Joyce’s Ireland offer a fully guided hiking service in the Glendalough Valley, County Wicklow.
Glendalough is situated approximately one hour south of Dublin City.
It can be reached by bus from the City Centre, or if you prefer, we can provide private transfer on request.
We can also book a night or two for you at a local bed and breakfast or hotel.
Glendalough translates as the “Valley of Two Lakes”. The hermit priest, St Kevin, established a monastery here in the 6th Century.
The settlement ruins are located within the beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Within the monastic settlement can be found one of the finest round towers in Ireland which stands at 30 metres high. The roof was rebuilt in 1876 with the original stones. The use of round towers was often for storage, but also as a safe haven from attack. In addition to the round tower, there is a cathedral and several other fine churches.
After visiting the monastic city, we can make our way beside the Lower Lake along a fine trail.
Glendalough is located within an oak woodland interspersed with holly, hazel and rowan, or mountain ash.
This ancient woodland was once coppiced for the production of charcoal, wood and bark.
It is a haven for the wildlife including the red squirrel. The woodland floor is alive with mosses, bracken, polypody ferns and wood sorrel.
Our walk takes us beside the two lakes and up to the Miner’s Village situated at the head of the valley.
Lead was mined here from 1850 to 1957. Look out for the wild goats on the hillsides.
At this vantage point we can enjoy view back across the valley and far beyond.We then continue through the Lugduff Forest (trans. ‘The Black Hollow’), stopping for photographs at Pollanass Waterfall and back to the Glendalough for some well-earned refreshments beside the open fire in the lovely Glendalough Hotel.
DETAILS:
Distance: 11.4km / 7 miles. Total ascent: 410m / 1230 ft
Depart from Glendalough Hotel 11am. Finish at Glendalough Hotel 3-4pm.
Transport available from Dublin on request. Available throughout the year.
Please contact us through our contact form or email enquiry@joycesireland.com
