Dear Mummy, every so often we discover a new location worthy of a photographic visit. Today we stumbled on a gem almost by accident. While on our tour of Northern Ireland over the half term holidays we decided to roam away from my Grandparents house in Belfast and explore the Causeway Coast. I’d heard my Grandma talk about a beautiful waterfall off the beaten track called Glenoe waterfall. It’s tucked away in the hills between Larne and Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. We set off for the glens of Antrim nice and early, stopping off at Carrickfergus on the way.
Even though Glenoe Waterfall is listed on the National Trust website it doesn’t feature in the members guidebook nor is it signposted very well from the main coastal road. We knew of its existence from hearsay and followed directions to Glenoe village and then picked up small sign posts marked ‘waterfall’. You could drive right past its location outside the village of Glenoe, as it’s hidden within deep green foliage.
When we found a small car park the only thing that gave its location away was the noise of the thunderous water splashing onto the rocks below. We eagerly traced the footpath around the hillside as overgrown ferns slapped against our legs. As we approached a watery haze filled the air and we laid eyes on it for the very first time.
It was truly an amazing sight. When we visited it was deserted, nobody was around, no tourists, no locals, all was still apart from the raging water thundering down. This walk has many steps and they meander up and down the sides of this moist valley to enable walkers to get good views of the waterfall.
The waterfall is in a deep gorge and at the top of the steep brae is St. Columbas Church, with views of the valley from its grave yard as it follows the hillside. It was well maintained with anti-slip wooden steps, handrails and a bridge, however nearer the water there was no safety fence, so my mummy gripped my hand with all her might as we neared the water’s edge.
Watch our video to see the beautiful scenery.
The National Trust was responsible for carrying out vital works to upgrade the path running from the car park to the waterfall and replaced the old timber bridge. Locally sourced stone and timber was used in the project and merged beautifully into the wooded glen setting. It was mesmerizing and the waterfall was a result of the water channels through a gorge and dropped eight meters over the falls. Tiny fairy houses were added and stuck between the rocks and we counted three while we were there. A fallen tree was on the top platform of the falls and added to the dramatic view as the sun set over the church like a back drop to a film.
If you’re in the Belfast region, and you want to quickly visit a waterfall, this one is the best bet for you. It’s a wonderful waterfall on the official Causeway Coastal Driving Route. Just remember to take your walking boots with you! Watch our video to see the dramatic waterfall. We visited in February and would love to head back in the summer.
Love Bella x
dearmummyblog.com 
Looks like a beautiful area!
It really was, amazing what you can find hidden away. It was like a secret only the locals knew about!
You found a cracker there! #countrykids
What a beautiful place to discover on your trip to Ireland, it’s always wonderful when you find word of mouth places rather than the popular tourist spots. That waterfall really is magnificient, the noise is stupendous too. I might have to add the Glenoe Waterfall to my bucket list for if I ever visit Ireland.
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
Wow, what a fabulous place to sort of stumble across! We’re planning to visit N Ireland at some point with our kids as my other half grew up there. I’ll put this on the list! #CountryKids
What an amazing place for a walk! Loving the waterfall pic #CountryKids
We’ve never been to Northern Ireland so I think we are due a visit. We’d love to go and see the waterfall. Mich x #Countrykids
Wow this looks lovely, got to love a waterfall. We went somewhere similar in wales last week. I must write about that soon #countrykids
What a stunning waterfall, I wonder why it’s not well advertised, especially if the NT are upgrading the paths etc? Looks like baby Isabella picked a great location for a day trip! #CountryKids
I absolutely LOVE waterfalls! How awesome to have discovered this hidden gem. #AnythingGoes
Wow I bet that was truly breathtaking – stunning #CountryKids
Holy cow, that is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. #AnythingGoes
Lovely pictures. It looks like a beautiful place. #dreamteam
Wow. I’ve never visited Northern Ireland but it always looks so beautiful. So often the most breathtaking places are those undiscovered gems off the beaten track. Thanks for linking up to #DreamTeam with us x
What a beautiful waterfall and I love that it is a bit of a hidden gem too – they’re always the most exciting places to find. #countrykids
This looks awesome, but also very cold. But mostly awesome. I’m jealous. #AnythingGoes
I have always fancied traveling around Ireland, its not a place we have explored. What a wonderful thing to stumble across on your travels. The pictures are quite magnificent although with the boys I would be worried about not having a handrail, especially the toddler! #CountryKids
Wow! That’s an amazing waterfall, Penguin would go mad for it! 😍
#CountryKids
Wow looks like a beautiful place to walk! #dreamteam