Glendalough Upper Lake

Welcome to the Upper Lake of Glendalough, a site where the raw majesty of the Wicklow Mountains meets a profound spiritual history. The name Glendalough itself derives from the Irish 'Gleann Dá Loch', literally translating to the…

As we move along the northern shore, we find ourselves on the Miners Road. While Glendalough is primarily known for its medieval sanctity, the 18th and 19th centuries brought a different kind of life to the valley: lead mining. …

We have reached the head of the Upper Lake, where the valley narrows and the ruins of the mining village come into sharp focus. Here, among the scattered granite blocks and derelict walls, you can see the remains of crushing…

Crossing back toward the southeastern shore, we encounter the serene ruins of Reefert Church. Dating primarily to the 11th century, its name is derived from the Irish 'Righ Fearta', meaning 'Cemetery of the Kings'. …

High on the cliff face overlooking the southern shore of the lake lies one of Glendalough’s most famous and inaccessible sites: Saint Kevin’s Bed. This is a small man-made cave, about 10 meters above the water, where Saint Kevin…

As we head back toward the visitor center, the sound of rushing water grows louder, leading us to the Poulanass Waterfall. The name comes from 'Poll an Eas', meaning 'Hole of the Waterfall'. …

Returning to the edge of the lake, we find ourselves on the small beach area where the valley floor meets the water. This is a perfect place to pause and reflect on the scale of the landscape. …

As we conclude our tour of the Upper Lake of Glendalough, we leave behind a landscape that has been a sanctuary for saints, a workplace for miners, and a home for kings. We have walked the Miners Road, reflecting on the grit of…