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Glendalough Cathedral: A Window to Ireland's Monastic Past

Explore the ruins of Glendalough Cathedral, a testament to Ireland's rich monastic heritage in a stunning glacial valley.

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Glendalough Cathedral, also known as St. Peter and St. Paul's Cathedral, stands as the largest and most imposing structure within the Glendalough monastic site in County Wicklow. Its construction spanned several phases from the 10th to the 13th centuries, and its ruins offer a glimpse into the grandeur of this early Christian center of worship and learning.

A brief summary to Glendalough Cathedral

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the cathedral and monastic site is uneven.
  • Visit the Glendalough Visitor Centre to learn about the history and significance of the site before exploring the ruins.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Take a walk around the graveyard to see the array of monuments and headstones.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Glendalough Visitor Centre, the Cathedral is a short, easy walk. Exit the visitor center and follow the path towards the monastic site. The Cathedral will be visible on your left, within the main enclosure, a few minutes walk on well-maintained paths.

  • Public Transport

    St. Kevin's Bus Service runs from Dublin City Centre (St. Stephen's Green) directly to the Glendalough Visitor Centre. From the visitor centre, follow the walking directions to the Cathedral. A round trip bus ticket costs approximately €20.

  • Parking

    There are two main parking areas in Glendalough: the Lower Lake car park near the Visitor Centre and the Upper Lake car park. The Lower Lake car park is closest to the Cathedral. Parking costs €4-5 for the day. From the car park, walk towards the Visitor Centre and follow the signs to the monastic site and Cathedral.

Unlock the Best of Glendalough Cathedral

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Discover more about Glendalough Cathedral

Located in the scenic Glendalough valley, the cathedral's remains tell a story of faith, resilience, and the enduring legacy of early Christian Ireland. The cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, was built in stages, incorporating recycled materials from an earlier, smaller church. The earliest section is the nave, a simple rectangle with a west doorway and south-facing windows. Later additions include the chancel and sacristy, dating back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Once the main church for the Archdiocese of Dublin, the cathedral's importance diminished after the union of Glendalough and Dublin dioceses in 1214. Despite its ruined state, the cathedral retains its architectural details, including a decorated chancel arch and east window. Large mica-schist stones, remnants of the original structure, can still be seen. The adjacent graveyard, with monuments dating back to 1731, provides a serene final resting place. Today, Glendalough Cathedral is a national monument and a key attraction within Glendalough's monastic city. Visitors can explore the ruins, imagining the cathedral's former splendor and learning about its historical and religious significance. The site is open to the public year-round, offering a chance to connect with Ireland's ancient past amidst the natural beauty of Glendalough.

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