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Glendalough Monastic Settlement

Visitor Centre, Ireland
0404/45325
Website
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As featured in Daytrips from Dublin
Type: Historic Sites, Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: This historic site, whose Gaelic name translates to “valley of the two lakes,” consists of the 6th-century monastery founded by St. Kevin and the... more » Owner description: This historic site, whose Gaelic name translates to “valley of the two lakes,” consists of the 6th-century monastery founded by St. Kevin and the famous round tower, standing 112 feet high with a base measuring 52 feet in circumference. Visitors: There is a car park at the Visitor Centre. It is recommended to see the informational video at the Visitor Centre before starting your explorations. « less
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192 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    138
    47
    5
    2
    0
Date Rating
Vancovuer
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

The staff at the visitor centre were helpful and kind. The hiking was fabulous with trails to suit gentle walkers to advanced day trekking. The ruins were interesting but the remainder of the scenery was stunning.

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Anaheim, California
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

The abandoned monastic village had been well preserved and is a short walk from the visitor's center. Skip,the movie at the VC to save a few euros - the village is free. It is just over a babbling brook with well preserved ruins and a bell tower. It is easy to see why Saint Kevin retreated to these idyllic mountains.... More

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Richmond, Virginia
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

I have been here twice from USA and I cannot wait to go back. There is so much history and you can walk and walk and never get enough! The settlements area are amazing and I took plenty of pictures to look at and still take my mind back there. The trail was great for a brisk walk and see... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
New York
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

THIS it the place to visit when going through the Wicklow Mountains! The site houses one of the earliest Christian Monastic Settlements in Ireland (and perhaps, Europe). There is a conical tower on site where the monks would retreat to if threatened, pulling their ladder behind them leaving the door more than 10 feet above ground level. There is also... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

The Monastic settlement was interesting but we enjoyed walking around the area even more. The walks are easy and well worth it the upper lake has some amazing views.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

This was one of the most peaceful and beautiful sites I visited while in Ireland. We took a drive through the Sally Gap Pass on the way here from Dublin. It was a beautiful day and the mountains are just so gorgeous. This site is very walkable and everyone was out and about enjoying the sun. There are street vendors... More

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West Haven, Utah
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

We drove by car over the National Forest to Glendalough from Dublin. The closer to town we were, the greener and more 'traditional' Irish countryside it was. Wonderful drive. Be sure to stop at the visitor center when you arrive. You can purchase a map and an information guide for 1-2EU. You can walk to the ruins at no charge... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Galway
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
61 helpful votes 61 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

The sun was shining and the birds were singing happily as we strolled along the wonderful walkways in Glendalough. The place was packed with tourists enjoying the good weather. Everywhere you look there is magnificent scenery; hard to describe you will have to visit it yourself. Don't forget to check out the visitors centre first. A wonderful day so don't... More

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ireland
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

went hear a year ago, only 50 min drive and wow, stunning place, have been back several and never ceases to amaze me every time

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Ireland
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I've never been to Glendalough despite living only an hour from it. With the weather warm and some friends in the car off we went for a Sunday drive and lunch. The scenery up to it ( from Kilkenny ) is all mountains and rather barren looking. As we came into Glendalough, we noticed it getting prettier. The green area... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1

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