Glendalough Walking Tour: Ancient Monastic City & Valleys

The monastic city sits where two lakes meet in a valley few visitors find on their own.

A guided walking tour of Glendalough in County Wicklow follows the Wicklow Way through the ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, passing the Seven Churches, two lakes, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. The guide reveals secluded spots beyond the main ruins. The group stays small to allow time at each stop. Lunch is taken lakeside partway through the five-hour walk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Glendalough30m
2. Wicklow Mountains1h
3. Wicklow Way15m

Explore Glendalough Valley and Monastic City

• Visit ancient Monastic City
• Explore Wicklow Mountains National Park
• Walk part of Wicklow Way trail
• View Upper Lakes in Glendalough
• Discover hidden secrets of Glendalough Vale
• Pause for lakeside lunch

The experience

Glendalough translates to "the valley of two lakes," and the tour moves through both, starting at Laragh and following sections of Ireland's oldest way-marked trail. The monastic city itself (one of Ireland's most significant early Christian settlements) sits at the heart of the route, with the Seven Churches and other stone structures scattered across the valley floor. Beyond the main ruins, the guide takes you to waterfalls and elevated viewpoints that open onto the Wicklow Mountains, the spine of Ireland's largest national park. The Upper Lake, the bigger of the two, commands the most striking views.

Small group sizes mean you move at a pace that lets the history settle. The guide, who knows the valley's hidden corners, stops at spots most visitors miss: secluded angles on the lakes, lesser-known stone work, the woollen mills that once worked the valley. Halfway through, you pause for lunch by the water. You can buy it at the Glendalough Green Cafe in Laragh before the walk starts, or bring your own. Toilets are available at the start and at the midway point. The total five hours includes all walking time between stops, and the terrain requires at least moderate fitness.

Free parking sits at Laragh, where the tour begins and ends. Children from age 12 are welcome. Service animals are allowed. The walk is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide.
• small group size.
• access to the monastic city, Seven Churches, two lakes and secluded viewpoints.
• waterfalls and panoramic vistas over the Wicklow Mountains.
• lakeside lunch break.
• toilets at the start and midway point.
• free parking at Laragh.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Jul 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the history and the route without translation. If you're new to Glendalough or visiting Wicklow for the first time, the small group and the guide's knowledge of hidden spots mean you see far more than you would walking alone, and you learn why each place matters.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the monastic city at Glendalough, and why is it significant?

Glendalough is one of Ireland's most important early Christian monastic settlements, founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. The site includes the Seven Churches and other stone structures that survive from that era, and it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Irish monasticism across more than 1,400 years.

How much of the walk follows the Wicklow Way, and what does that trail pass through?

The tour follows sections of the Wicklow Way, Ireland's oldest way-marked trail, which passes directly through Glendalough. The trail runs along the spine of the Wicklow Mountains, the country's largest national park, and the valley itself is considered the jewel of that park.

What are the two lakes in Glendalough, and which one offers the better views?

The Upper Lake is the larger of the two and boasts the most stunning views across the valley. Both lakes are central to the walk, and the tour passes through both on the marked route.

Is there a lunch break, and where do people eat during the tour?

Yes, there is a lakeside lunch break at the midway point. You can buy food at the Glendalough Green Cafe in Laragh before the walk starts, or bring your own. The cafe is noted for its cakes and sits at the start and finish point of the tour.

What fitness level do I need for this walk?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The five-hour duration includes all walking time between points of interest, and the terrain is not flat. The walk is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.