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

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

Arrive early in summer - Parking fills by 10am
Upper Lake has a separate car park - Saves walking from visitor centre
Monastic site is free - Visitor centre charges
Bring layers - Valley can be cool even in summer
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