Overview
The Hermitage Centre sits quietly in the village of Laragh, just a kilometre from the 6th-century monastic ruins of Glendalough. Rather than a traditional tourist stop, it operates as a contemplative hub and practical gateway to the Wicklow Mountains. Visitors arrive for a mix of cultural insight, quiet reflection, and direct access to some of Ireland’s most historic walking routes. The centre’s donation-based model and resident team create an atmosphere focused on hospitality, silence, and connection to the landscape.
History & Spiritual Heritage
While the centre itself is a modern facility, its location is steeped in early Christian history. The valley of Glendalough – meaning “Glen of Two Lakes” – was founded in the 500s by St Kevin, a hermit whose ascetic lifestyle drew followers and eventually established a thriving monastic settlement. Over the centuries, the site became a centre of learning and pilgrimage, leaving behind round towers, stone churches, and a network of ancient paths.
The Hermitage Centre was established as a registered charity to help modern visitors interpret this heritage. Through guided walks, information panels, and a short documentary on Irish monasticism, the centre links the present-day landscape to its early-medieval roots. The resident nuns continue the tradition of cillín (small cells) living, offering a space where history and daily practice intersect.
Accommodation & Retreats
The heart of the Hermitage is its accommodation: five self-catering hermitages designed for short or extended stays. The spaces are simple and private, encouraging a break from daily routine.
- Single hermitage – A quiet room for one person. Suggested donation: €70 per night.
- Twin hermitage – A larger room for two occupants. Suggested donation: €110 per night.
The centre operates on a donation basis to ensure the retreat remains accessible. All proceeds fund trail maintenance, building upkeep, and the centre’s spiritual programmes. Check-in runs Monday to Saturday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with a later window from 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm for evening arrivals. There is no check-in on Sundays, and checkout is at 11:00 am. Bookings are managed through the centre’s online portal, with payments typically collected on arrival via card, cash, or bank transfer.
Guided Tours & Activities
The resident team leads a variety of programmes that blend history, nature, and contemplative practice.
- Guided Monastic Tours – Staff-led walks trace St Kevin’s original routes, explaining the symbolism of the round towers, high crosses, and the daily rhythms of early Irish monks.
- Night Walks – Seasonal guided walks of the monastic site after dark, offering a quieter, more atmospheric perspective under the stars.
- Spiritual Accompaniment – The centre offers one-to-one guidance in the Celtic tradition of anam cara (soul-friend), where a resident listens and supports visitors seeking reflection or prayer.
- Video Screening – The visitor room hosts a concise film on early Irish monasticism, providing useful context for first-time visitors or those who prefer a seated introduction before heading out.
Beyond the centre, the surrounding area offers extensive walking networks. The gentle loops around the Upper and Lower Lakes are ideal for families, while the Wicklow Way and St Kevin’s Way provide longer routes through the mountains. For those seeking quieter woodland tracks, Brockagh Woods offers solitude, and the trailhead for Camaderry provides access to panoramic summit views.
Practical Information
The visitor facilities, including the information room and guided tour departures, are free to access. The centre is ground-level and wheelchair-friendly, though visitors should note that many of the surrounding trails feature uneven terrain and steep sections. Those with mobility preferences may find the lakeside loops more suitable.
Inside the hermitages, there is no Wi-Fi, though free internet access is available in the nearby Coach House and Brockagh Centre. Pets are not permitted within the centre grounds, but kennels can be arranged in nearby Rathdrum or Wicklow town. The centre asks all guests to observe quiet hours between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm, and again after 4:00 pm, to maintain a peaceful environment for reflection and prayer.
Getting There & Local Amenities
Reaching the Hermitage is straightforward whether you are driving or using public transport. St Kevin’s Bus Service runs twice daily from Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, departing at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. The driver can request a stop at the Hermitage turn-off in Laragh. Schedules and booking details are available on the operator’s website or through national travel portals.
For drivers, a small free car park sits adjacent to the centre. Spaces are limited, so arriving early is advisable during peak summer months. Alternatively, you can take a train to Ashford or Rathdrum and arrange a local taxi to Laragh.
Within a five-minute walk in Laragh, you’ll find essentials like McCoy’s mini-market (groceries, ATM, postbox), the Glendalough Green coffee shop, The Wicklow Heather restaurant, and Lynham’s bar. The Glendalough Hotel, a short 15-minute stroll away, also provides dining options. A short walk from the Hermitage leads to the Tearmann Spirituality Centre in Brockagh, which operates independently but shares a focus on contemplative practice.
Visitor Tips
- What to pack: Sturdy walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a light rain jacket are essentials. If you are booking a hermitage, bring your own bedding or blankets for the self-catering rooms.
- When to go: April through May and September offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors, making the lakeside walks and prayer spaces particularly peaceful.
- Plan your stay: Book accommodation well in advance, especially for weekends and holiday periods, as the five hermitages fill quickly.
- Combine with nearby sites: Castle Kevin’s medieval ruins overlook the Upper Lake, while Avondale Forest Park lies a short drive north and features the historic Avondale House. Both pair well with a morning walk from the Hermitage.
Contact
- Phone: +353 404 455 71
- Mobile: +353 879 356 696
- Email: failte@glendaloughhermitage.ie
- Website: https://glendaloughhermitage.ie
- For questions about special arrangements, spiritual accompaniment, or group retreats, the resident team (including Sr. Peggy, Sr. Joan O’Carroll, and Sr. Doreen Figueiredo) can be reached directly via email or phone.