Deep in the heart of the glacial valley of Glendalough, lies an ancient monastic city, a settlement of centuries-old churches and buildings. They are surrounded by a rich and rugged countryside of immense beauty that's ripe for exploration. Hike through the hilly wilderness, go on scenic drives and explore the religious site.
Start off in the visitor center, which is located next to the monastic ruins. Browse exhibits and watch the audiovisual show to learn more about the settlement, which was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin.
Leave the center for a tour of the site. Most of the surviving buildings are from the 10th to 12th centuries. Enter by walking under the medieval granite arches of The Gateway. Stop by the Priest’s House, a 12th-century Romanesque building. Nearby is a large granite cross from either the 6th or the 7th century. Gaze up at the 98-feet (30-meter) high Round Tower. Walk through the graveyard and see the remains of The Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th or 12th century. Other churches include St. Kevin’s Church, Trinity Church and St. Mary's Church.
After your visit, discover more of Glendalough's attractions. The valley is located inside Wicklow National Park, which has several walking trails of various lengths and durations. They include the 7-mile (12-kilometer) Avonmore Way, which features superb views of the Wicklow Mountains and the 19-mile (30-kilometer) St. Kevin’s Way. This trail has routes that medieval pilgrims would have taken to visit St. Kevin's tomb. If hiking is not for you, experience the area’s natural beauty on a scenic drive.
To reach Glendalough's ancient monastic ruins and stunning countryside, fly into Dublin then drive for about 43 miles (69 kilometers). Alternatively, take the train from Dublin to Rathdrum, the nearest train station, and get a taxi from there. There is also a daily bus service from the Irish capital. For details, visit Glendalough's official website.
