Glendalough, Wicklow – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Glendalough sits 1 hour from Dublin near the village of Laragh in county Wicklow. This glacial valley is associated with St. Kevin and the monastic settlement that he founded here in the 6th century. Take one look at the surroundings here in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and you’ll understand why St. Kevin had a fondness for wildlife. Nowadays it’s a great location for walks and picnics but is there more to do here than admire the scenery?

Find out below!

Public Transport: There is no railway station in Glendalough or Laragh so the nearest option is Rathdrum Railway Station which is a 15 minute taxi away.

The popular St. Kevin’s Bus Service has ran from Dublin City for almost 100 years! Alternatively, if travelling within county Wicklow, use the TFI Local Link bus service. Running from Sallins to Arklow, it makes stops at Naas, Roundwood and Rathdrum among others.

There are two car parks onsite – the Visitor Centre car park costs €4 and the Upper Lake car park costs €5.

Casey’s Bar and Bistro at the Glendalough Hotel has become infamous for slow service and poor quality. In reality it may not be as bad as locals would have you believe but the prices are extortionate and the place could use a facelift.

If the weather permits bring your own picnic as there are so many superb spots to enjoy it. Alternatively, head to the Upper Lake Car Park where a collection of food vans serve toasties, burgers, hot dogs, taco fries and ice-cream! There is plenty of outdoor seating and a great buzz around this little area.

Hot Beverages: There is nowhere to enjoy a brew indoors here, so once again head to the Upper Lake Car Park where you can grab a coffee or hot chocolate from one of the many vendors.

The quality may not be up to café standards but the views from the benches are outstanding! There aren’t many nicer settings for a hot drink in Ireland.

Alcohol: There is nowhere to grab a pint in the vicinity aside from Casey’s Bar and Bistro which should be avoided. Unfortunately, the prices are just far too expensive to warrant a visit to this rundown pub.

The 6th century monastic city is just a short walk from the visitor’s centre. Interesting buildings in this enclosed area include St Kevin’s Church, the ruins of St Peter and St Paul’s Cathedral and a 100 foot high round tower that is more than 1000 years old!

Notice how the door of the round tower is 12 foot above ground – it was once accessed by a moveable ladder that could be pulled inside to prevent invaders from entering! There is also an ecclesiastical gateway nearby that is the last of its kind in existence.

All of these sites are free to visit.

Glendalough’s two lakes give the area its name, its translation being “valley of the two lakes.” The Lower Lake is undeniably pretty but the Upper Lake deservedly gets most of the attention. The cliffs overlooking this beauty hold St. Kevin’s Bed, a cave where the hermit is said to have stayed for seven years. The views of the valley rising around the water are breath-taking.

Poulanass Waterfall, tucked away among the trees, and a variety of pretty streams make up the rest of the aquatic features found in the area.

The visitor centre and upper lake are buzzy areas awash with families enjoying picnics. There are also plenty of pooches here as dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a leash.

However, the real majesty of this locale lies in its serenity. Take the opportunity to wander into the wilderness on one of the many trails, far from the crowds and your busy life at home. Immerse yourself in nature just as St. Kevin intended, pausing to appreciate the sights, smells and sounds that surround you.

You don’t need to walk for long before you are completely in peace, surrounded by nothing but birds and rolling hills of oak, bracken, hazel and ash. If you want to enjoy nature among crowds make the 20 minute drive to Avondale to enjoy the treetop experience there instead. However, if it’s serenity you are after then this is possibly the most tranquil place in Ireland.

Our Travel Guide to Avondale

Your first port of call should be the wheelchair accessible visitor’s centre since it sits next to the main car park and each car gets one free ticket with their parking fee. The self-guided experience educates patrons about St. Kevin and the history of the area. Although not a particularly awesome experience it’s easily worth the €5 admission fee.

The accessible toilets to the rear of the centre open until 4:15pm each day and there are also toilets at the upper car park.

The Brown Route, at 1km long, is the shortest of nine waymarked trails of varying difficulty here. This 30 minute jaunt scales the steep hill alongside Poulanass Waterfall before descending towards St. Kevin’s Bed. Although a short stroll, it offers terrific views of the upper lake.

Alternatively, the most popular trail is the 9.5km long White Route which takes you along the boardwalk of The Spinc. This idyllic vantage point offers unbelievable views of the valley below. It is common to spot a herd of red deer as you descend into Glenealo Valley along this 3 hour trail.

The 3km long Green Route is flat, making it the best choice for those with accessibility issues, and it crosses a wide and scenic boardwalk as it rounds the lower lake.

The 9 Walking Trails of Glendalough

Angling is permitted from March to September at the upper and lower lakes, making this one of Ireland’s most scenic places to cast out. Admittedly, this is more about the scenery than the catch itself as there are few fish in these lakes. Only artificial lures are allowed (no live bait) and all fish must be returned unharmed.

Nevertheless, you can expect to land a few pretty brown trout having purchased your day permit.

Deer are the largest land mammal found in Ireland and of the four species living here today only the red deer is native. These elusive beasts are found solely in Kerry but Glendalough is home to a hybrid of the species which have bread with the Sika deer. Choose a walking trail that passes through Glenealo Valley to have the best chance of spotting a herd.

Other mammals found here include foxes, pine martens, badgers and sika deer, but it’s the birdlife that is truly awesome owing to the varied habitats here. You can spot some of Ireland’s rarest species such as red grouse, goosander, great spotted woodpecker, merlin and the wood warbler. Bring binoculars because this place is a birdwatcher’s heaven.