Glendalough

Why visit

Glendalough is worth time because it is an early monastic settlement in a glacial valley between two lakes in the Wicklow Mountains. The visit centres on round tower, St Kevin’s Church, and Upper and Lower lakes, so the place can be understood through visible features rather than reputation alone. The monastic settlement is associated with St Kevin and developed from the early medieval period into an important religious centre. Within Wicklow & Kildare, it adds a clear monastic, heritage dimension to a broader itinerary. A measured visit leaves time to examine the building fabric, landscape or collections and to understand how the site relates to its immediate setting.

What you will see

• round tower.
• St Kevin’s Church.
• Upper and Lower lakes.

History

The monastic settlement is associated with St Kevin and developed from the early medieval period into an important religious centre.

Visitor tips

1. 1

   Allow enough time to examine round tower rather than treating the stop only as a quick photograph.

2. 2

   Check current official notices shortly before travel for temporary closures, conservation work or access changes.

About Wicklow & Kildare

Glacial valleys, upland bog, formal estates and country-house landscapes make the area south and west of Dublin a useful transition from the capital to rural Ireland.