Overview
The Hermitage Centre is a modest yet welcoming hub set amid the rolling hills of the Wicklow Mountains, just a kilometre from the world‑famous Glendalough monastic ruins. Tucked in the village of Laragh, the centre acts as a gateway to the surrounding national park, offering visitors a blend of cultural insight, practical amenities and direct access to some of Ireland’s most beloved walking routes. Its location makes it an ideal base for anyone wishing to combine history, nature and a touch of local hospitality.
History & Background
While the Hermitage itself is a contemporary visitor facility, it sits on ground steeped in early Christian heritage. Glendalough was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit whose ascetic life gave the valley its name – Glen of Two Lakes. Over the centuries the monastic settlement grew into a bustling centre of learning and pilgrimage, leaving behind round towers, stone churches and a network of ancient pathways. The Hermitage Centre was established as a registered charity and not‑for‑profit organisation to help modern travellers interpret this rich past, providing guided tours, a short documentary on Irish monasticism and information panels that link the present landscape to its early‑medieval roots.
Charitable Mission
The centre operates on a donation‑based model to keep costs low and ensure that anyone, regardless of financial circumstance, can experience the silence and hospitality of the Hermitage. Suggested donations are €70 per night for a single hermitage and €110 for a twin hermitage, but the team can arrange reduced rates or special assistance for those in need. All proceeds support the upkeep of the hermitages, the maintenance of walking trails and the continuation of spiritual programmes.
Spiritual programmes
The centre runs a year‑round programme of silent retreats, guided prayer sessions and one‑to‑one spiritual accompaniment in the Celtic tradition of anam cara (soul‑friend). Visitors can choose a short weekend of silence or a longer stay focused on meditation, scriptural reflection or creative workshops. The anam cara concept, rooted in early Irish monastic practice, pairs a seeker with a companion who offers listening and spiritual guidance. All programmes are donation‑based; the suggested €70 (single) or €110 (twin) nightly rates cover accommodation, utilities and the charitable work of the centre, but guests are welcome to give more or arrange reduced rates if finances are a barrier.
Accommodation
Five self‑catering hermitages (cillín) are available for short or longer stays, allowing pilgrims and visitors to experience a life of silence and reflection in a historic setting. Accommodation options are:
- Single hermitage – a simple, private room for one person. Suggested donation €70 per night.
- Twin hermitage – a larger room for two occupants. Suggested donation €110 per night.
Booking is handled online via the centre’s booking portal. Check‑in is Monday to Saturday between 2:00 pm–3:00 pm (or 5:00 pm–5:45 pm for later arrivals); there is no check‑in on Sundays. Check‑out is at 11:00 am. Payments can be made by credit card, cash or bank transfer on arrival.
How to Book
- Visit the Booking page.
- Select your preferred hermitage type, arrival and departure dates.
- Fill in contact details and any special requirements.
- Submit the enquiry – the Hermitage team will confirm availability and send payment instructions.
- Arrive on the agreed date; check‑in is between 2:00 pm–3:00 pm (or the later 5:00 pm slot).
Payments are normally taken on arrival, but a bank transfer can be arranged in advance if preferred.
Events & Workshops
A rotating calendar of themed workshops, silent weekends and seasonal pilgrimages is published on the centre’s Events page. Recent offerings have included a Celtic art retreat, a guided night‑walk of the monastic ruins and a spring “Anam Cara” workshop. All events list any additional fees and can be booked through the same online portal used for accommodation.
Activities & Walking Trails
- Guided Monastic Tours – staff‑led walks that trace the footsteps of St Kevin, explaining the symbolism of the round towers and the daily rhythm of early monks.
- Night‑walks – occasional guided nocturnal walks of the monastic site, offering a different perspective under the stars.
- Video Screening – a concise film on Irish monasticism runs in the visitor room, offering context for those who prefer a seated introduction before heading out on foot.
- Meditation & Daily Prayer – a quiet prayer room is available for personal reflection; scheduled communal prayers are announced on site.
- Walking Networks – from the Hermitage you can launch onto several acclaimed trails:
- Glendalough National Park walks – gentle loops around the Upper and Lower Lakes, ideal for families.
