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.

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.