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.
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
- Glendalough, Sevenchurches Or Camaderry, Co. Wicklow, IE
- +35340445325
- Visit website
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
Discover more about Glendalough Cathedral
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monasterio de San Kevin
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The Priest's House
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Glendalough Roundtower
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The Gateway
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Glendalough Visitor Centre
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Derrybawn Mountain
1.4 km
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Vale of Glendalough
4.0 km
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Mullacor
4.2 km
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Camaderry Mountain
4.4 km
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Scarr
5.2 km
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Lugduff
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Tonelagee
6.1 km
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Turlough Hill
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Table Mountain
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Luggala
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Unmissable attractions to see
St. Kevin's Church
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Glendalough Music Tours
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Glendalough
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Miners Way Glendasan
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Glendalough Sanctuary
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Wicklow Mountains National Park
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Glendalough Upper Lake
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Wicklow Mountains National Park (Parking)
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Three Stone Docks
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Poulanass Waterfall
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Reefert Church
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The Spinc
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Glendalough Woollen Mills
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Cullens Sheep Farm
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St. Kevin's Bed
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Essential places to dine
St. Kevin’s Kitchen
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The Glendalough Hotel
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Casey's Bar & Bistro
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The Barn, The Glendalough Hotel
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Wicklow Heather Restaurant | Glendalough
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Wicklow Heather Restaurant
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Lynhams of Laragh
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Glendalough Cafe
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The Glenmalure Lodge
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Kavanagh's Vartry House
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Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant
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The Roundwood Inn
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Roundwood Inn
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Coffin Shed
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Bates Nua Restaurant Rathdrum
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Glendalough Craft Shop
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Glendalough gift shop, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
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Tweeds & Woollens
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McCoys XL Laragh
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Mug Donkey
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ANNAMOE ANTIQUES /VINTAGE RUGS
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Olannmor
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Diykitchenshop
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TK Hardware & Garden Store
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Sugar Mountain
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The Roundwood Stores
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EcoChic Boutique
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The Rustichouse
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The Wild Glen
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Wardrobe Boutique Ashford
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tóchar House
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The Cartoon Inn
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Kings Glenealy
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Actons Country Pub and Brewery
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N11 at the Ashford House
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Fenton's Imaal Bar & Lounge Glen of Imaal Bar
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DJ Cullen Lake View Lounge
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Druid's Well Pub
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The Star Inn
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The Castle Inn Wicklow
18.8 km
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O'Keeffe's Pub
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The Growlerman Bar (O'Connors)
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Fitzpatricks Bar
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Ernie's Bar
19.7 km
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Tá Sé's
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