Glendalough – monastic ruins and two lakes

Overview

Two lakes, a round tower and a ruined monastery sit in a glacial valley about an hour south of Dublin. Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Locha, “valley of the two lakes”) is a popular spot in the Wicklow Mountains: the monastic city by the Lower Lake, then the shoreline walk up to the Upper Lake. The OPW visitor centre charges admission and publishes seasonal hours and access information.

If you only have a couple of hours, walk from the monastic site to the Upper Lake and return the same way, and leave the Spinc ridge for a day with better legs and drier boots. Come early on weekends and fine days, as the car parks fill. The national park also lists free parking in Laragh beside the Woollen Mills and GAA grounds; check charges and gate times before travelling.

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 annals record Viking raids on the settlement, and Glendalough 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 – Lead mining ran in the valley from 1825 to 1957. The workings left behind the Miners’ Village – stone cottages, rusted ore crushers and a spoil-heaped clearing on the north shore of the Upper Lake.
• 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 near the Lower Lake, a short walk from the visitor centre. Key features include:

• Round tower – Around 30 metres tall, this 10th-century tower is the landmark you’ll recognise from every postcard of the valley. Its doorway sits well above ground level, reached originally by a wooden ladder.
• Cathedral & stone churches – Foundations and surviving walls outline the layout of the medieval complex, including the 12th-century cathedral and St Kevin’s Church.
• High crosses – Carved with biblical scenes and Celtic knotwork, these stone monuments date from the 9th and 10th centuries.
• St Kevin’s Bed – A small cave high up the south shore of the Upper Lake. Tradition ties it to the saint, though it may be a far older prehistoric burial site. Getting to it is genuinely dangerous – view it from across the lake and leave it at that.

Lakes & Shoreline

• Upper Lake – A deep basin framed by steep pine slopes. The shoreline path offers clear reflections of the surrounding peaks, and a small pebble beach provides a spot to rest.
• Lower Lake – Quieter and partially woodland-fringed, this lake sits closer to the monastic ruins.

Walking Trails

The park’s walking guide maps the colour-coded trails, including the Green Road between the lakes and the Miners’ Road along the Upper Lake. Paths and surfaces vary.

• Green Road Walk – The wide path between the two lakes; the one to do with a buggy or after a big lunch.
• Poulanass Waterfall Walk – A short climb from the Upper Lake to the falls, on a boardwalk and steps.
• Miner’s Walk – Follows the north shore of the Upper Lake to the ruined Miner’s Village, with panels explaining the lead workings.
• Derrybawn Woodland Trail – Through oak woodland on the south side of the valley.
• Spinc routes – These climb steeply above the Upper Lake to the aerial view down over the water. Mobile coverage drops off up top.

For path works and closures, check the 2026 White Trail works notice and the park’s trail closures page, which cover work between the Miners’ Village and the footbridge and temporary closures of the Spinc routes. Follow posted closures and diversions, and choose a lower route if conditions deteriorate.

Wildlife & Nature

The valley’s mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland supports 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 about an hour. There are separate visitor centre and Upper Lake car parks, and parking in Laragh village. Check charges and gate times with the operator before travelling.
• By bus – St Kevin’s Bus serves the valley from Dublin, and Local Link lists connections from Arklow and Sallins. Check the return timetable before setting out.

Visitor Centre & Facilities

• Hours and admission – Seasonal; see the OPW page for current opening times, last admission and prices. Parking is charged separately.
• Accessibility – The visitor centre is wheelchair accessible. The historic graveyard is harder to reach, and some trails have uneven surfaces.
• Facilities – Check the OPW page for what is open on the day.
• Dogs – Keep dogs on a lead and out of the monastic enclosure, and check current signage.

Events & Seasonal Notes

The valley and Laragh host festivals and markets through the year, among them the Festival of St Kevin and a walking festival. Check local listings for dates.

Nearby Attractions

• Camaderry Mountain Walk – A steep ascent starting near the Spinc trailhead, with direct views down into the Glendalough basin. (Camaderry)
• Avoca Valley – A short drive to the south, known for the Handweaving Mill, river walks and the Avonmore River headwaters.
• Blessington Lakes – North over the mountains, offering boating, fishing and quieter woodland trails. (Blessington)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I swim in the lakes? – No. The park has no lifeguards or approved swimming spots, the water is cold and the Upper Lake is deep, and this is a conservation site rather than a swimming spot. Watch the signage.
• Is the site suitable for families? – Yes. The Green Road and Miner’s Walk are clearly marked, and the OPW page lists what the visitor centre offers.
• What should I pack? – Waterproof layers, sturdy footwear, a trail map or offline GPS, water and snacks. Mobile coverage drops right off on the Spinc ridge.
• Are there trail closures? – Works and temporary closures happen on the Spinc routes and near the Miners’ Village. Check the park’s notices above before you set out.

Do the monastic city and the Lower-to-Upper Lake walk first thing, and save the Spinc for a clear afternoon. Trail conditions here change with the weather.