Glendalough ('valley of two lakes') is the site of a monastery founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, with a well-preserved round tower, ruined churches, and a graveyard beside the Lower Lake, plus walking trails around the more remote Upper Lake further into the valley.
| Distance | 50 km from city centre |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5 hours by bus |
| Getting there | St. Kevin's Bus (stkevinsbusservice.ie) from Dublin city (Dawson Street stop); twice daily, €13 return (~$14.30). Or guided day tour from Dublin (~€30–€40 / ~$33–$44). |
| Address | Glendalough Visitor Centre, Glendalough, County Wicklow, A98 Ireland |
How to get there
- St. Kevin's Bus
- Guided day tour
- Car (1h via N11 and R755)
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Glendalough Visitor Centre, Glendalough, County Wicklow, A98 Ireland
53.0100, -6.3360 View on map
Highlights
- The monastic city (round tower, cathedral ruins, St. Kevin's Kitchen) beside the Lower Lake, free to explore on foot
- Upper Lake trails, from an easy 30-minute lakeshore loop to the longer Spinc ridge walk with valley views
- Glendalough Visitor Centre exhibition on the monastic site's history (small entry fee)
- St. Kevin's Way, a longer waymarked pilgrim trail for those wanting a half-day hike beyond the lake loops
Tips for visiting
- St. Kevin's Bus runs only twice daily each direction — check the timetable at stkevinsbusservice.ie and plan around it, since missing the return bus means a long wait or an expensive taxi
- The car park fills by mid-morning on summer weekends; arriving before 10am avoids both parking delays and the busiest visitor numbers
- The Upper Lake trails have loose rock and steep sections in parts — trail runners or hiking shoes are recommended over sandals