What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4:15pm Tuesday 9:30am - 4:15pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:15pm Thursday 9:30am - 4:15pm Friday 9:30am - 4:15pm Saturday 9:30am - 4:15pm Sunday 9:30am - 4:15pm

Glendalough Visitor Centre

Home
Ireland
Bray
Glendalough Visitor Centre

Directions Website Contact the organisation

Welcome to the official page for Glendalough Visitor Centre, an OPW managed heritage site.

26/10/2026

I'll be watching ewe !

You never know what curious creature will be looking in through the window of Trinity Church in Glendalough.

Photo: Linda Conyard.

24/10/2026

As Bob Dylan once sang, “For The Times They Are A Changin’ “

From Tuesday 27th October, the times are indeed a changin’. Glendalough Visitor Centre will change to our Winter times and the last admissions will be at 4.15pm each day.

24/10/2026

Saints appreciate the gravity of a situation..............

One legend of Saint Kevin tells us of an angel warning him to move from in front of his cave as a rock was about to fall. He heeded the warning and immediately a rock fell on the spot where he had been standing.
Today is the feast day of an Italian Saint Mark who lived as a hermit in a cave in Campania. He was warned by his followers of a dangerous rock above his cave and narrowly avoided disaster by staying inside his cave as the rock fell.

13/10/2026

Tá an suíomh seo dúnta don phobal 14/10/2026 de bharr gníomhaíocht thionsclaíoch. Gabhann Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí leithscéal as an míchaoithiúlacht a chruthaíonn an dúnadh sealadach seo do chuairteoirí. Beidh an carrchlós dúnta freisin. Osclófar an suíomh arís 15/10/2026.

This site is closed to the public on 14/10/2026 due to industrial action. The OPW regrets the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause to visitors. The car park will also be closed. This site will reopen 15/10/2026.

05/10/2026

Hiding in plain sight…………………….

St Ciarán’s Church in Glendalough was rediscovered under a mound of earth and vegetation during restoration work in the 1870s. It is thought to be the smallest surviving Nave and Chancel Church in Ireland although only the low walls remain today. It has a distinct two chamber layout and, unusually, it has a priest’s door on the Southern side along with the main entrance to the West.
Make sure to discover it on your visit to Glendalough.

18/09/2026

Fowl weather in Glendalough !

Even the ducks were looking for shelter in Glendalough today.

10/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day……….Changing the narrative on su***de.

Start the conversation, challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and foster open compassionate conversations about su***de. While su***de is a complex issue, it is not inevitable. Each of us has the ability to look out for others who may be struggling and offer support. Sometimes a simple act of reaching out can interrupt feelings of isolation and remind someone that they are not alone. You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. Offering a listening, non-judgemental ear can be immensely helpful to a person in distress and may provide the opportunity they need to access the supports they need.

Play your part in reaching out to someone you are concerned about:
· If you’re worried about someone, reach out to them. Ask how they’re feeling and show that you care. Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen without judgment. Ask how they’re doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?” Try not to jump in with your advice or opinions.
· Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. People who have been suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about thoughts they are experiencing. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help.
· If you’re worried about someone, stay with them and just let them know you're there. Let them know that they can call Samaritans free, day or night. If you think it’s an emergency or they’ve tried to harm themselves – call 999 or 112 in Ireland.
· And remember to look after yourself, Samaritans is there to support you too. Let them know that you’re here for them and that if they’re going through a tough time, they can turn to Samaritans too.
· Anyone in Ireland can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123.

04/09/2026

As Elton John once sang……………………..

“I’m still standing better than I ever did, Looking like a true survivor….………….”

He could well have been singing about many of our monuments here at Glendalough. For instance, Saint Kevin’s Church dates to the late 11th or early 12th century. The stone roof of this church is still standing (and looking like a true survivor) for 1,000 years and is constructed using a technique known as stone corbelling. This is where a projecting stone is overlapped horizontally and supports another stone and then another and another, and so on, in order to achieve the pitched roof with its barrel-vaulted interior ceiling. Stone corbelling as a technique dates back to Neolithic times and was used by the ancient Greeks.

29/08/2026

Captains, Cakes, Swans and Songs………………….

A huge thank you to Jane and all involved in the Wicklow Town Memory Café who extended a warm welcome to our Guides Aodán and Val yesterday who gave presentations on some local street art. Some of the amazing murals in Wicklow Town were the subject matter involving images of Captain Robert Halpin and four lovely swans depicting the story of the Children of Lír. Gorgeous refreshments and cakes were provided along with some great music from Shay and John.
We were delighted to have been invited to take part and wish continued success to the organisers and participants in these wonderful events.

23/08/2026

Shine a light……………..

A light has shone on the various built, natural and cultural aspects of our local heritage for this week in particular. Various extra tours and events for Heritage week 2026 were added to our existing offerings at the Glendalough Visitor Centre.
We would like to thank everyone who attended any of our tours and events in Glendalough, Baltinglass and Rathgall.
We were delighted to see so many young participants in our Family Friendly Tour, LEGO workshops and “Big Dig” today.
Again, we extend a huge thank you to all our OPW Guides, OPW staff, Jessica Farrell, The Irish School of Archaeology, Wicklow Heritage Office and The Glendalough Heritage Forum for their participation and support.

Address

Bray

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4:15pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4:15pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4:15pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4:15pm
Friday	9:30am - 4:15pm
Saturday	9:30am - 4:15pm
Sunday	9:30am - 4:15pm

Website

https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/glendalough-visitor-centre/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Glendalough Visitor Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.