Glendalough, located in County Wicklow within the Wicklow Mountains National Park, is one of Ireland’s most cherished heritage sites, renowned for its 6th-century monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin and its stunning glacial valley with two lakes, the Upper and Lower Lakes. Known as “Gleann Dá Loch” (Valley of the Two Lakes), it attracted 732,362 visitors in 2019, making it one of Ireland’s top attractions. Combining rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse walking trails, Glendalough is a must-visit for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, nature lovers, and day-trippers from Dublin.
A visit to Glendalough typically lasts 2–6 hours, depending on whether you explore the Monastic City, Visitor Centre, lakes, and hiking trails. The Monastic City and parklands are open year-round, 24/7, with no entry fee, though parking costs €4–€5. The Visitor Centre operates daily (mid-March to mid-October: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM; mid-October to mid-March: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM; closed December 23–29). Pre-booking for guided tours is recommended via +353 (0) 404 45325. Here’s a breakdown of the experience:
Monastic City:
Founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century, this early Christian settlement became a major center of learning and pilgrimage, known as a “Monastic City.” Most surviving structures date from the 10th–12th centuries, despite raids by Norsemen and destruction by English forces in 1398.
- Round Tower: A 30-meter (100 ft) high, well-preserved 11th-century tower, used as a bell tower, lookout, and refuge. Tradition holds that its door, 3 meters above ground, was accessed by a removable ladder for safety.
- Saint Kevin’s Church (“Saint Kevin’s Kitchen”): A small, restored stone church with a steep roof, named for its chimney-like belfry.
- Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul: 12th-century ruins, the largest structure, with intricate stonework.
- Celtic Crosses and Cemetery: Features beautifully carved high crosses and gravestones scattered across the site.
- Saint Kevin’s Bed: A small, man-made cave above the Upper Lake, possibly a prehistoric burial site, where Saint Kevin is said to have prayed.
- Reefert Church and Temple-na-Skellig: Remote ruins near the Upper Lake, accessible via trails.
- The site is free to explore, accessible via a wooden bridge from the Visitor Centre. The terrain is uneven and can be slippery in rain, so sturdy shoes are essential. Photography is allowed, and information boards provide context. The site can get crowded in summer; early morning or late afternoon visits are quieter.
Glendalough Visitor Centre:
- Located near the Lower Lake, the centre offers an exhibition on monastic life, a 15-minute audiovisual show (“Ireland of the Monasteries”), and an interactive children’s area with Saint Kevin stories. Guided tours (French, German, Spanish, Swedish) are available by pre-booking (+353 (0) 404 45325).
- Admission: €5 adult, €4 senior, €3 student/child, €13 family (2 adults + 3 children). Free admission with paid parking (€4) at the Visitor Centre car park.
- Fully wheelchair-accessible, but the graveyard and monastic site have uneven terrain, limiting access for wheelchair users. Toilets close 45 minutes before the centre (4:15 PM in winter).
A great starting point for historical context, though some visitors skip it to focus on outdoor exploration. Average visit: 30–60 minutes.
Wicklow Mountains National Park and Lakes:
- Upper and Lower Lakes: The valley’s two scenic lakes are a highlight, with the Upper Lake offering dramatic mountain backdrops. A 4-km loop trail connects both lakes, taking 1–1.5 hours, suitable for all ages. Swimming is allowed at your own risk (no lifeguards; sudden depth changes).
- Walking Trails: Nine way-marked trails start at the National Park Information Office or Visitor Centre, ranging from 30-minute strolls to 4-hour hillwalks:
- Green Road Walk: A 3-km, family-friendly trail around the Lower Lake (1 hour, easy).
- Poulanass Waterfall Trail: A 1.7-km moderate walk (40 minutes) from the Upper Lake car park, marked by pink arrows.
- Spinc and Glenealo Valley Trail: A challenging 9.5-km hike (3–4 hours, 380m ascent) with panoramic lake and valley views.
- Derrybawn Woodland Trail: An 8-km moderate loop (2 hours) passing the Monastic City, Poulanass Waterfall, and Derrybawn Mountain.
- Miners’ Road Walk: A 5-km trail (2 hours) to the 19th-century Miners’ Village ruins, highlighting Glendalough’s lead-mining history (1825–1957).
- Wicklow Way and Saint Kevin’s Way: Long-distance trails for experienced hikers.
- Wildlife and Flora: Spot red squirrels, pine martens, peregrine falcons, sika deer, and rare natterjack toads. The valley features ferns, bluebells, and orchids.
- Notes: Trails are well-signposted with color-coded arrows. Large maps are at the Visitor Centre and Upper Lake Information Office. Dogs must be on leads (wildlife conservation area). Camping and campfires are prohibited.
Amenities:
- Dining: No on-site café at the Visitor Centre, but options include:
- Glendalough Green Food Truck: Near the Visitor Centre, serving snacks and drinks.
- Upper Lake Stalls: Coffee, ice cream, and burgers at the car park.
- Wicklow Heather Restaurant (Laragh, 5-minute drive): Traditional Irish cuisine (e.g., Wicklow lamb); reservations advised.
