The Devil’s Chimney In Sligo: Ireland’s Highest Waterfall (Walk Guide)

A visit to the Devil’s Chimney in Sligo (after heavy rainfall!) is hard to beat.

The Devil’s Chimney (‘Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird’) is a weather specific phenomenon that, similar to the Caves of Keash, is one of the more unique things to do in Sligo.

Located on the Sligo/Leitrim border, the Devil’s Chimney only runs after rainfall, at it can be experienced in all it’s glory on a 50-minute walk.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from where to park for the Devil’s Chimney walk to what to see nearby (there’s plenty!).

Some quick need-to-knows about the Devil’s Chimney in Sligo

So, a visit to the Devil’s Chimney in Sligo is fairly straightforward, but there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The Devil’s Chimney is located in the Glencar Valley on the Sligo Leitrim border, a short drive from Glencar Lake and Glencar waterfall. It’s a 15-minute drive from Sligo Town, 20 minutes from Rosses Point, 25 minutes from Strandhill and a short 30-minute spin from Mullaghmore.

2. Only visible at certain times

The Devil’s Chimney only flows after periods of heavy rainfall. During prolonged dry weather, the waterfall may be completely dry. It’s most impressive during or shortly after rain, especially when strong winds blow across the valley, creating the illusion that the water is flowing upwards.

3. The loop walk

The walk is a 2.5km looped upland trail with around 130m of ascent. It takes about 1 hour at a steady pace and is best walked counter-clockwise, which gives a more manageable climb and clearer access to the main viewing points. Although short, it is one of the more strenuous Sligo walks, with steep sections and surfaces that can be slippery after rain.

4. Safety warning

Do not leave the path or attempt to climb toward the cliff face, as the ground is unstable and dangerous. After rain, steps and stone sections can be extremely slippery, so proper walking shoes are essential.

An overview of the Devil’s Chimney walk

At just shy of 150 metres, the Devil’s Chimney is listed on the World Waterfall database as Ireland’s tallest waterfall.

The Irish name, Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, means ‘stream against the height’, as when it is wet and the wind blows from the south, the waterfall is blown up and back over the cliff – hence the name Devil’s Chimney. Here’s a guide to the walk.

How long it takes

It’ll take you roughly 30 minutes to get to the top of the loop and around 15 minutes to get back down. Allow at least 1 hour for soaking up the views (hopefully not literally). The trail can be slippery underfoot, so please wear sturdy footwear.

Difficulty

You’ll need a half-decent level of fitness for this walk, as the first chunk of it is nice and steep. There’s plenty of places to stop and soak up the views, though, so you’ll be able to rest if needed. Please make sure to always stay on the trail.

Parking

Although there isn’t a huge amount of parking for Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird (room for 5 – 8 cars), you should be fine once you arrive early. You’ll find the car park (to the left of the photo above) here on Google Maps.

What to expect on the walk

Once you’ve parked, the walk starts at the pedestrian ‘kissing gate’ (see photo above) which is on the right of the trail head sign. It follows a solid path for the first while, before you reach the woodland and the climb begins.

The trail is very easy to follow, and there are lots of viewpoints along the way. Hopefully, when you arrive at the viewpoint that looks out towards the Devil’s Chimney, it’ll be in full flow.

Things to do near the Devil’s Chimney in Sligo

One of the beauties of the Devil’s Chimney is that it’s a short spin away from some of the best places to visit in Sligo.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall can be found near Glencar Lake. This famous landmark was inspiration to the well-known poet, William Butler Yeats, who featured it in The Stolen Child. As is the case with the Devil’s Chimney, the waterfall is best viewed after the rain, and you can view it from a gorgeous, wooded walk.

2. Gleniff Horseshoe Walk/Drive

The Gleniff Horseshoe Walk/Drive is a 10-kilometre walking/driving route in a particularly atmospheric part of Sligo. Things to see include the old sites of Bartyes mills, and the legendary Grainne and Diarmuid’s cave, which, at 400 metres, is the highest cave in Ireland. You’ll also be able to see the wonderful Annacoona cliffs. 

3. Beaches galore

There are plenty of beaches in Sligo a short spin from the Devil’s Chimney. Streedagh Beach is 25 minutes away, Mullaghmore Beach is 30 minutes away and Strandhill Beach is 30 minutes away, too. 

4. Loads more hikes and walks

If you fancy exploring more of the area that surrounds you on foot, you’re in luck – there are plenty of hikes and walks nearby. Here are our favourite:

• The Knocknarea Walk
• The Glen (a very hidden gem)
• The Benbulben Forest Walk
• Knocknashee