Overview
Glenevin Waterfall sits at the head of a wooded glen near Clonmany, on the Inishowen Peninsula, reached by an easy path that a few years ago wasn’t walkable at all. A flash flood tore the valley trail away, and it was local volunteers, led by Dorris Russo and funded by donations, who rebuilt it with new bridges, guardrails and picnic benches. The falls are a wedge of white water over black rock, put by various sources at anywhere from 9 to 12 metres (30 to 40 ft), dropping into a pool the old name calls Pohl-an-eas, the ‘bathing place’.
It’s a short, flat, family outing rather than a wilderness expedition, and that’s the appeal. If you have an hour spare on the Inishowen 100, it’s one of the easiest waterfalls in Donegal to reach on foot.
The walk to the falls
The trail is a there-and-back of about 1 to 1.5 km, roughly 30 minutes each way, on an easy gravel path with only a slight incline. It’s level enough for prams, and the sheltered glen keeps the woodland damp and green: ferns and wild garlic thicken the banks in spring and early summer, and the sound of the falls builds as you walk in. One thing to know before you set off with the family dog – dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Swimming and the pool
The plunge pool at the base, Pohl-an-eas, is a long-standing local swimming spot, busiest on warm days. It’s fed straight off the mountain stream, so the water stays cold the year round whatever the calendar says. Swimming is permitted, but there are no lifeguards and the rock edges can be slick, so mind your footing and keep an eye on children.
Facilities and visitor tips
A free car park sits beside the Glen House B&B, where the entrance to the walk begins, with toilets available and a donation box towards the upkeep of the park. Overflow parking is sometimes available, but there is no roadside parking, so aim to arrive early on a fine weekend. Glen House also runs a tea room for hot drinks and a slice of cake before or after the walk.
- Footwear: the gravel path can turn muddy and slippery after rain – sturdy shoes with grip are worth it.
- Best conditions: the falls are at their most dramatic after heavy rain, when the flow picks up against the dark rock.
- Ticks: the woodland floor can harbour ticks in spring and summer; long trousers and a quick check afterwards are sensible.
- Swimming: the pool is unsupervised, and the water rarely climbs above 12°C even in August.
Getting there and nearby stops
By car: the entrance is signposted from Clonmany village and lies beside the Glen House B&B, about a five-minute drive from the village.
By public transport: local bus services connect Buncrana and Donegal Town to Clonmany; from the village the trailhead is a short taxi ride or a walk along a quiet country lane.
Glenevin makes an easy addition to a day on the Inishowen 100. Within a short drive are the hairpin climb of the Mamore Gap, the coastal gun batteries of Fort Dunree, the beach and golf links at Ballyliffin, and the harbour and shore path at Buncrana. Push on north and you reach Malin Head, the most northerly point on the island.
Useful links
Time it for a day or two after rain and drop something in the donation box on your way out – the path you’re walking on exists because locals paid for it.