County Wicklow
Glendalough is the one place in Wicklow that rewards a slow visit. The monastic settlement sits at the far end of a glacial valley, and the walk in takes about twenty-five minutes — which means it works either as a half-day from Dublin or as a stop on a longer route south.
Shown as a place we design programmes around, not a package to buy. Access, opening times and site arrangements change — we build the final route around your group, your dates and your interests.
County
County Wicklow
Getting there
About ninety minutes by road.
On this page
3 places we actually use, with the time we give each one.
Why we route through it
We give Glendalough three hours on its own, which is longer than most itineraries allow it and about what it takes. The round tower, St. Kevin's Church and the decorated crosses are close together, so the time goes on walking between them rather than waiting for anything. Groups using it as a place of prayer add two more hours for a walk up to the Upper Lake.
The Wicklow Mountains around it are a different proposition — heather-covered hills and quiet lakes, with walking that suits most levels if you pick the route for the group rather than the other way round. The old site material for this region is thin, so we build it around the monastic site and let the walking follow from where the group is staying.
What we actually use
The ruins of an early medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century: a thirty-metre round tower, ancient stone churches and decorated Celtic crosses, spread across the valley floor.
It became one of the great centres of learning in early Christian Ireland, and it has drawn visitors continuously for well over a thousand years.
Groups visiting for prayer add a guided walk up the valley to the Upper Lake, with time to stop on the way.
The valley has been a place of retreat rather than a monument for a very long time.
Heather-covered hills and quiet lakes north and east of the valley. Routes are chosen for the group's pace and for how much of the day is left after the monastic site.
Getting there
From Dublin
About ninety minutes by road.
On foot
The walk from the visitor centre to the monastic site is roughly twenty-five minutes on a level path.
On the ground
No self-driving needed — we use a private driver and stay local for the day.
When to go
The valley walks well from May to September and the light on the round tower is at its best early or late in the day.
Wicklow changes quickly. We plan the day to work in any forecast, and keep the outdoor hours flexible rather than fixed.
Walking shoes and layered clothing — the valley floor stays damp and the ridge paths are exposed. A waterproof layer is worth carrying rather than wearing.
The valley path is level and surfaced. The walk to the Upper Lake and the mountain paths are not, and we plan those around what the group can manage.
We usually use a hotel in the valley or on the Dublin side, depending on how the rest of the route is built. The specific property is confirmed with your dates.
Nearby on a route
Also consider
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See the shapeBuild a route around it
Tell us who is travelling, why, and when. We will shape the right journey or programme around your needs.
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