Hike, Walk, Barbecue or Relax in Stunning Beauty at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

If Wicklow is Irelands back Garden, then Glendalough is the beautiful water feature that brings it all together.

One of Irelands top tourist destinations, and for a good reason, whatever the weather in Ireland, and it is going to be unpredictable for the most part, Glendalough will take your breath away.

If you’re lucky enough to be standing on the shore of the lake on a sunny day, it will be like a mirror reflecting the surrounding valley making this beautiful place even more stunning.

In Gaelic, Gleann Da Lough means “Valley of Two Lakes”, as there is an upper and lower lake, both of which you will see on your journey to the main car park. Close to the lower or first lake, they have a now rare round tower and cathedral ruins, along with a graveyard, right behind the lovely Glendalough Hotel which you are free to visit at no charge.

Entry to the car park at the upper lake has a charge of €4 per car. There is access to public toilets along with food carts where you can buy coffees, hot food and snacks.

The valley of Glendalough was formed during the last ice age by a glacier which left a moraine across the valley mouth. The Poulanass River, which plunges into the valley from the south, via the Poulanass Waterfall, created a delta, which eventually divided the original lake in two.

Surrounding Glendalough are the mountains of Camaderry 699 metres (2,293 ft), the hydroelectric station at Turlough Hill 681 metres (2,234 ft), and large massif of Conavalla 734 metres (2,408 ft) which dominates the head of the valley, and the peaks of Lugduff 652 metres (2,139 ft), and Mullacor 661 metres (2,169 ft).

If you want to take a full loop walk around the lake, there are two options, but you will need a good pair of shoes and allow up to 4 hours for the entire trek.

When facing the upper lake, you will see a path to the right, walking nearly two kilometres along this path will bring you to the miner’s village. Here, they excavated lead which they began in 1825. There were many phases of mining for well over a century but eventually the mine was closed in 1957.

There are tons of other sights to see at Glendalough and its a highly recommended trip for hikers or families just wanting to picnic on the grounds on a sunny day.

There are regular day tours operated by Bus Eireann which you can find on their website.

Price: Car park entry fee is €4, no other charge.

Opening hours: Car park opens at 9.30 am and closes at 6 pm

Official Website: http://www.glendalough.ie/

Email: glendaloughbookings@opw.ie

Phone Number: + 353 404 45352

Google map location: Glendalough Car Park