How to visit Glendalough with kids; why you’ll love it

All you need to know to visit Glendalough with kids. Practical tips and information for a day out in this beautiful and atmospheric medieval site.

Glendalough is a beautiful and evocative medieval site in the pretty Wicklow Mountains.

Ireland is famous for its emerald hills, medieval past and grey skies and if you are looking to immerse yourself in mystical atmospheres, Glendalough is just the place (except for the crowds, but see below!)

Glendalough (pronounced: Glen-da-lock, with a hard ‘c’ sound at the end) is a monastic site dating back to the 7th century A.D.  

It is located just about an hour south of Dublin, in beautiful County Wicklow, and it is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from the city. 

However, despite this relative proximity to the capital, it’s a world away from the bustling city centre streets.

The best way to describe its atmosphere is to look at the meaning of its name.

‘Glendalough’ in Gaelic means ‘the valley of the two lakes’, and this small medieval site is nestled in a green valley with two interconnecting mountain lakes and sloping woods.

It is a wonderful place to add to any Ireland itinerary with kids or a perfect destination for a family day out of the city. So, you see, no matter if you are in Ireland for a long time or a short trip, I recommend you come here!

What is Glendalough

The monastic site of Glendalough was founded by St Kevin, an Irish saint who elected it as its hermit retreat.

The legend tells us that Kevin lived in this area in communion with nature ‘sleeping on stones and talking to birds’, but that towards the end of his life opened up the site to a selected number of friends and followers. 

After his death in 618 A.D., his followers stayed in Glendalough and soon made it into a flourishing monastic community.

Glendalough thrived for over 600 years. In its heyday, the settlement included churches and monastic cells, but also workshops, hospitality facilities, an infirmary, farm buildings and houses (most of which are now lost). 

Information about the site and guided tours are available at the visitors’ centre. With kids, I recommend a quick stop to gather basic information, but I recommend you visit the site on your own.  

Why visit Glendalough with kids

I recommend you visit Glendalough with kids on two accounts.

The first one is beauty.

The site is stunning, and I feel the sheer power of the landscape and the mystical atmosphere you breathe in here make it a worthy stop.

The second one is that Glendalough is a great place for kids to spend some time in nature. Around the lakes, children can run, play, explore forest areas, see ducks and birds and just be immersed in a beautiful natural setting.

if you come here at weekend, you are also likely to meet many other families so, it can be a great place to meet other kids too!

For older kids and teens, Glendalough is a great spot for photos and hiking.

Tips for visiting Glendalough with children

Glendalough is a very touristy site that has evolved over the years to accommodate a large number of visitors. 

The site itself is free to the public, but just beside the main entrance, there is a visitors centre with information and materials explaining its history. 

If this is your first time here, it is a good idea to enter the centre, as it provides good background information about the site and a map of the several paths in it.

There are many beautiful, family-friendly walks in the area, and some can be enjoyed even if you are here as a tourist and do not have special hiking equipment. 

The main facilities are beside the visitors centre. They are pretty basic, but they do include a small changing area, which is handy for families with young children.

As soon as you leave this first area, you find yourself surrounded by the beautiful woods Glendalough is famous for. 

A large buggy-friendly path crosses the woods and with no more than a five-minute walk, you find yourself at the entrance of the monastic city

The monastic city itself is, for me, the best part of the site and despite the name ‘city’ is a small site, easy to visit even if pressed for time. 

Its highlights are the building known as St Kevin’s Kitchen and the beautiful round tower, while its most evocative element is the ancient tombstones dotting the place. 

Glendalough has been a cemetery for a long time, and the ancient stones bear names dating back several centuries (part of the cemetery is still in use).

Unlike the path leading here, the city itself is not entirely stroller-friendly but if you have kids already of walking age or a good all terrain stroller, it’s a fun terrain to explore! 

My two were overexcited by the many steps and found it hilarious to play hide-and-seek among the ruins.

The monastic city is the most famous part of the site and the only one most tourists spend time into, but to really make the most of the site it is definitely worth venturing further down along the path, towards the lakes. 

The walk around the lakes is really easy and pleasant and, for the most part, equipped with boardwalks that make it easily accessible.

If you fancy a bit of a hike you can also venture further up in the woods, where you will find beautiful nature and additional traces of the life of St Kevin. 

The hikes are along uneven paths and not stroller-friendly.

You can find information about the available hikes here.

What to wear to visit Glendalough

The site requires some walking so the best attire for Glendalough is comfortable, outdoors clothing ang good walking shoes / runners.

If only visiting the monastic site and the area of the lakes, you do not need any special hiking gear.

Practical info for visiting Glendalough with kids

•  The site is best accessed by car. Parking lots are available at both the visitor’s centre and further up at the lake but they get full fast: come as early in the day as possible.
• Food stands and facilities are also available at both parking areas in summer and at some weekends. You can also bring your own food and have a picnic: picnic areas are at the Upper Lake.
• The cafe at the Glendalough Hotel is usually operational throughout the year
• Best time to visit: during the week, to avoid crowds. We had the best experience early in the morning (if you are staying locally, you beat all those who are driving from Dublin) or late in the day
•  Entrance to the site is free, but there is a charge for the visitor’s centre and the parking costs A few Euro/day at the time of writing
• Accessibility: The site is only partially accessible by stroller and wheelchair. I recommend you come with a carrier if intending on hiking or be ready to fold the stroller or leave it for a few minutes as you explore the monastic site
•  Facilities: available at the entrance, with a basic but handy changing area
•  Food and drinks: the Glendalough Hotel is close to the entrance and has a restaurant and cafe with bar food and kids’ menu
•  For children: no special attractions for children (playground etc) but there’s plenty of space for running around! 

I hope you visit Glendalough with kids! Safe travels!