Glendalough Essentials

Glendalough contains one of Ireland's most significant monastic sites, founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. This collection features the valley’s architectural highlights, including the 30-meter-tall round tower, the double-arched medieval gateway, and the Romanesque ruins of Saint Saviour’s Priory. Beyond the stone churches and high crosses, the list covers the natural landscape of the Wicklow Mountains, from the glacial Upper Lake to the cascades of Poulanass Waterfall.

Glendalough Roundtower

Built of mica-slate and granite, this 30-meter-tall bell tower dates back nearly 1,000 years. It originally served as a landmark for approaching pilgrims and a storehouse for monastic treasures.

Saint Kevin's Kitchen

A 12th-century stone-roofed church notable for its integrated miniature round tower. Despite its name, the building served as a place of worship, not a kitchen.

Upper Lake view

A vantage point overlooking the larger of Glendalough's two glacial lakes, situated near the site of Saint Kevin’s original 6th-century cell and the cliffside 'Saint Kevin's Bed' cave.

Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul

The largest structure in the monastic city, featuring a 10th-century nave and a 12th-century chancel. The ruins include a fine granite arch and several early Christian grave slabs.

Gateway

Ireland's only surviving example of a double-arched medieval monastic gateway. It originally featured a timber roof and a second story, serving as the main entrance to the sanctuary.

Glendalough Visitor Centre

Features an exhibition on Irish monastic history and houses the original 12th-century Market Cross. The center provides context on the site's archaeological significance and Saint Kevin's life.

Poulanass Waterfall

A series of cascades flowing through a narrow rocky cleft in the woodlands. The waterfall is accessible via a steep trail leading from the valley floor toward the Upper Lake.

Saint Kevin's Cross

An unornamented monolithic high cross carved from local granite. Standing nearly four meters tall, it dates to the 6th or 7th century and represents an early form of the Celtic cross.

Saint Kevin Cemetery

A historic burial ground surrounding the cathedral ruins, containing a dense collection of grave markers and headstones that span several centuries of local history.

Priests' House

A small 12th-century Romanesque building reconstructed from original stones. It is believed to have been used to house the relics of Saint Kevin during the medieval period.

Saint Saviour's Priory

Located a short walk east of the main settlement, these 12th-century ruins are noted for their detailed Romanesque stone carvings on the chancel arch and windows.