Glendalough Visitor Centre

About the museum

Glendalough, the "valley of the two lakes", is a glaciated valley in the Wicklow Mountains where St Kevin founded a monastery in the sixth century. The settlement grew into one of the best-known religious centres in medieval Europe, and its remains are scattered along the glen. They include a tall round tower, several stone churches and decorated crosses, as well as St Kevin's Bed, a small man-made cave in the cliff above the Upper Lake that may in fact be a much older burial place.

The visitor centre, run by the Office of Public Works, presents the story of the monastic city and of the saint through an interpretive exhibition and a museum display. It is the usual starting point for a visit, and guided tours of the monastic site can be arranged. After the exhibition visitors explore the ruins and the surrounding walking trails on their own.

The site is open all year, and the valley and its two lakes draw many walkers in addition to those interested in its history.

Highlights

• Interpretive exhibition and museum on St Kevin and the monastic city
• Round tower, stone churches and carved crosses
• St Kevin's Bed above the Upper Lake
• Walking trails around the two lakes

Permanent exhibition

• Glendalough exhibition and museum – An interpretive exhibition on the monastic city founded by St Kevin and its place in medieval Ireland.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (OPW)

Admission & discounts

Paying for parking in the visitor centre car park includes one free admission to the visitor centre.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor centre is fully accessible. The graveyard and the monastic site are very difficult for wheelchair users, and the walkways are uneven.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

A visual guide for children can be downloaded from the Heritage Ireland page.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle parking is provided.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop, toilets, baby changing and car park. The toilets at the upper lake car park are run by Wicklow County Council.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit