Glendalough sits about 50 km south of Dublin in County Wicklow, roughly an hour away by car or by St. Kevin's Bus, which departs from Dawson Street in Dublin city centre and drops passengers directly at the visitor centre. A car via the N11 and R755 offers similar timing with more flexibility to stop en route in the Wicklow Mountains, while organised day tours provide a guided alternative for around 30-45 EUR. The valley holds a 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, with a well-preserved round tower, a small cathedral, and several ruined medieval churches clustered around the lower lake. Beyond the monastic site, two glacial lakes sit within oak and birch woodland, and the surrounding Wicklow Mountains National Park has waymarked trails ranging from a flat 30-minute lakeside stroll to demanding routes of 4-5 hours that climb into the surrounding hills. A typical day starts with the morning bus arrival and an hour or so exploring the monastic ruins and round tower near the lower lake, followed by the 20-minute walk to the upper lake, which is markedly quieter than the main entrance area. Afternoons suit a longer waymarked trail such as the Spinc loop for those wanting mountain views, or a relaxed picnic by the upper lake for a lighter day. There are a small number of cafes and a pub near the visitor centre for lunch, though options are limited compared to a town, so many visitors bring food for a picnic by the lakes. Late spring through early autumn gives the most reliable weather for the mountain trails, and arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends, avoids both parking congestion and the busiest period at the monastic site.
How to get there
- St. Kevin's Bus from Dawson Street, Dublin (16 EUR return)
- Car via N11 and R755
- Organised day tours (30-45 EUR)
Highlights
- 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in a glacial valley
- Two mountain lakes surrounded by ancient oak woodland
- Round tower and ruined medieval churches
- Multiple waymarked trails from 30-minute strolls to 5-hour mountain hikes
Tips for visiting
- Take St. Kevin's Bus directly from Dawson Street rather than driving on weekends, when the main car park fills quickly.
- Arrive before 10 AM to find parking and to see the monastic site before coach tour groups arrive.
- Walk past the lower lake to the upper lake for a quieter, less crowded experience of the valley.
- Wear proper walking shoes and check weather before attempting the longer Spinc or mountain trails, which can be exposed and boggy.
- Bring food for a picnic, since food options near the visitor centre are limited to a small cafe and pub.
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn suits the longer mountain trails best; arriving before 10 AM, particularly on weekends, avoids parking congestion and crowds at the monastic site.
Accessibility
The path around the lower lake and the main monastic site is flat gravel suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but trails toward the upper lake and mountains involve uneven, unpaved terrain unsuitable for limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Glendalough without a car?
St. Kevin's Bus runs directly from Dawson Street in Dublin to Glendalough for about 16 EUR return, taking roughly an hour each way.
Is Glendalough suitable for a family day trip?
Yes, the monastic site and lower lake path are flat and accessible, while longer mountain trails are better suited to more experienced walkers.
How long are the hiking trails at Glendalough?
Trails range from a 30-minute lakeside walk to demanding 4-5 hour mountain routes such as the Spinc loop, so the difficulty can be matched to fitness level.
What is the round tower at Glendalough?
It is a well-preserved medieval round tower built as part of the 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, one of the site's most recognisable structures.