Aasleagh Falls: Guide + Map Showing Access Point

Aasleagh Falls in Mayo is a key stop between Leenane and Louisburgh, but there is a safety risk to be aware of.

The car park (linked on Google Maps below) is located right on the edge of a bad bend and there have been many near misses here over the years.

Most impressive after heavy rain, Aasleagh Falls sits right on the border between Galway and Mayo and it’s easily reached via a slightly hidden entrance point.

Below, you’ll find a map showing how to reach the falls and you’ll also discover the David Attenborough link!

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Aasleagh Falls in Mayo

So, a visit to Aasleagh Falls should be reasonably straightforward, but there are several important need-to-knows.

Pay particular attention to the safety warnings and the information on reaching the waterfall (there’s one entrance).

1. Aasleagh Falls parking

Just a couple of kilometres north of the village of Leenane, take the turnoff onto the R335.

There are two parking areas on either side of the R335 (here on Maps). There’s space there for a few cars, but it gets very busy here at times, so parking can be hard to come by.

2. Safety (take note!)

The parking area for Aasleagh is located right on a sweeping bend in the road. This can be extremely dangerous when you’re trying to cross over to the bridge/viewing area.

You should also be careful when driving on this road, as people tend to walk along the edge to try and view the falls from the road. 

3 The David Attenborough visit

If you’re a David Attenborough fan, then you might recall his visit to Aasleagh Falls.

He was perched on top of the waterfall, recounting the life history of the eel with his BBC crew a few years ago.

Getting to Aasleagh Falls

Getting to the falls is fairly easy, once you 1, know where to look for the entrance point and 2, be careful crossing the road.

Here’s everything you need to know:

For those looking to get down to the falls

After parking your car, you have to cross the road and walk towards the falls – STICK AS CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD AS POSSIBLE.

You need to walk to this point on the bridge where you’ll see some steps down to a rough path.

Now, this path is rough and after rainfall it gets very muddy so walking shoes are needed.

For those looking to enjoy the view from afar

If you’re content with admiring the falls from afar, you’ll get a great view from the bridge.

It’s an impressive sight after rain as the river gushes down beneath you.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of visiting Aasleagh Falls is that it’s close to many of the best things to do in Mayo.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to do near Aasleagh Falls, including where to grab some food and coffee.

1. Grab some lunch in Leenane

This small village at the head of Killary Fjord is your best bet for some lunch. It’s just 4km south of Aasleagh Falls.

Hamilton’s Bar, The Purple Door Café and Gaynor’s Bar are all good options!

2. Do the Leenane to Louisburgh drive

The Leenane to Louisburgh drive is one of the best drives in Ireland.

This mighty road trip takes you past icy lakes to rugged mountains and even through open country as you make your way into the incredible Doolough Valley.

3. Visit Kylemore Abbey

The striking Kylemore Abbey and walled gardens on Pollacapall Lough in County Galway are an impressive sight. It was originally built in 1867 and then became a home to Benedictine Nuns in 1920.

There’s also heaps of other things to do in Connemara, like Dog’s Bay Beach, Inishbofin Island, Ballynahinch Castle, Omey Island and some of the best walks in Galway.