Glendalough Monastic Settlement
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Religious Experience,
Monastery
The monastery was founded by the hermit monk St Kevin around 618AD and by the 9th century was among the leading monastic cities of Ireland, up until its destruction by the English in 1398. The ruins remain impressive today, with a collection of ancient churches, burial sites and monastic buildings sprawled around the Upper and Lower lakes. Most famous is the 112-foot-tall round tower, measuring 52 feet in circumference and featuring a conical roof, rebuilt with its original stones in the late 19th century. Other key sights include a 10th-century cathedral, the largest building on the plot, home to granite ‘St Kevin’s Cross’; St Kevin’s church with its conical capped belfry and a monumental gateway, unique in Ireland with its two-storied granite arches.
A huge part of Glendalough’s appeal lies in its spectacular surroundings, with the two lakes encircled with woodlands, verdant pastures and the hilltops of the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. Make the most of a visit by hiking around the lakes and following the marked trails between the ruins, then head to the Glendalough Visitor center, where a video and exhibition details facts and background information on the monuments.
Latest Reviews
Review by Luther L, September 2012
Doing what: Kilkenny City and Glendalough Day Trip from Dublin
One of the best tours my wife and I have experienced. The walk to the Upper Lake and the monastic city at Glendalough should be on everyone's list. Kilkenny Castle would have been more interesting if we could have gone to the top of one of the towers for photos. A must-do in Kilkenny is lunch at Kyteler's Inn--great food and interesting history. Spend the 30 minutes on the little sightseeing train when you get off the bus--good overview of Kilkenny that lets you "target" where you want to spend your time.
Review by George E, July 2012
Doing what: Kilkenny City and Glendalough Day Trip from Dublin
The tour was great, plenty of time in Killarney(if someone did not visit the caves, I didn't) and plenty of time to Glendalough to walk to the upper lake and also enough time to wander arount the monastic site. Excellent tour guide and driver, i would reccoment this tour, it was great for me
Review by Diane E, USA, October 2011
Doing what: Wild Wicklow Tour including Glendalough from Dublin
One of my favorite tours! Glandalough was beautiful! Plenty of time to take a little hike to the lakes and then tour the monastic city. The stop in Avoca may seem like a touristy gimmick, but it's a great shop with a lot of beautiful Irish-made items.
