Glendalough
An early medieval monastic settlement in a glacial valley of two lakes - a round tower and ancient churches in the Wicklow Mountains.
Updated 19 October 2026
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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.
History
St Kevin, of one of the ruling families of Leinster, founded the monastery in the 6th century where two rivers meet. Around 1042 oak from Glendalough went into the second-longest Viking longship on record, about 30 m long, at the Synod of Rath Breasail in 1111 Glendalough was made a diocese, and from 1825 to 1957 the head of the valley held a lead mine (Wikipedia, Glendalough).
What's there
- 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.
Practical notes
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.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q691153, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Glendalough
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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