Swimming might not be an option – there’s only enough water to immerse your feet – but standing beneath the waterfall is definitely a unique experience to enjoy. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of cascading water, this location offers a perfect escape into nature.
Ballard Waterfall is a hidden gem located in the scenic countryside near Mitchelstown, County Cork. This beautiful waterfall is part of the Ballard Waterfall Trail, which offers a delightful mix of roadway, forest track, and paths through a forest of mixed tree species.
The waterfall is easily accessible and provides a refreshing swimming experience in its natural pool. For those looking to make a day of it, the surrounding area offers beautiful walking trails and picnic spots, making it an ideal location for a family outing or a peaceful retreat.
Remember to respect the natural environment and follow local guidelines while enjoying your wild swimming adventure at Ballard Waterfall.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ballard Waterfall is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn when the refreshing shower of the waterfall can cool you down.
Noteworthy Features
Scenic Waterfall: The waterfall itself is a stunning sight, with water cascading down into a clear pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Forest Trail: The trail leading to the waterfall is well-marked and offers a pleasant walk through a forest of mixed tree species, adding to the overall experience.
Secluded Spot: The waterfall is relatively secluded, providing a peaceful and undisturbed environment for swimming and relaxation.
Hiking from Mountain Barrack on the Ballard Waterfall Trail
On a sunny day at the end of August, a small group of us embarked on a hike from Mountain Barrack, traversing the Ballard Waterfall Trail and journeying through the expansive woods managed by Coillte. The hike was effortless and enjoyable; we encountered no one else along the way, which might have been due to the season or because it was a Friday morning.
The trail from Mountain Barrack to Ballard Waterfall offers a scenic route through natural surroundings. Starting at Mountain Barrack, you’ll find well-marked path that leads through lush woodlands and rolling hills.
As you walk, the trail gradually descends, providing glimpses of the surrounding landscape. You’ll encounter various types of flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
The trail eventually opens up to the waterfall, where you can enjoy the sound of cascading water and take in the picturesque view. The round trip typically takes a couple of hours, depending on your pace and the time you spend enjoying the sights. Remember to wear good walking shoes and bring along some water and snacks!
Lough Ouler is a stunning corrie lake located at the base of Tonelagee Mountain in County Wicklow. Known for its heart-shaped appearance. Its breathtaking scenery and tranquil waters, make it an ideal spot for wild swimming enthusiasts. The water is refreshingly cool, perfect for a summer dip, and the surrounding landscape offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Accessing Lough Ouler involves a moderate hike, which adds to the adventure. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains along the way. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a peaceful swim in the clear waters, surrounded by nature.
Before you go, ensure you check the weather conditions and swim with a buddy for safety. Remember to respect the natural environment and leave no trace behind.
Whether you are an experienced swimmer or a beginner, Lough Ouler is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of wild swimming in Ireland.
When to Swim
The best time to swim at Lough Ouler is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. The water can be quite cold, so it’s advisable to swim on sunny days when the weather is more favorable.
Noteworthy Features
Heart-Shaped Lake: Lough Ouler is famously heart-shaped, making it a picturesque and romantic spot for a swim.
Remote Location: The lake’s remote setting provides a peaceful and undisturbed environment, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Scenic Hike: Reaching Lough Ouler involves a scenic hike, typically taking around 45-55 minutes uphill from the road. The hike itself offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Safety Tips
Swim with a Buddy: Always swim with a companion for safety.
Check the Weather: Be mindful of weather conditions and avoid swimming during rough weather.
Cold Water: The water in Lough Ouler can be very cold, so be prepared and consider wearing a wetsuit.
Underwater Hazards: Be aware of submerged rocks and other potential hazards in the water.
Local Swimming Groups
Wicklow Wild Swimmers: A local group that organizes swims in various locations around Wicklow, including Lough Ouler. You can connect with them through social media platforms like Facebook.
Ladies Cove in Greystones is a beautiful spot for wild swimming, offering stunning views and a refreshing experience in nature. The cove is known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, both local and visiting.
When to Swim
The best time to swim at Ladies Cove is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly beautiful, with the sun casting a golden glow over the water.
Noteworthy Features
Clear Waters: The cove is renowned for its clear, clean waters, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim.
Scenic Views: Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, the cove offers stunning coastal views that enhance the swimming experience.
Accessibility: Ladies Cove is easily accessible, with nearby parking and a short walk to the water.
Safety Tips
Swim with a Buddy: Always swim with a companion for safety.
Check the Weather: Be mindful of weather conditions and avoid swimming during rough seas or storms.
Tides and Currents: Pay attention to the tides and currents, as they can change rapidly.
Local Swimming Groups
Greystones Seagirls: A local swimming group that often meets for sunrise swims. You can connect with them through social media platforms like Instagram.
Greystones Swimming Club: Another local group that organizes regular swims and events. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
In this spot, you have three rivers to choose from for your dip. But why choose when you can bathe in all three.
The Meeting of the Waters is a famous wild swimming spot located near the charming village of Rathdrum. Here, the Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers converge to form the Avoca River, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Swimmers love this spot for its inviting, calm waters, making it perfect for a refreshing dip. With varying depths available, everyone can find their ideal level of immersion in this beautiful natural oasis.
There is a local craft shop and restaurant nearby too for after your swim in the rivers
Thomas Moore immortalised it in his poem The Meeting of the Waters, which gave its name to this very spot.
The Meeting of the Waters by Thomas Moore
There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet; Oh! the last rays of feeling and life must depart, Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart.
Yet it was not that nature had shed o’er the scene Her purest of crystal and brightest of green; ‘Twas not her soft magic of streamlet or hill, Oh! no, — it was something more exquisite still.
‘Twas that friends, the beloved of my bosom, were near, Who made every dear scene of enchantment more dear, And who felt how the best charms of nature improve, When we see them reflected from looks that we love.
Sweet vale of Avoca! how calm could I rest In thy bosom of shade, with the friends I love best, Where the storms that we feel in this cold world should cease, And our hearts, like thy waters, be mingled in peace.
“I live in Balbriggan, Co Dublin and swim here most days with a group of ladies.
We call ourselves the Balbriggan Swimming Socks, check us out on Facebook.
The coast line is very long with a huge choice of beaches.
The King’s Strand which is beside the Martello tower has a slipway, so people use it for lots of water sports. There is a concrete platform with steps into the sea. This means you don’t get sand everywhere.”
Meet the female sea swimming group that call themselves Balbriggan Swimming Socks
Balbriggan Swimming Socks, a group of predominantly female sea-swimmers from Balbriggan, are celebrating having recently been chosen for a photo shoot by Her Outdoors and Swim Ireland.
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www.independent.ie
Visitbalbriggan.ie writes: “The beach stretching north from the Martello Tower is called King’s Strand. Walking along to the north end of King’s Strand you can spot The Sailors Grave, a mound of stones so called as it commemorates the dead of the ships such as the Belle Hill and Sarah of Runcorn that were wrecked off the nearby Cardy Rocks. Tradition has it that visitors add a stone to the cairn. A plaque was placed here in 2013 to commemorate the lost lives. You can walk along this stretch of coastline eventually arriving at the long beaches of Gormanston. (Note, this is a natural terrain without a man-made footpath).”
