Glendalough Visitor Centre
A valley of sanctuary for saints and scholars
09:30 – 17:00
Glendalough Visitor Centre
A valley of sanctuary for saints and scholars
09:30 – 17:00
Limited Access
Visitor Centre is closed.
Car park is open - parking charges apply
Toilets open 09:30 - 17:00.
Monastic Site is open.
Walking trails all open.
Guides on site 09:30 - 17:00.
Glendalough Visitor Centre
In a stunning glaciated valley in County Wicklow, in the sixth century, one of Ireland’s most revered saints founded a monastery. The foundation of St Kevin at Glendalough became one of the most famous religious centres in Europe.
The remains of this ‘Monastic City’, which are dotted across the glen, include a superb round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and some decorated crosses. Of particular note is St Kevin’s Bed, a small man-made cave in the cliff face above the Upper Lake. It is said that St Kevin lived and prayed there, but it may actually be a prehistoric burial place that far predates him.
Learn all about this hallowed place in the fine interpretive centre before exploring the site for yourself. If you do, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the two lakes and a uniquely spiritual atmosphere.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
Open all Year
Last admission 45 mins before closing.
Average Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Visitor Centre will be closed from December 23rd to 29th inclusive
Seasonal Opening Times
- Mid March – Mid October
Daily 9.30 – 18.00
- Mid October – Mid March
Daily 9.30 – 17.00
Notice
The Visitor Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. Access to the graveyard is very difficult for wheelchair users.
Contact
Glendalough,
Bray,
Co. Wicklow
A98 HC80
0404 45352 / 45325
george.mcclafferty@opw.ie glendaloughbookings@opw.ie
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Bookshop
- Brochure
- Car park
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Museum
- Toilets
- Walking trails
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
Restrictions
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Glendalough Visitor Centre
National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh
An oasis of rare horticultural delights
Approx. 14.9 km from Glendalough Visitor Centre
Dwyer McAllister Cottage
An unlikely battle-site of the 1798 Rebellion
Approx. 17.0 km from Glendalough Visitor Centre
Pearse Museum – St. Enda’s Park
An enthralling chapter in the story of 1916
Approx. 30.4 km from Glendalough Visitor Centre
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Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Glendalough Visitor Centre. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Glendalough Visitor Centre
Download the Social Guide (Adult)
Download the Social Guide (Child)