- Wicklow Way – a long‑distance path that threads through the heart of the mountains, with sections beginning at the centre.
- St Kevin’s Way – a historic pilgrimage route linking Glendalough to the coastal village of Kilmacanogue.
- Brockagh Woods & Mountain – quieter woodland tracks that provide solitude when the main park is busy.
- Camaderry – a popular summit walk offering panoramic views of the valley; the trailhead is reachable via the same network that serves the Wicklow Way. (Camaderry)
- St Kevin’s Bed – the traditional cave associated with the later “Hermit of Glendalough”; it can be reached by a short, steep lakeshore hike or by a seasonal boat service.
Nearby Spiritual Centres
A short walk from the Hermitage is the Tearmann Spirituality Centre in Brockagh, which offers three self‑catering apartments and a quiet prayer space. While Tearmann operates independently, both centres share a commitment to contemplative practice and often appear together in the region’s retreat listings (e.g., on RetreatsIreland).
Practical Information
Getting there
Public transport links the capital to Glendalough. St Kevin’s Bus Service runs twice daily from Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, departing at 11:00 am and 18:00 pm. The driver can request a stop at the Hermitage turn‑off in Laragh. For up‑to‑date schedules, visit www.glendaloughbus.com or check the broader travel portal www.getthere.ie.
If you are travelling by car, a small free car park is located adjacent to the Hermitage Centre. Spaces are limited, so early arrival is advisable, especially in the summer months.
Alternative routes include a train to Rathdrum or Ashford followed by a local taxi to Laragh.
Amenities & Facilities
- Internet – No Wi‑Fi inside the hermitage buildings themselves, but free access is available in the nearby Coach House and Brockagh Centre.
- Pet Policy – Pets are not permitted inside the Hermitage Centre; kennels can be found in Rathdrum and Wicklow town for those travelling with animals.
- Shopping & Dining – Within a five‑minute walk in Laragh you’ll find McCoy’s mini‑market (groceries, fuel, ATM, postbox), the organic‑focused Glendalough Green coffee shop, The Wicklow Heather restaurant, and Lynham’s bar/restaurant. The Glendalough Hotel, a 15‑minute stroll away, also serves meals.
- Accessibility – The visitor centre is ground‑level and wheelchair‑friendly; however, many of the surrounding walking trails involve uneven terrain and steep sections, so visitors with limited mobility may prefer the shorter lake loops.
Admission & Fees
The Hermitage Centre does not charge an entry fee for its basic visitor facilities, guided tours and video screening. Accommodation is donation‑based (see above). Special guided walks or themed events may carry a modest charge, which is announced on site.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Castle Kevin – the ruined medieval castle perched above the Upper Lake, offering panoramic views of the valley. (Castle Kevin)
- Avondale Forest Park – a short drive north, home to the historic Avondale House (birthplace of Charles Stewart Parker) and extensive woodland walks. (Avondale)
- St Kevin’s Bed – the natural cave traditionally linked to the later hermit of Glendalough, reachable via a short hike or seasonal boat.
- Glendalough Monastic Site – the 6th‑century round tower, stone churches and high crosses that give the valley its historic significance.
These sites can easily be combined into a full‑day itinerary from the Hermitage, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Wicklow region.
Visitor tips
- What to bring: sturdy walking shoes, a water bottle, a light rain jacket and, if you plan to stay, a sleeping bag or blanket for the self‑catering hermitages.
- Best time to visit: spring (April‑May) and early autumn (September) offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making the lakeside walks and prayer spaces especially peaceful.
- Quiet hours: the centre asks guests to observe silence between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm and after 4:00 pm, respecting the contemplative atmosphere.
- Family friendly: the short lake loops are suitable for children, and the visitor room’s film provides an engaging introduction to early Irish monastic life.
- Seasonal note: the centre remains open year‑round, but some guided walks and night‑walks are seasonal; check the website for current offerings.
Contact
- Phone (landline): +353 404 455 71
- Mobile: +353 879 356 696
- Email: failte@glendaloughhermitage.ie
- Website: https://glendaloughhermitage.ie
- Key staff: Sr. Peggy, Sr. Joan O’Carroll, Sr. Doreen Figueiredo (available for enquiries about special arrangements and spiritual accompaniment).