The largest surviving church in Ireland's most evocative early-medieval monastic valley — founded by St Kevin in the 6th century and set between two glacial lakes in the Wicklow Mountains.
The largest church ruin at Glendalough, built from the stones of an even earlier church (c. 10th–11th century). Walk through the nave and chancel; look for the reused D-shaped stones, the west doorway with its unusual arch-over-lintel design, and the sacristy with its carved basin where the chalice was washed. The chancel arch and windows were carved from Dundry limestone imported from Bristol, reflecting Norman influence around 1200.
Beyond the cathedral, explore the rest of this 'Monastic City': the iconic 30-metre Round Tower, St Kevin's Church (with its tiny steeple), the Priest's House, and several ancient stone crosses. The entire monastic site is free to wander — only the Visitor Centre charges admission (or is included with parking).
The OPW Visitor Centre houses an interpretive exhibition and an audio-visual show available in multiple languages. Guided tours of the monastic site can be booked by phone (+353 404 45325/45352). The exhibition traces the story of St Kevin and the golden age of Irish monasticism. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Nine colour-coded waymarked trails start from the National Park Information Office near the Upper Lake. Pick the easy 3 km Green Road Walk for lake and wetland views, the 5 km Miners' Road (Purple Route) to see St Kevin's Bed cave across the lake, or the strenuous 9.5 km Spinc and Glenealo Valley (White Route) for dramatic clifftop boardwalk views. Hiking boots and rain gear are essential for hill walks.
St Kevin's Bed is a small man-made cave in the cliff face above the Upper Lake, said to be where the saint lived and prayed — though it may be a prehistoric burial site. It's best viewed from the Miners' Road Walk. St Kevin's Cell, a ruined beehive hut, sits among oak woodlands overlooking the Upper Lake (accessible via the Bronze Route steps).
The two lakes that give Glendalough its name (Gleann dá Loch — 'Valley of Two Lakes') are stunning photo spots. The Upper Lake, reached via the Miners' Road, is arguably the most photographed view in Wicklow. The Lower Lake sits beside the monastic site, with boardwalks crossing its wetlands where you might spot lizards and dragonflies.
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