Overview
Glendalough, a glaciated valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, is famed for its twin lakes, sweeping mountain vistas and the 6th‑century monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin. The site is a tapestry of stone and nature: a tiny cliff‑side grotto where the saint is said to have slept, a towering high cross that grants wishes, a 12th‑century chapel with a whimsical round‑tower “kitchen”, and a 17th‑century parish church that still rings its bells for the local community.
History & Significance
Saint Kevin arrived in the valley around 540 AD, seeking a life of solitude among its craggy hills. Over the next centuries the hermitage grew into one of Ireland’s most important early Christian communities, attracting scholars and pilgrims from across the island. The surviving stonework – from the Bed on the Upper Lake’s shore to the later parish church in Hollywood – records a continuous thread of worship, learning and local tradition.
- St Kevin’s Bed – A one‑metre‑high cavity set into the south shore of the Upper Lake, originally a prehistoric rock shelter later adopted by the saint for prayer and sleep.
- St Kevin’s Cross – A 3.35 m high monolithic granite cross, erected between the 9th and 12th centuries. Its simple design and the famous lean give it the nickname Wishing Cross; tradition says a wish is granted to those who wrap their arms around it.
- St Kevin’s Kitchen – The 12th‑century nave‑and‑chancel chapel with a later round‑tower that served as a belfry and lookout. Its conical cap inspired the affectionate nickname “Kitchen”.
- St Kevin’s Church (Hollywood) – Built circa 1680, this parish church features a rare corbelled stone roof and original gas‑lamp lighting. It remains in active use and marks the start of the historic pilgrim route, the Camino de Glendalough.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Highlights | Visitor Tips |
|---|---|---|
| St Kevin’s Bed | Dark, man‑made grotto on the Upper Lake’s south shore; striking visual bookmark. | The cavity cannot be entered; enjoy the surrounding lake and cliff views. |
| St Kevin’s Cross | Uncarved granite shaft, single ring, leaning “wish‑granting” posture. | Wrap your arms around the cross for the traditional wish; the cross is free to view in the open air. |
| St Kevin’s Kitchen | Romanesque stonework, round tower that once served as a belfry and lookout. | Follow the well‑maintained path through the monastic ruins; the chapel’s foundations are visible. |
| St Kevin’s Church (Hollywood) | Corbelled roof, historic gas lamps, active worship space. | Use as the trailhead for the Camino de Glendalough; respect services and private events. |
| Walking & Hiking | Trails link the Upper and Lower Lakes, the round tower, and the surrounding forested hills. | Wear sturdy shoes; some routes are steep and not wheelchair‑accessible. |
| Visitor Centre | Provides maps, audio guides and a small exhibition on the monastic history. | Admission is charged; the centre is open year‑round, typically 9 am–5 pm (check current hours). |
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Wishing Cross ceremony – During the summer months the centre organises a short ceremony at the cross, inviting visitors to make a wish together. Check the visitor‑centre schedule for exact dates.
- Guided pilgrim walks – Throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn, local guides lead themed walks along the Camino de Glendalough, sharing stories of Saint Kevin and the monastic community.
- Heritage talks – Seasonal talks on early Irish Christianity are held inside the Visitor Centre, often coinciding with school group visits.
Practical Information
- Location: Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland (approximately 1 hour south of Dublin). The monastic site lies within Wicklow Mountains National Park.
- Getting there:
- By car: Take the R755 from Dublin; a large free car park is situated beside the Visitor Centre.
- By public transport: Bus Éireann services run from Dublin (Stop B) to Glendalough. The nearest train station is Bray, where onward bus connections are available.
- Opening Times: The outdoor monuments (Bed, Cross, Kitchen) are open all day, every day. The Visitor Centre and St Kevin’s Church have seasonal opening hours; verify on the official Glendalough website before you travel.
- Facilities: Toilets, a café, and a gift shop are located at the Visitor Centre. No on‑site accommodation, but nearby B&Bs in the villages of Laragh and Hollywood.
- Accessibility:
- The main paths to the Bed and Cross involve steep, uneven ground and are not suitable for wheelchairs.
- The Visitor Centre and St Kevin’s Church are wheelchair‑friendly.
- Parking: Free parking is available adjacent to the Visitor Centre; spaces can fill quickly in peak summer months, so early arrival is advisable.
- Guided Experiences: Seasonal guided walks, audio tours, and the “Wishing Cross” ceremony are offered by the centre.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the clearest lake reflections and longest daylight for walking.
Nearby Attractions & Walks
Glendalough is an ideal base for exploring more of Wicklow’s natural and historic sites:
- Camaderry – A popular mountain walk that starts near the monastic site and offers panoramic views over the lakes. See Camaderry.
- Castle Kevin – The ruins of a 12th‑century Norman castle perched on a hill overlooking the Upper Lake. Visit Castle Kevin.
- Avondale Forest Park – Home to the historic Avondale House, birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, and extensive forest trails. See Avondale Forest Park and House – Wicklow Heritage.
- Avoca Valley – A scenic drive through the valley with craft workshops and the famous Avoca Handweaving Mill. Explore Avoca Valley.
Glendalough’s St Kevin’s monastic site invites travellers to step into a landscape where faith, legend and natural beauty intertwine. Whether pausing at the hermit’s tiny Bed, making a wish on the leaning cross, exploring the medieval Kitchen chapel, or beginning a pilgrim’s journey from the living St Kevin’s Church, each stop tells a piece of Ireland’s enduring spiritual story.