What to do and see in Vale of Glendalough, Province of Leinster: The Best Free Things to do

August 10, 2021 Agatha Simes

Discover the best top things to do in Vale of Glendalough, Ireland including Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glenmacnass Waterfall, St Kevins Way/Camaderry Short Walk, Glendalough Woollen Mills.
Restaurants in Vale of Glendalough

1. Glendalough Monastic Settlement

Ireland +353 404 45325 http://www.glendalough.ie/
Excellent
70%
Good
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Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 2,114 reviews

Glendalough Monastic Settlement

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.

Reviewed By 296ashleel

We went on September 25th and it was our first stop after arriving in Dublin. It was the perfect way to kick off our Ireland vacation. It takes a little over an hour to get from Dublin airport to Glendalough (slightly more if you are learning to drive on the opposite side!), so you can definitely do this as a day trip from Dublin. There is parking lot and a small visitor center which contain restrooms. The people at the V.C. desk were able to direct us to the walkway. You can walk around the cemetery and ruins. There were smaller pathways that you could take, so we took one that seemed less traveled. Mainly because there was a large group of students on a field trip which were being quite loud (as high schoolers do). The path we took had benches scattered throughout to stop and really immerse yourself in the quiet and beauty of it all.

2. Wicklow Mountains National Park

Glendalough Village Ireland +353 404 45425 educationcentrewicklow @duchas.ie http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie
Excellent
78%
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19%
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4.5 based on 1,245 reviews

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Reviewed By aralb2018 - Australia, null

The Wicklow Mountains National Park saw me return four times from all sides of the Ireland coastline. I loved the place so much that I cancelled non-refundable hotel bookings so I could stay at Glendalough Hotel just to be closer. The Wicklow Mountains has something for everyone: history; cinema references (the PS I Love You bridge) amongst many more; scenery for the photographer; hiking and silence for those craving it. My next trip to Ireland will be based in and around the Wicklow Mountains for a minimum of a week. This place is so far, one of the more beautiful places I've ventured.

3. Glenmacnass Waterfall

Laragh Ireland
Excellent
52%
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33%
Satisfactory
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2%
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4.5 based on 122 reviews

Glenmacnass Waterfall

Reviewed By 02corvette - Marietta, United States

We were driving Sally Gap/Old Military Rd and came around a bend and saw this waterfall ahead of us a ways. Surprise, surprise. We could not park as folks had parked helter skelter. I did take some pics . This is on our list for our next trip

4. St Kevins Way/Camaderry Short Walk

Lower Lake, Glendalough Village Ireland http://www.wicklowwalks.com/camaderry-short-walk
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 32 reviews

St Kevins Way/Camaderry Short Walk

Reviewed By Mobile812630

St Kevin’s Way is a 30 Km (18 mile) route from Hollywood, following in the footsteps of St. Kevin through the hills of Co. Wicklow to the Valley of Glendalough where he spent the rest of his life in solitary prayer and contemplation. After Kevin’s death in AD 618, what had been a humble hermit’s retreat developed into an impressive monastic city which was to continue as a centre of piety and learning for many years to come. Since we were staying in Glendalough we decided to walk from there back in the direction towards Hollywood. The route then is along the banks of the Glendasan River in the Valley of Glendalough. It passes along an easy country roadway and through beautiful woodlands, until it reaches a disused Mine. We climbed part of the rocky area to sit by a small waterfall where we had our sandwich, and contemplated the beautiful valley. We returned by the same route. A lovely relaxed walk on which we were lucky to see young deer grazing in the hills above us. Suitable for families and people with reduced mobility.

5. Glendalough Woollen Mills

Glendalough Woollen Mills, Derrybawn, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Laragh A67 A268 Ireland +353 404 45156 [email protected] http://www.glendaloughwoollenmills.com/
Excellent
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3.5 based on 20 reviews

Glendalough Woollen Mills

Shop set in historic Glendalough valley specialising in Irish made woollens and hand crafted jewellery.

Reviewed By 02corvette - Marietta, United States

We stopped here almost by accident as we did not realize how close we were on our days adventure. Sweaters Galore and at great prices. My husband got a lovely cable knit sweater that he just loves wearing. I said to my self and him, I have so many I think I will pass. Dummy me. I should have gotten another just because!Prices are better than at Avoca. And they have a lot of nice things in men's bigger sizes. My husband take a 3X and had the choice of a lot of sweaters.

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