Glendalough & Eastern Valleys

Follow the path of early Christian monks through Wicklow's eastern valleys to Glendalough - the "Valley of Two Lakes." This spiritual landscape has drawn pilgrims for 1,400 years, and its magic endures.

Why This Route?

Glendalough is Ireland's most important early Christian site:

• Monastic city - Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century
• Round tower - One of Ireland's finest, 33m tall
• Valley setting - Dramatic glacial valley with two lakes
• Walking trails - From easy strolls to challenging hikes
• Year-round appeal - Beautiful in every season

Where to Stay

This 121km day drive follows the eastern Wicklow valleys from Dublin south through Avoca and Rathdrum to Glendalough. Since the route starts in Dublin and the monastic valley itself has limited accommodation, Glendalough village (Laragh) is the best base for anyone who wants to experience the valley at dawn or dusk when the crowds thin out. Day-trippers from Dublin can manage the drive comfortably in either direction.

Glendalough

Laragh, the small village at Glendalough's gates, has guesthouses, B&Bs, and cafes within a few minutes of the monastic city. Staying here lets you walk to the round tower at first light or take the Spinc trail in the evening -- experiences impossible on a rushed day trip. Avoca and the Meeting of the Waters are a short drive south, and Rathdrum's Avondale House is nearby.

The Story of St Kevin

Kevin (Coemgen) was born around 498 AD. He sought solitude in the Glendalough valley, living as a hermit in a cave (now called St Kevin's Bed). Disciples gathered around him, and by his death in 618 AD, Glendalough had become one of Ireland's great monastic universities.

The Route

Starting from Dublin

Take the N11 south through Wicklow's eastern foothills.

Avoca

The village made famous by the TV series "Ballykissangel." The Avoca Handweavers mill is Ireland's oldest working mill, with excellent cafe and shop.

Meeting of the Waters

Where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers join, celebrated by poet Thomas Moore:

"There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet."

Vale of Clara

A beautiful wooded valley with riverside walks. Clara Lara Fun Park is popular with families (summer only).

Rathdrum

A traditional market town with connections to Irish patriot Charles Stewart Parnell. Avondale House (Parnell's birthplace) has extensive forest walks.

Glendalough

The highlight of the route - allow at least 3 hours:

Visitor Centre

Start here for an excellent exhibition and audio-visual presentation on monastic Ireland.

Monastic City

The main concentration of ruins includes:

• Round Tower - 33m tall, over 1,000 years old
• Cathedral - The largest building in the settlement
• St Kevin's Church - With its distinctive stone roof (often called St Kevin's Kitchen)
• Priest's House - Romanesque decoration
• High Crosses - Several fragments remain

Upper Lake

A 2km walk from the monastic city brings you to the wilder Upper Lake, with:

• Reefert Church - Burial place of local kings
• St Kevin's Bed - The saint's cave (inaccessible but visible)
• Poulanass Waterfall - Short detour

Walking Trails

Nine marked trails from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Laragh

The village at Glendalough's gates has cafes, pubs, and accommodation.

Return via Annamoe or Wicklow Gap

Choose the eastern (Annamoe) or western (Wicklow Gap) return for different scenery.

Walking at Glendalough

Green Road to Upper Lake

• Distance: 4km return
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Lake views, Reefert Church

Spinc Walk

• Distance: 9km loop
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
• Highlights: Valley views, boardwalk, mining village ruins

Poulanass Waterfall

• Distance: 2km return
• Time: 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Highlights: Waterfall, woodland

Miners' Village

• Distance: 11km loop
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highlights: 19th-century lead mining ruins

Practical Tips

1. Arrive early in summer - Parking fills by 10am
2. Upper Lake has a separate car park - Saves walking from visitor centre
3. Monastic site is free - Visitor centre charges
4. Bring layers - Valley can be cool even in summer
5. Avoca Handweavers - Great for lunch or shopping

Spiritual Dimension

For those seeking more than sightseeing, Glendalough offers:

• St Kevin's Way - A pilgrimage trail from Hollywood (30km)
• Hermitage Centre - Retreats and spiritual guidance
• Dawn and dusk - Experience the valley in solitude

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1 day for the Glendalough & Eastern Valleys: the 121km takes roughly 4 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Wicklow page, and the Wicklow Coastal Drive pairs naturally with this one.