- Lynhams of Laragh: A pub with a carvery on Sundays/holidays, praised for ambiance.
- Glendalough Hotel: Offers meals for non-guests, though food is pricier.
- Roundwood Stores (15-minute drive): Great for lunch en route to Dublin.
- Gift Shop: The Visitor Centre sells postcards, maps, and books. Crafts and woollens are available in Laragh village.
- Facilities: Public toilets at the Visitor Centre and Upper Lake car park (closed early in winter). First aid and an AED are at the Information Office. Free Wi-Fi at the Visitor Centre.
- The Visitor Centre is fully accessible, but trails and the monastic site have limited wheelchair access. Contact +353 (0) 404 45325 for accommodations.
- Parking: €4 at Visitor Centre (includes free centre admission) or Upper Lake car parks; €5 on busy days. Laragh village has a free car park (8:00 AM–8:00 PM). Parking is limited on weekends; arrive early.
- Practical Details: Laragh, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, A98 HC80, 50 km from Dublin (1-hour drive via R747). Saint Kevin’s Bus (€20 round-trip) runs daily from Dublin (Leeson Street, 11:30 AM, returns 4:30 PM). Local Link buses serve Laragh from Wicklow Town or Rathdrum.
- Tickets: Monastic City and parklands are free. Visitor Centre: €5 adult, €4 senior, €3 student/child, €13 family. Book guided tours by phone.
- Visit Duration: 30–60 minutes for the Monastic City, 1 hour for the Visitor Centre, 1–4 hours for trails. Allow 3–6 hours for a full experience.
- Weather: Rain is common; bring waterproof gear and sturdy shoes. Summer (June–August) offers milder weather and longer days. Check www.met.ie.
- Visitor Notes: The site is peaceful but busy in summer. Avoid peak hours (11:00 AM–3:00 PM). Don’t leave valuables in cars at remote car parks.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
- Glendalough, a beacon of early Christian scholarship, attracted pilgrims and scholars across Europe until its decline in the 12th century. Saint Kevin, who died in 618 at age 120, and Saint Laurence O’Toole, a former abbot, add to its spiritual legacy. The Round Tower and Celtic crosses are iconic symbols of Ireland’s monastic heritage.
- Set in the 20,000-hectare Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough is a gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East, offering a blend of history and natural beauty.
What’s New for 2025
- Wicklow Passport Expansion: Introduced in recent years, the Wicklow Passport, inspired by Spain’s Camino Passport, encourages visitors to collect stamps at attractions, activities, and hospitality venues across County Wicklow. In 2025, new stamping locations in Glendalough and Laragh (e.g., Visitor Centre, Wicklow Heather) will be added, enhancing the interactive experience. Passports are free at Wicklow libraries or €2 online (http://bit.ly/WicklowPassport). This promotes exploration of lesser-known sites like the Miners’ Village.
- Improved Parking and Facilities: Following 2024 complaints about toilet cleanliness at the Upper Lake car park (described as “disgusting” on Tripadvisor), the OPW is prioritizing maintenance in 2025, with increased cleaning schedules and potential staff additions. Overflow parking at Laragh and Upper Lake will be better managed to ease congestion, as parking demand remains high (over 1 hour wait on busy days).
- Enhanced Educational Programmes: The Education Centre (+353 (0) 404 45656) will expand its nature walks and conservation workshops for 2025, focusing on Glendalough’s biodiversity (e.g., red squirrels, natterjack toads). New children’s activities, building on the Visitor Centre’s interactive story area, include updated Saint Kevin-themed trails to engage young visitors.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The Wicklow Mountains National Park is emphasizing eco-friendly practices in 2025, with new signage on trails to promote responsible dog walking and wildlife protection. The OPW aims to reduce single-use plastics at the Visitor Centre and food stalls, aligning with Ireland’s tourism sustainability goals (60% carbon reduction by 2030).
Tips for Visitors
- Plan Ahead: Book Visitor Centre guided tours by phone (+353 (0) 404 45325); no email bookings. Arrive early (9:30 AM) or late (after 3:00 PM) to avoid crowds.
- Prioritise Trails: Start with the Green Road Walk or Poulanass Waterfall for easy hikes; tackle Spinc for epic views if fit. Download trail maps at www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie.
- Combine Attractions: Spend 1 hour at the Monastic City, 1 hour at the Visitor Centre, and 2–3 hours hiking. Pair with nearby Powerscourt Estate (30-minute drive) or Bray (25 minutes).
- Budget Wisely: Pack a picnic to save on food costs (stalls are pricey). Parking (€4–€5) is the main expense; the site and trails are free.
- Request accommodations at the Visitor Centre for disabilities. Trails are challenging for wheelchairs; stick to the Lower Lake path.
- Weather Prep: Bring rain gear and sturdy shoes; trails can be slippery. Summer is best, but spring (May) offers pleasant weather. Check www.met.ie.
- Dining: Reserve at Wicklow Heather for a sit-down meal. Glendalough Green Food Truck is ideal for quick snacks.
