Overview
Mare’s Tail Waterfall drops 55 m (180 ft) over a sheer limestone cliff on the Beara Peninsula, near the harbour of Adrigole. The cascade gets its name from the way the water fans out at the base, resembling a horse’s tail. The falls are most easily seen from a designated pull‑out on the R572 road; the site itself lies on private land and there is no public footpath to the base of the waterfall.
History & Background
The waterfall sits in the townland of Cappanaparka West, about four kilometres west of Adrigole. A sign near the Adrigole Harbour viewpoint claims it is the tallest waterfall in Ireland – a claim echoed by many guidebooks. The surrounding area has long inspired artists and poets, and the waterfall is part of the local folklore that speaks of water spirits. In recent years the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funded improvements to a 15 km section of the Beara Way that runs from Adrigole harbour to a viewpoint overlooking the falls, enhancing signage and surface quality. However, the final approach to the cascade remains on private property, so visitors must stay on the public roadside viewpoint.
What to See & Do
- Watch the plunge – From the roadside pull‑out you can see the water rush over the cliff, creating a mist that often catches the sun in vivid rainbows on wetter days.
- Walk the Beara Way – The ORIS‑enhanced 15 km stretch of the Beara Way links Adrigole harbour to the viewpoint, allowing walkers to combine the waterfall sight‑line with coastal and mountain sections of the trail.
- Birdwatching – The cliffs above the falls attract peregrine falcons, ravens, gulls and occasional razorbills, especially in the early morning.
- Explore Adrigole – After the waterfall, stroll back into Adrigole to enjoy its colourful boats, cafés and craft shops.
Access & Parking
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Viewing point | Roadside pull‑out on the R572 near Adrigole (no footpath to the waterfall itself) |
| Parking | Limited free roadside parking on the R572; park only in designated spaces and avoid obstructing traffic |
| Access | The waterfall is on private land; crossing the land is not permitted. The viewpoint is public and can be accessed at any time. |
| Trail length | 15 km linear section of the Beara Way from Adrigole harbour to the viewpoint |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate on the public sections; the final approach is not open to the public |
| Seasonal notes | Flow is strongest after rain; in dry summer months the cascade can be reduced to a trickle, making the rainbow effect less likely. |
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours, year‑round (viewpoint only) |
| Admission | Free – no tickets required |
| Nearby attractions | Healy Pass, Beara Gallery, Ardgroom stone circles, Dunboy Castle ruins |
Visitors should always check local weather forecasts before setting out and be prepared for sudden changes typical of the Atlantic‑kissed landscape.