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A detailed local guide to planning a perfect Glendalough day trip from Dublin, featuring the best transport routes, monastic sites, hiking trails and insider walking tips.
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Highlights the bus to Upper Lake, explore back to Glendalough Visitor Centre method for a relaxed valley wander ending at cosy tea rooms and pubs.
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Offers practical advice on routes, safety, what to bring and top places to eat and explore around Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.
Welcome to the second instalment of our Day Trips from Dublin series! Every month this year, I'm sharing brilliant one-day adventures right on your doorstep, packed with insider tips for the best escapes. Following the coastal charm of Howth, Day Trip #2 takes us to Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains, a mystical valley of ancient ruins and rugged peaks that's pure magic for history buffs and hikers alike. Grab your boots and let's explore!
There's no better way to spend a crisp Irish day than escaping Dublin's buzz for Glendalough, a stunning glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park just 50km south. This ancient monastic settlement, founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, blends dramatic scenery with spiritual history, think ruined churches, a round tower and two shimmering lakes framed by heather-clad hills. No need for far-flung trips like the Ring of Kerry; Glendalough delivers epic nature and heritage with under an hour's travel time!
Getting to Glendalough
The standard route is St. Kevin's Bus from Dublin city centre (Earlsfort Terrace), dropping you at the Glendalough Visitor Centre in about 1 hour 15 minutes, scenic, direct and with valley views en route. As a local who's explored these trails countless times, my top tip for a smarter day is to take the 181 bus from Eden Quay to Roundwood, then the 183 bus to Glendalough Upper Lake car park. This starts you high up for easier downhill exploration towards the monastic sites.
For this Glendalough day trip from Dublin, my local hack is to begin at the Upper Lake, hike the valley trails, and then end at the Visitor Centre with tea, before taking the bus home.
A really handy route is:
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Head from Dublin to Glendalough Upper Lake via the 181 bus to Roundwood + 183 bus, stopping right by the trailhead lakes.
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Explore Upper Lake, Spinc Ridge or valley paths down to the monastic city and Lower Lake.
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Return via St. Kevin's Bus from Glendalough Visitor Centre, a short walk from the sites.
This “bus up, explore down” combo saves steep climbs, lets you enjoy mostly gentle valley paths and fits a full Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains loop day trip without a car. Check how to use public transport in Dublin for tickets.
The Glendalough Trails & Walking Routes
Start at the Upper Lake car park, grab a map from the info board and follow colour-coded trails through Wicklow's wild heart. The full Valley & Spinc Loop takes 2-3 hours, rewarding you with lake panoramas, the Priest's House ruins and sweeping mountain vistas. Keep eyes peeled for deer, goats and peregrine falcons.
Glendalough offers well-signed trails from easy valley strolls to challenging ridges, all starting near the Visitor Centre or Upper Lake for seamless navigation, perfect for a Wicklow Mountains day trip from Dublin.
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White Trail (Derrybawn Ridge): Gentle 3km loop through woods and open moorland with Upper Lake views; ideal for families.
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Yellow Trail (Lakeshore Walk): Flat 1km path along Lower Lake to monastic ruins; quick and accessible.
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Red Trail (Spinc & Glenealo Valley): Iconic 9km cliff-top hike up the Spinc ridge, circling Upper Lake with 300m ascent.
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Blue/Green Trails (Poulanass Waterfall): 2km wooded riverside ramble to a hidden 30m cascade.
Hidden Poulanass Waterfall in Glendalough
Tucked in oak woods off the valley floor near the monastic site, Poulanass Waterfall is Glendalough's secret gem, a 30m plunge into a mossy gorge, whispering through ferns. It's a serene pause after ruins exploration, with the stream's gentle roar and rainbow mist on sunny days. Access via a short, root trail from the Glendalough Hotel path, suited to sturdy shoes, not sandals. Mind slippery rocks and recent rain; even from the bridge viewpoint, it frames the perfect valley postcard.
What to See in Glendalough Valley
After your hike, head to Glendalough's captivating monastic city for a deeper dive into its ancient wonders.
Key Highlights to Explore:
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Circle the iconic 30m Round Tower, a perfectly preserved relic standing tall over the valley.
