Kilfane Glen Waterfall Route

Walk to a hidden waterfall tucked into a steep ravine. The route takes about an hour and includes stone steps through fern-filled glades. Bring sturdy shoes for the uneven ground.

7 min read Beginner July 2026

Author

Kilfane Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Written by the Kilfane Editorial Team, focused on clear, honest descriptions of accessible walking routes and heritage trails in Kilkenny.

Why Visit Kilfane Glen

It's not often you find a waterfall hidden away like this one. Most walkers in the area stick to the main routes, which means you'll have the glen mostly to yourself. The ravine creates its own microclimate — you'll notice how much cooler it gets as you descend, and the ferns grow thicker and greener than anywhere else nearby.

The walk itself isn't demanding. You're looking at roughly 60 minutes round-trip, with the most challenging bit being the stone steps on the way down. They're uneven and can be slippery after rain, but nothing that'll test experienced walkers. Beginners handle it fine as long as they take their time and watch their footing.

Kilfane Glen waterfall cascading over rocks with mist rising, surrounded by wet moss-covered boulders and evergreen shrubs

Forest stream flowing through dense fern-covered banks, sunlight filtering through dense green canopy above

The Route Itself

You'll start at the small car park near Kilfane village. From there, the path winds through woodland for about 15 minutes before you reach the top of the ravine. The views open up suddenly — you can see down into the glen where the waterfall sits. It's one of those moments where the landscape just makes sense.

The descent takes around 20 minutes. Stone steps carry you most of the way, but they're not modern smooth steps — they're hewn into the hillside and shaped by decades of foot traffic. Grab the rope handrails where they're fitted. The air gets noticeably damper as you drop elevation, and you'll start hearing the water properly instead of just seeing it from a distance.

At the base, there's a natural pool where the water settles before flowing downstream. The rocks around it are slick with moss, so don't expect to sit dry. That's part of the charm though — you're in a proper wild space, not a manicured tourist spot.

What to Bring and When to Go

Essential Gear

Sturdy walking boots with grip — this isn't a job for trainers
A light waterproof layer — the glen is damp even on dry days
A walking pole or stick helps on those stone steps
Water bottle and a small snack for energy
Phone for emergencies, though signal can be patchy

Spring and early summer are best — May through July gives you reliable daylight and the waterfall runs well without being dangerously swollen. Autumn's fine too, though fallen leaves hide the uneven ground. Winter can be slippery, and the days are short, which means you're hurrying through what should be a leisurely walk.

Hiking boots on rocky forest trail with moss and ferns visible, natural outdoor setting with dappled light

Ancient stone steps descending steeply through fern-covered forest slope, weathered handrails visible on right side

What Makes It Special

Most people doing the easy walks around Kilkenny end up on the medieval garden trails or the standard woodland loops. Those are worthwhile, don't get us wrong. But Kilfane Glen feels different because you're not following a marked tourist route. The stones underfoot are worn smooth from genuine use, not maintenance crews.

The waterfall itself isn't enormous — it's maybe 10 or 12 metres across at the top — but the setting gives it drama. Water that's clear enough to see through hits rocks that've been smoothed by millennia of flow. In good light, the mist creates a natural prism effect. Bring a camera if you want, though honestly the view sticks with you more than any photo does.

You'll probably be quiet on the way down. Most people are. Something about being in a ravine with water crashing and ferns all around naturally makes you want to slow down and listen.

Before You Go

Choose activities that match your fitness level. Check local conditions before travelling — after heavy rain the steps can be treacherous and the water level rises significantly. Speak with your GP if you have health concerns before starting a new activity, especially if you're managing joint or mobility issues. The ravine isn't suitable for very young children or people with mobility challenges due to the steep descent and uneven surfaces.

Getting There

The car park is signposted from Kilfane village. If you're using public transport, you can get a bus to the village and walk from there — it adds about 20 minutes to your journey but the route into the village is pleasant enough. There's a small café in Kilfane if you want something warm after the walk. It's not fancy, but they do good tea and the owner usually has local knowledge about conditions on the trails.

The whole experience — drive, walk, cup of tea, drive home — makes for a satisfying afternoon. You're not spending a full day outdoors, which appeals to people who've got other things on. And you've genuinely seen something worth the trip. That's the Kilfane Glen waterfall in a nutshell.

More Routes Worth Exploring

Wooden footbridge crossing moss-covered stream, ancient woodland setting