Glendalough Visitor Centre
A valley of sanctuary for saints and scholars
Glendalough Visitor Centre
A valley of sanctuary for saints and scholars
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
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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
Open all year.
Closed 23 – 29 December inclusive.
Last admission to buildings and toilets is 45 mins before closing
Average Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Notice
The Visitor Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. Access to the graveyard is very difficult for wheelchair users.
Toilets close at 16:15 from mid October to Mid March.
The toilets at the Upper Lake Car park (second car park ) are operated by Wicklow County Council and are not under the remit of the OPW.
Seasonal Opening Times
- Mid March – Mid October
Daily 09:30 – 18:00
Last admission 17:15
- Mid October – Mid March
Daily 09.30 – 17:00
Last admission 16:15
Getting Here
Situated in Glendalough
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Bookshop
- Brochure
- Car park
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Museum
- Toilets
- Walking trails
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- 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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Sligo Abbey
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Resources
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)