Exploring Glendalough National Park: Monastic Ruins, Hikes and Scenic Lakes

Hi folks! Welcome back to my blog, hope you're all keeping well! This week I made the journey down to Glendalough National Park in County Wicklow and had a fantastic time. I travelled down on Saturday and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Glendalough is a glacial valley that sits nestled away in the Wicklow Mountains National Park with incredible views. The valley is home to an Early Medieval Monastic settlement that was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.


Stone Church

Stone Church

Walks & Hikes

Glendalough National Park has a number of different walks and hikes that cater for all levels of ability. Whether it is the easy Green Road walk and the Miners' Road walk or the difficult ramble along the Derrybawn Woodland trail, Glendalough attracts a wide variety of walkers. This ranges from those who go to walk their dogs to those who wish to be a little more adventurous. Many of the walks go alongside the Lower Lake as well as some of the more rigorous trails showing glimpses of the Upper Lake from above. However, for the best views of the Upper Lake, simply follow the Green Road walk which leads you straight to it. 


Information Board

Information Board for walks/hikes details


Upper Lake

Upper Lake

Monastic City

The Monastic settlement or Monastic city, located in Glendalough National Park, is situated beside the lower lake and showcases incredible pieces of history dating back to as early as the 6th century! The remains of the settlement include a round tower which was used to hide valuable treasure, several medieval stone churches and a large cemetery. It is one of the most important Monastic sites in Ireland due to the large number of ruins that are still somewhat still intact to this day.

Full list of ruins found in this Monastic City:

  • Round tower (30m tall) St
  • A number of medieval stone churches (St Mary's, St Kevin's, St Saviour's, Cathedral & Trinity)
  • Large cemetery
  • Large granite cross (6th or 7th century)
  • A Romanesque-style building from the 12th century with a carving from a much earlier date.
  • St Kevin's Bed / Hermitage (A cavity in the cliff in which it is believed to be where St Kevin lived and prayed.


The Round Tower

The Round Tower


Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Glendalough and cannot recommend it enough. The walks along the lower and upper lakes were amazing, as well as the small walk through the ruins of the Monastic settlement. Not to mention several picnic benches and areas to sit down, grab a bite to eat and take in the beautiful scenery.

Thanks for reading folks, all the best!


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