Plizio Visual Lab

Glendalough

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

ruins

Weather…

Glendalough, the 'Valley of the Two Lakes' in County Wicklow, is one of Ireland's most sacred and easy on the eye sites. The monastic settlement was founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin and evolved into a 'monastic city' of European stature despite repeated attacks by Vikings and local tribes. The ensemble features a perfectly preserved 30-meter-high round tower, the remains of a cathedral dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, and the stone-roofed oratory known as 'St. Kevin’s Kitchen.' Its strategic location in a deep glacial valley offered both protection and spiritual isolation, making Glendalough a major center for scholarship and craftsmanship in medieval Ireland. Its destruction by English forces in 1398 marked the end of its golden age, though it remains a vital pilgrimage site today. Visitors find a unique combination of architectural heritage and untouched nature set within the Wicklow Mountains.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Glendalough Cathedral · The Deer Stone · Glendalough Visitor Centre
Nearby: Rathdrum (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	5	6	8	11	13	15	15	13	11	8	6
Rain mm	97	79	78	67	70	79	83	93	81	116	121	114

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Glendalough is an extensive monastic site in Wicklow Mountains National Park, open freely all year. The church ruins and round tower can be explored on marked trails.

🕒

Typical hours

The site is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. The visitor centre typically has seasonal opening hours, e.g., 9:30-18:00 in summer.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the outdoor site. The round tower and the reflection of the ruins in the lake provide classic photo subjects.

⏱️

Time needed

Allow at least 2-3 hours for the monastic site and surrounding lakes. Hikers should plan half a day for the longer trails in the valley.

➕

Combine with

Combine Glendalough with a visit to Wicklow Gap or Powerscourt Gardens. The drive along the R756 has spectacular views.

🧭

Getting there

Glendalough is about one hour south of Dublin by car. Public buses (St. Kevin's Bus) run from Dublin city centre to the visitor centre. Parking is available on site (fee required).

💡

Insider tip

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. The walk to the upper lake is less crowded and worth it for the peace.

Geography

Coordinates

53.01130, -6.32670

Facts

Founded in the 6th century by the hermit Saint Kevin.
The round tower stands 30 meters tall and dates to the 10th century.
Glendalough Cathedral is one of the largest early Irish churches.
English forces extensively destroyed the settlement in 1398.
St. Kevin's Kitchen is an oratory featuring a distinctive round bell tower.
The site encompasses seven historical church ruins throughout the valley.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Glendalough<1 km · SWExplore →

Wicklow Mountains National Park4 km · NExplore →

Rathdrum11 km · SEExplore →

Avondale Forest13 km · SEExplore →

Luggala15 km · NEExplore →

Aughrim18 km · SExplore →

Newcastle19 km · EExplore →

Wicklow19 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Glendalough (5)

Glendalough Cathedral ⛪ religious

The remains of a significant early Christian cathedral in the Glendalough monastic site.

The Deer Stone 🏺 historical

An ancient bullaun stone with ritual significance located near the monastery.

🌐 irishstones.org

Glendalough Visitor Centre 🏛 museum

This visitor centre provides information on the history and archaeology of Glendalough.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 09:30-18:00💶

Native Woodland Trust: Paddock Hill Reserve🌿 nature

A nature reserve dedicated to the preservation of native Irish woodlands.

🌐 nativewoodlandtrust.ie

Saint Saviour's Priory 🏺 historical

The ruins of a 12th-century Romanesque priory located near the lake.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does visiting Glendalough cost money?

The site is free to access, but there are fees for the visitor center and parking.

What hiking trails are there?

There are trails ranging from easy lake walks to challenging mountain paths.

Who was the founder of Glendalough?

Saint Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century.

Are there restaurants there?

There is a hotel with a restaurant and food stalls near the car park.

How long does a visit take?

Allow at least 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much hiking you do.

Glendalough: where is it located?

Glendalough is located in Ireland.

Glendalough: what is there to see?

Highlights include Glendalough Cathedral, The Deer Stone, Glendalough Visitor Centre.

Glendalough: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Glendalough: why is it worth visiting?

Glendalough, the 'Valley of the Two Lakes' in County Wicklow, is one of Ireland's most sacred and easy on the eye sites.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe

More places in Ireland →