break through the clouds; the light often illuminates the hillside behind the falls, producing a spectacular contrast.
• Timing – A quick stop can be as short as 5 minutes, but most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour exploring the bridge, the base trail and the surrounding scenery.

Practical Information

Opening hours – The falls are open year‑round; there are no restricted visiting times.

Admission fee – Free entry.

Parking – Two small lay‑by car parks flank the R335 just past the bridge. Each lay‑by holds roughly 20 cars (about 40 spaces in total). The area sits on a sharp road bend; warning signs alert drivers to the hazard and advise pedestrians to stay close to the edge when crossing.

Access – The main access point is the bridge on the R335. From the parking area, walk straight ahead to the bridge, then follow the short, flat trail down to the base of the falls. The path is unpaved and can be slippery when wet. There is no wheelchair‑friendly route, and the lack of a formal footpath means visitors should be prepared for uneven, muddy terrain.

Safety notes – The car park’s proximity to a sweeping road bend has led to several near‑miss incidents. When crossing the road, stay as close to the edge as possible and watch for other walkers. The trail to the base of the falls is rough after rain; sturdy footwear is recommended.

Getting there – By car: From Galway, follow the N59 west to Leenane, then turn north onto the R335. The falls are about 70 km from Galway and 40 km from Clifden. The nearest town, Leenane, is 4 km south and offers a range of cafés, pubs and accommodation. Public transport is limited; Bus Éireann runs a service between Galway and Clifden that stops in Leenane, but there is no direct link to the falls.

Visitor tips –

• Wear waterproof hiking boots and bring a spare pair of shoes for the car.
• Pack a rain jacket – weather on the west coast changes quickly.
• Bring a picnic; the sound of the water makes a pleasant backdrop.
• Dogs are not recommended due to the narrow road crossing and slippery rocks.
• If you’re keen on photography, arrive after a rain shower and wait for the sun to break through the clouds for dramatic lighting.

Nearby attractions – After visiting the falls, continue north along the R335 to explore Killary Harbour, the Doolough Valley, or the historic Kylemore Abbey. The village of Leenane provides convenient lunch options such as Hamilton’s Bar and The Purple Door Café. For a longer adventure, the Delphi Adventure Centre (archery, zip‑lines, mountain biking) and Killary Fjord boat tours are both a short drive away.

Map & coordinates

Website – For the latest visitor information, see the official Galway Tourism page: Aasleagh Falls – Galway Tourism.

Whether you linger on the bridge to soak in the sound of water or venture down to the base for a closer look, Aasleagh Falls offers a compact yet unforgettable slice of Ireland’s wild west coast.