Overview
Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Locha, “valley of the two lakes”) sits 40 km south of Dublin within the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The U-shaped glacial valley holds two ribbon lakes, a 6th-century monastic complex, and a network of colour-coded walking trails. Visitors come for the combination of early medieval stonework, clear water, and rugged ridge walks. The site operates year-round, with the visitor centre open from mid-March to mid-October for extended hours.
History & Landscape
- Early foundation – Saint Kevin, born into a Leinster ruling family, retreated to the valley around 550 AD. His solitary cell grew into a major monastic settlement that attracted scholars and pilgrims.
- Medieval expansion – Over six centuries, the community built a cathedral, round tower, stone churches, and high crosses. The site survived at least four recorded Viking raids and became the seat of St Laurence O’Toole, who was later appointed Archbishop of Dublin in 1162.
- Decline & restoration – English forces destroyed the complex in 1398, but local worship continued. The Office of Public Works began systematic restoration in the 19th century, stabilising the ruins for public access.
- Industrial era – Between the 1790s and 1957, the valley supported a thriving lead, silver and zinc mining operation. At its peak, over 2,000 workers lived in the valley. A fatal dynamite accident in 1957 led to the closure, leaving behind stone cottages, rusted ore crushers and a network of adits that now form a historic walking route.
- Geology – Glacial ice carved the valley during the last Ice Age. Meltwater filled the corrie, and sediment from the Poulanass River eventually divided the original basin into the Upper and Lower Lakes.
What to See & Do
Monastic Ruins
The core archaeological zone sits on the eastern shore of the Lower Lake. Key features include:
- Round tower – Standing at 29 metres, this 10th-century structure originally featured a wooden gallery and a small upper window for defence.
- Cathedral & stone churches – Foundations and surviving walls outline the layout of the medieval complex. The 12th-century cathedral remains the largest structure.
- High crosses – Carved with biblical scenes and Celtic knotwork, these stone monuments date from the 9th and 10th centuries.
- St Kevin’s Bed – A narrow cave on the Upper Lake’s southern bank. While tradition links it to the saint’s ascetic practices, archaeological evidence suggests it may be a prehistoric burial site repurposed later.
Lakes & Shoreline
- Upper Lake – A 30-metre-deep basin framed by steep pine slopes. The shoreline path is flat and offers clear reflections of the surrounding peaks. A small pebble beach provides a convenient spot to rest.
- Lower Lake – Quieter and partially woodland-fringed, this lake sits closer to the monastic ruins. The circular path around it takes about 20 minutes and is fully accessible.
Walking Trails
The valley hosts a colour-coded trail system maintained by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. All routes start from the Upper Lake car park or visitor centre.
- Spinc Loop (Red Way-markers) – A challenging 10.4 km circuit with 490 m of ascent. The route climbs the Spinc ridge, passes the Poulanass Waterfall (accessible via a short boardwalk), and delivers open panoramas over the Upper Lake. Allow 3–4 hours. Two variations exist: a 5.5 km out-and-back and a full 9.5 km loop.
- Miner’s Road Trail (Purple Route) – A 5 km round-trip with minimal elevation gain. Black arrows and a yellow-axe sign guide walkers past the remnants of the 19th-century mining settlement. Interpretive panels explain the lead-galena extraction process. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
- Spinc & Glenealo Valley Walk (White Arrows) – Combines sections of the Spinc Loop and Miner’s Road into a 9 km circuit with 380 m of ascent. A good middle-ground option for those seeking longer distance without the full Spinc difficulty.
- Bronze Trail – Currently closed following storm damage. Check the visitor centre notice board before planning this route.
Wildlife & Nature
The valley’s mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland supports red-breasted bullfinches, peregrine falcons, badgers and occasional otter sightings along the lake edges. Dawn and dusk offer the best light for photography, with mist frequently settling over the water in cooler months.
Practical Information
Getting There & Parking
- By car – Take the M11 south from Dublin, exit onto the R755 and follow signs to Laragh. The drive takes approximately one hour. The Upper Lake car park charges €4 per day and fills quickly on weekends and fine weather days. Arrive before 10:00 in summer to secure a space.
- By bus – St Kevin’s Bus operates a direct service from Dublin city centre, terminating at the Glendalough Visitor Centre. From there, it is a 20-minute walk to the Upper Lake.
- Alternative parking – Wicklow County Council operates a second car park near the Upper Lake with additional spaces and public toilets.
Visitor Centre & Facilities
- Hours – Mid March to 14 Oct: 09:30–18:00 (last admission 17:15). 15 Oct to Mid March: 09:30–17:00 (last admission 16:15). Closed 23–29 December.
- Admission – €5 adult, €4 group/senior, €3 child/student, €13 family (4 people). Parking is charged separately.
- Accessibility – The visitor centre and Lower Lake path are wheelchair accessible. The historic graveyard and most marked trails have uneven or steep surfaces.
- Facilities – Café, free Wi-Fi, baby-changing, first-aid station with AED. Toilets close at 16:15 between mid-October and mid-March.
- Dogs – Permitted on a lead across all trails and car parks, but not allowed within the fenced monastic grounds.
- Services – No ATM on site. The nearest cash points are in Laragh (petrol station, limited hours) and Rathdrum (24-hour).
- Guided walks – The National Parks & Wildlife Service runs seasonal Bat Walks, Dawn Chorus events and educational nature tours. Schedules are posted at the information desk.
- Accessibility resources – Free social guides for adults and children are available at the centre and online via the Heritage Ireland website.
Events & Seasonal Notes
- St Kevin’s Day Pilgrimage – Held annually on 6 June. Multiple regional walking routes converge on the valley, with guided options available.
- Wicklow Passport – Collect stamps at the visitor centre and other county locations to claim a free souvenir booklet.
- Brockagh Country Market – A monthly carboot sale in Laragh on the second Sunday of each month (except January and February).
- Film history – The valley’s dramatic backdrop has been used in several productions, including Braveheart and The Last of the Mohicans. The round tower and Upper Lake shoreline are the most frequently filmed locations.
Nearby Attractions
- Camaderry Mountain Walk – A steep ascent starting near the Spinc trailhead, offering direct views down into the Glendalough basin. (Camaderry)
- Avoca Valley – Roughly 15 km west, known for the Handweaving Mill, river walks and the Avonmore River headwaters.
- Blessington Lakes – About 25 km north, offering boating, fishing and quieter woodland trails. (Blessington)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I swim in the lakes? – No. Swimming is prohibited to protect water quality and local wildlife.
- Is the site suitable for families? – Yes. The Miner’s Road Trail is flat and clearly marked. The visitor centre includes child-friendly displays and downloadable activity guides.
- What should I pack? – Waterproof layers, sturdy footwear, a trail map or offline GPS, water and snacks. Mobile coverage drops significantly on the Spinc ridge.
- Are there trail closures? – The Bronze Trail remains closed due to storm damage. All other marked routes are open year-round, though winter conditions may require microspikes or trekking poles.
Plan your visit for late morning to avoid the early weekend crowds, and allow time to walk the Miner’s Road before tackling the Spinc ridge. The valley’s combination of early medieval stonework, glacial water and industrial remnants makes it one of the most efficiently packed outdoor destinations in Ireland.