Overview
Fowley’s Falls, sometimes written as Fowleys Falls, is a series of cascading waterfalls set in the steep valley of the Glenanniff River near Rossinver, County Leitrim. The water tumbles over stone steps carved by nature, creating a 3 km stretch of rapids, small falls and a gentle cascade that winds through a preserved hedgerow and dense native woodland. The surrounding forest of Derrynahimmirk is a mix of deciduous trees, ferns and wildflowers, offering a tranquil, shaded environment that changes colour with the seasons.
Name and Origin
The falls take their name from a 19th‑century local landowner, Mr. Fowley, whose estate once bordered the Glenanniff River. Over time the name stuck and the waterfall became known locally as “Fowley’s Falls”.
History
The walk along the river was first formalised in the 1980s when engineer Gabriel Money (often miss‑spelt as Gabriel Miney) and Father Corrigan, the parish priest, devised a scheme to create a public trail. Local businessman Philip Rooney funded a bridge over a tributary, and the path opened for the community.
By the early 2000s the route had fallen into disrepair. In 2003 the Rossinver Community Development Company (New Ballagh Centre) took over its care, working with Coillte, the Arigna LEADER programme, CLÁR and neighbouring landowners to restore and extend the trail while preserving its natural character.
A landslide in November 2021 temporarily blocked part of the walkway. Repairs and further extensions were completed later that year, and the newly improved trail was officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys in July 2022.
Trail Options
- Core walk – A 3 km out‑and‑back route that follows the river from the car park to the main cascade and back. It is graded Easy with an elevation gain of about 100 m.
- Loop option – An extended 5.4 km loop (as recorded on the HiiKER app) that starts and finishes at the same car park, taking in additional woodland tracks and a brief detour past a historic Mass Rock.
Both routes are well‑marked with gravel surfaces, stone steps and occasional boardwalk sections. The trail is suitable for walkers of moderate ability; steep sections occur where the river cuts through the valley.
What to See & Do
- Waterfall and Rapids – Follow the river as it drops over a series of stone steps, creating a continuous roar of water that can be heard from the picnic clearing.
- Woodland Walk – The gravel path winds through dense alder, ash and oak, with moss‑covered rocks and fern‑lined banks providing ample opportunities for quiet observation of local flora.
- Wildlife – Birdwatchers can spot kingfishers, grey wagtails and occasional woodpeckers, while the river supports trout and other freshwater species.
- Picnic Area – A small clearing equipped with picnic tables offers a place to rest and enjoy the view back up over the falls. The site is ideal for a family lunch or a simple snack after a walk.
- Cycling – The back‑roads around Melvin Lake and a dedicated low‑traffic cycle route make the area popular with cyclists seeking a scenic ride.
- Trail Map – A downloadable PDF map is available from Coillte, showing the full route, parking locations and points of interest.
Practical Information
Fowley’s Falls is free to visit and open year‑round. There is a modest on‑site car park at the trailhead; additional parking is available in Rossinver village (approximately 2 km away). Portable toilets are provided near the picnic area.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Small on‑site car park; extra spaces in Rossinver village |
| Toilets | Portable facilities near the picnic area |
| Picnic | Tables and a cleared area with views of the falls |
| Trail length | 3 km (out‑and‑back) – optional 5.4 km loop |
| Difficulty | Easy (some steep sections) |
| Elevation gain | ~100 m (core walk) |
| Accessibility | No wheelchair‑accessible route; gravel surface |
| Admission | Free |
Getting there – From the N16, turn onto the R282 towards Rossinver and follow signs for the falls. For precise directions see the Google Maps link here.
Further reading – Trail map (PDF) from Coillte here. Additional information on the Leitrim Tourism page here.
Nearby Attractions
- Creevelea Abbey – A 13th‑century Cistercian ruin just a short drive from Rossinver; ideal for a post‑walk cultural stop. (Creevelea Abbey)
- Lough Melvin – The lake into which the Glenanniff River flows; popular for angling and scenic drives.
- Acres Lake – Boardwalk and Visitor Centre – A longer woodland walk that can be combined with the Fowley’s Falls loop for a full‑day outing. (Acres Lake – Boardwalk)