Tullydermot Falls

Tullydermot Falls, Tullydermot, Co. Cavan, Ireland
1-90 Years

Description

Tullydermot Falls is a magnificent cascading natural wonder resting under the dramatic shadow of Cuilcagh Mountain. If you are looking for scenic and geological things to do with kids in Cavan, this majestic waterfall and geopark site provides a brilliant outdoor learning experience where families can get up close to fast-flowing river rapids. The trail offers an easy walk along the Cladagh River, making it perfectly accessible for parents exploring the local wilderness with children.

Entry to this breathtaking landscape is entirely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for a family day out. Families can enjoy the parking area, access paths, and panoramic viewpoints without paying any admission or hidden spectator fees. It is an inexpensive way to experience natural geographical features without worrying about extra booking costs.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh mountain air with fascinating river science, this destination is a wonderful option. It offers a short, gentle nature stop where children can stretch their legs, view local fish populations, and see how powerful forces shape the earth.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Features

  • Accessible concrete trail: Features a smooth, 75-metre pathway designed to accommodate pushchairs, prams, and buggy users easily.
  • Interactive geological learning: An excellent spot to teach children about bedrock erosion, sandstones, and river formations.
  • Riverside angling opportunities: The shallow upland waters are teeming with small brown trout, perfect for keen young anglers.

Detailed Highlights

  • The Cladagh River Cascades: A series of fast-flowing waterfalls and rapids that journey directly from the high peak of Cuilcagh Mountain. Children can safely view the rushing whitewater crashing over the stones from a secure vantage point.
  • The Bedrock Erosion Display: A real-world science lesson showing how water cuts through alternating layers of hard sandstone and soft shale. Kids can physically see how the softer rock gives way over centuries to create dramatic steps.
  • The 2009 Rock Collapse Site: The historic spot where several tonnes of the main waterfall face collapsed during a dramatic winter freeze. It gives older children a fantastic talking point about the active, ever-changing power of nature.
  • The Old Red Barn Trailhead: Sitting right across the road from the main car park is a rustic red barn that marks the start of an upland hill track. It provides a fun landmark for kids and acts as a gateway to wider mountain exploration.
  • The Wild Bird Viewing Spot: A tranquil, lush green bank where families can sit quietly to look for unique river birds. Children can spot specialized wildlife flying low over the bubbling pools in search of food.

Specific Named Trails, Landmarks & Artifacts

  • The Cladagh River Upper Reach Systems
  • The 75-Metre Main Concrete Viewpoint Path
  • The Cuilcagh Mountain Plateau Shadow Line
  • The Alternating Sandstone and Limestone Shale Strata
  • The Historic Red Agricultural Barn Landmark
  • The Geopark Interpretive Geology Panel

Facilities

  • Facilities: The site is equipped with a small designated car park, information panels, wooden benches, and a concrete viewing path. There are no public toilets or lockers on-site, so plan your rest stops accordingly.
  • Food Options: There are no food kiosks at the waterfall, but picnic tables are available for families who bring their own packed lunch. For hot meals, head three miles down the road into Swanlinbar village to enjoy family-friendly pubs and traditional bakeries.
  • Pro-Tips: The walk from your vehicle to the main viewing area takes less than five minutes, making it the perfect brief pit-stop. Wear sturdy shoes or wellies during wet weather as the paths near the riverbank can become slippery from mountain spray.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • The short, low-effort walk from the car makes it ideal for little legs and pram wheels.
  • Brilliant close-up views of the waterfalls without long, exhausting mountain hikes.
  • Highly peaceful ambiance that provides a relaxing break from noisy urban attractions.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • The car parking area is relatively small and can accommodate only around ten vehicles at peak times.
  • Occasional pet waste issues along the path when visitors do not clean up after their dogs.

FAQ Section

  • Is it worth visiting with toddlers?: The site is brilliant for toddlers because the flat concrete path is only 75 metres long, allowing parents to wheel a buggy right up to the main waterfall viewpoints safely.
  • How long does a visit to the waterfall take?: A standard family visit lasts around 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick nature stop when exploring cheap indoor or outdoor activities in County Cavan.
  • Where is the best place to park at Tullydermot Falls?: Visitors should park in the dedicated roadside car park located on the R200 route, which places your vehicle right at the start of the concrete path.

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Year-Round Access: Open 24 hours daily (Daylight visits are highly recommended for safety)

Address: Tullydermot Falls, Tullydermot, Co. Cavan, Ireland

Post Code:

Council: Cavan County Council

County: County Cavan

  • By Car: Located just off the N87 Swanlinbar to Enniskillen road on the R200 route to Glangevlin. Drive roughly three miles from Swanlinbar towards the mountain, and the free parking area will be on your left.
  • By Bus: Take a Bus Éireann service from Cavan Town to Belturbet. From Belturbet village, a local 15-minute taxi journey is required to reach the main trail entrance gates.

0.00

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!