Glendalough
An early medieval monastic settlement in a glacial valley of two lakes - a round tower and ancient churches in the Wicklow Mountains.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Glendalough, the Valley of the Two Lakes, is a serene glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains where Saint Kevin founded a monastery in the sixth century. Its ruins, including a near-perfect round tower, ancient churches and carved crosses, set among lakes and forested hills, make it one of the most beautiful and atmospheric early Christian sites in Ireland.
What you actually see
- The round tower - the tall, near-complete early medieval tower.
- The monastic ruins - the churches, gateway and carved crosses.
- The two lakes - the upper and lower lakes in the glacial valley.
- The valley walks - the trails through the forest and mountains around.
When to go
Late spring to autumn for the mildest weather and green valley; it is atmospheric year-round and quiet on weekday mornings. It combines a historic site with lovely walks.
Honest expectations
It is popular and close to Dublin, so it is busy on fine weekends. The site is free but parking and the centre charge. Its appeal is the peaceful setting and the walks as much as the ruins.
Nearby
The Wicklow Mountains National Park surrounds it; Dublin is about an hour north.
What to pack for Glendalough
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
