Glendalough
Laragh, Ireland
An early medieval monastic site with a round tower, set in a glacial valley with two lakes. Arrive early: the car parks fill on fine weekends.
Glendalough lies in a glacially carved valley in Wicklow Mountains National Park. St Kevin founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century; it flourished for centuries before English forces destroyed it in 1398. The remains include a round tower about 30 m high, a cathedral and several churches, most of them dating from the 10th to 12th centuries. The valley holds two lakes, the Lower Lake and the Upper Lake.
One to two hours is enough for the monastic site; allow half a day if you add a walk to the Upper Lake along the Green Road. Several waymarked trails run through the area. The car parks at the visitor centre and at the Upper Lake charge a fee, while the one in Laragh is free (as of October 2026). On fine weekends, it is best to arrive early.
- Nearest town
- Laragh, Ireland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 53.0105, -6.3278
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Glendalough GlampingCampsite2 km from Glendalough
- Wicklow Way CampingCampsite6 km from GlendaloughTentsShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Roundwood Caravan & Camping ParkCampsite10 km from GlendaloughTents
- Knockrobin GlampingCampsite17 km from Glendalough
- River Valley Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover18 km from GlendaloughTentsMotorhomes
- Silver Strand Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover22 km from GlendaloughMotorhomesElectricity
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Glendalough?
Glendalough is in Laragh, Ireland, at GPS 53.0105, -6.3278. It is about 18 km from Avoca.
Can you camp near Glendalough?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Stellplatz Glendalough, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Glendalough?
Glendalough is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Wicklow Mountains: the Military Road to Glendalough.
What is there to see near Glendalough?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lough Tay (11 km), Sally Gap (14 km), Powerscourt Waterfall (17 km) and Kilmainham Gaol (37 km).
When is the best time to visit Glendalough?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)