Glendalough Attractions
The celebrated monastic settlement of Glendalough (Gleann da Locha, "Glen of the Two Lakes") lies 25mi/40km to the south of Dublin, a short distance inland from the Irish east coast.
From Laragh, on the R755 which runs south from Bray through the hills to Arklow, the visitor can turn off into a wooded valley opening out to the west. After rather more than 1mile/2km the village of Glendalough comes into view, famed both for its monastic remains and for its scenic beauty.
From Laragh, on the R755 which runs south from Bray through the hills to Arklow, the visitor can turn off into a wooded valley opening out to the west. After rather more than 1mile/2km the village of Glendalough comes into view, famed both for its monastic remains and for its scenic beauty.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Around the two lakes from which the place takes its name are the impressive, and for the most part well-preserved, remains (National Monument) of a religious center which was once of great importance in Ireland. The valley of the River Glenealo, surrounded by hills between 2,130 and 2,460ft (650 and 750m) and rapidly narrowing further upstream, offers ample opportunities for walkers, climbers and rock climbers.
In the sixth century St Kevin, seeking solitude, settled in this remote valley as a hermit. His piety and learning, however, soon attracted so many disciples that he founded a monastery. When he died in 618 at a great age Glendalough's great days were only beginning: after his time the Glendalough school is said to have had more than 1,000 students. The annals tell of Viking raids and a number of fires in the 12th century. An Abbot of Glendalough, Laurence O'Toole, became Archbishop of Dublin in 1163. The Anglo-Normans made the monastery subject to the see of Dublin; then, after a fire in 1398, the monastery steadily declined. In 1875-1880 the buildings were restored, and since then they have been well maintained.
The visitor center has an audio-visual show and interesting exhibition.
In the sixth century St Kevin, seeking solitude, settled in this remote valley as a hermit. His piety and learning, however, soon attracted so many disciples that he founded a monastery. When he died in 618 at a great age Glendalough's great days were only beginning: after his time the Glendalough school is said to have had more than 1,000 students. The annals tell of Viking raids and a number of fires in the 12th century. An Abbot of Glendalough, Laurence O'Toole, became Archbishop of Dublin in 1163. The Anglo-Normans made the monastery subject to the see of Dublin; then, after a fire in 1398, the monastery steadily declined. In 1875-1880 the buildings were restored, and since then they have been well maintained.
The visitor center has an audio-visual show and interesting exhibition.
Hours
March 16 to October 14
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
October 15 to March 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
Related Attractions
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Monastic Settlement
The Monastic Settlement at Glendalough consists of a number of 11th and 12th C stone buildings, including a cathedral and churches. The site sits among rolling hills and beautiful scenery.
Dwyer McAllister Cottage
The cottage is in the shade of Kaedeen mountain at the top of a grassy lane leading from the Aughavanagh Rd. in Co. Wicklow.
It is a vernacular thatched cottage built with local stone and whitewashed inside and out. It was from this cottage, in the winter of 1799, that the rebel Michael Dwyer fought with British troops and finally escaped over the snow-covered mountains.
The cottage was later destroyed by fire and lay in ruins for almost 150 years. It was restored as a monument in 1946 and repaired and re-roofed in 1992.
It is a vernacular thatched cottage built with local stone and whitewashed inside and out. It was from this cottage, in the winter of 1799, that the rebel Michael Dwyer fought with British troops and finally escaped over the snow-covered mountains.
The cottage was later destroyed by fire and lay in ruins for almost 150 years. It was restored as a monument in 1946 and repaired and re-roofed in 1992.