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Peer inside St. Kevin's Church (Teampall Kevin), the tiny 11th-century oratory by the Lower Lake.
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Trace the atmospheric Teampall na Skellig, an island hermitage reached by stepping stones across the water.
Scenic Valley Wanders: Stroll the accessible boardwalks along the Lower Lake, where crumbling ruins reflect beautifully against the mountain backdrop. Then make the gentle uphill climb to the Upper Lake's dramatic glacial bowl. A sheer cirque carved by ice, framed by rugged peaks.
Wildlife and Local Vibes: Keep an eye out for wild deer grazing freely in the meadows, bringing that authentic Irish magic to life. During peak season, don't miss the weekly Glendalough craft market near the Visitor Centre. Grab local cheese, homemade jams, wool crafts and more.
Extend Your Adventure: Cosy pubs pepper nearby Laragh village (a short walk away), perfect for a pint or stew. Bonus trails connect to Lugnaquilla's holy well or epic Sally Gap viewpoints for panoramic immersion before heading home.
Where to Eat Near Glendalough
After trails, refuel at valley-gems blending hearty fare and mountain views. Top spots post-hike
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Glendalough Tea Rooms: Cosy spots by the Visitor Centre for scones, soup and cakes; quick and family-friendly.
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Wicklow Heather (Laragh): Traditional pub grub like lamb stew or seafood chowder, with live trad music weekends.
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Glenmalure Lodge: Riverside restaurant for Wicklow venison or veggie plates; book ahead for dinner.
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Byrne & Woods (Laragh): Casual stone-walled pub with pizzas, burgers and craft pints overlooking the river.
These cluster where your walk ends, ideal for your Glendalough ruins and trails food guide from Dublin.
What to Bring for the Day
Smart packing elevates a Wicklow Mountains adventure. For a Glendalough day trip from Dublin, pack:
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Water 1-1.5L per person; limited refills beyond Visitor Centre.
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Snacks, light lunch, Trail mix, wraps or fruit; cafés bookend, but trails are sparse.
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Layers of waterproof Mountains brew sudden rain or mist, even in summer.
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Sturdy walking shoes, as rocky, boggy paths demand grip over trainers.
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Tissues, hand sanitiser and cash.
Tips for the Perfect Day Trip
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Layers rule, weather flips fast in the hills.
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Boots are essential, bogs and rocks await.
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Start early for parking buses and golden light.
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Catch dusk at Upper Lake for the ethereal ruins glow.
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Facilities are mainly at Visitor Centre; plan ahead.
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Public toilets are located at Visitor Centre and Upper Lake; none are deep on trails.
Glendalough isn't just trails; it's a portal to Ireland's ancient soul, blending serenity and scale mere miles from Dublin. Locals reset here, travellers discover timeless wonder, I always emerge windswept, soul-filled and hooked.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions:
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How long does the full Glendalough trail take? Spinc & Glenealo Valley (Red Trail) takes 2.5-3 hours with 9km and 300m ascent. Shorter lakeside walks are 1-2 hours.
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Is Glendalough suitable for beginners or families? Yes, the Yellow Lakeshore Trail is flat and easy; White Derrybawn suits kids. Steeper Spinc needs good fitness and shoes.
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What's the best time of year for a Glendalough visit? Spring to autumn for heather, milder weather and longer days. Visit year-round with layers for rain and wind.
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Can I bring kids or dogs on the trails? Kids handle easier paths; leashed dogs are welcome, but watch cliffs, livestock and edges.
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Where to eat after hiking Glendalough? Glendalough Tea Room for scones/soup, Wicklow Heather for stew/chowder, or Byrne & Woods for pub fare near Laragh.
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Is parking free at Glendalough? No, €4-5/day at Upper Lake/Visitor Centre; weekends fill fast. Buses avoid hassle.
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Are there toilets on the Glendalough trails? Mainly at Visitor Centre and Upper Lake car parks; none deep on paths, so plan ahead.
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What should I pack for a Glendalough day trip? Sturdy shoes, 1-1.5L water, snacks, waterproof layers, sanitiser and cash.
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What else to do beyond the trails in Glendalough? Explore monastic Round Tower/ruins, spot deer/goats, visit Poulanass Waterfall or Laragh market/pubs.
