Glendalough
Let me start this post by stating how embarrassed I am that I have lived SO close to Glendalough for 7 years and only recently visited. Glendalough is one of the most beautiful sites I have ever visited. Not just in Ireland, but out of anywhere I have gone. The scenery is like nothing I have experienced and even if I tried to describe it you here, my words would do it no justice. Glendalough has quickly made its way to the top of my recommendations list for when I am asked what someone should do in Ireland.
I’ll admit the day I visited the weather was unusually nice for Ireland. People were swimming (as you can see in the photo above!) and it was so warm I wished I had brought my swimsuit with me! I would love to go back sometime in the colder months though to enjoy the scenery with the changing leaves, and to not be as sweaty walking around.
Glendalough (Gleann Dá Loch, meaning 'Valley of two lakes') is a glacial valley in Wicklow. The site is renowned for an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. Glendalough is now a recreational area used for trail walking, picnics, and even rock-climbing.
There are 9 walking trails in Glendalough. Each trail begins from the National Park Information Office near the Upper Lake. Pop into the office to get a brochure on the different walks or to talk to staff so they can help you choose a suitable route. On the brochure each walk will have information on the grade (easy, moderate, etc.), the distance, the time, and meters climb.
When I was there I did a combination of the Miners’ Road Walk and Green Road Walk, so while there are 9 official trails you can also make your own like I did! Both of the trails I did were labelled as grade ‘easy’. They were so easy I did them in a midi skirt with a pair of Nikes. I was ready to hit the trails in bike shorts but I am most comfortable in a dress or skirt and I easily hiked around in my cheetah print skirt! Wear what you’re comfortable in while being sensible.
GETTING THERE/ACCESS
To access Glendalough you will need a car or can take a day tour, like this one.
There is no entry fee to Wicklow Mountains National Park, however you will have to pay for parking. The monuments and lakes are accessible all year round at any time of the day, however the car parks may have the barrier down early in the morning and late in the evening. There is no charge to see the Monastic sites(churches/round tower) or the Upper and Lower Lakes.
PARKING
Parking is easily available and for affordable prices. The two easiest places to park for entry are the Visitor Centre Car Park and the Upper Lake Car Park. When I visited I parked in the Visitor Centre Car Park and it was €5 for the day. The Upper Lake Car Park is slightly cheaper, charging €4 per car. More detailed information on parking can be found here, including details on free parking!
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
During your visit to help preserve the Wicklow Mountains National Park please remember to:
Take your litter/trash with you or use bins provided.
Never light fires.
Keep your dog on a lead at all times to protect ground nesting birds and wildlife that may be present. Also, clean up after your dog!
If you plan to being a group of more than 50 people or want to organise an event, you must contact the national park for a permit and advice.
There are toilet facilities for public use at the Monastic Site (Visitor Centre) and also at the Upper Lake Car Park area.
Let me know what you think of Glendalough if you’ve been! If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or by leaving a comment below 😊