Glendalough Cathedral — Attraction in The Municipal District of Wicklow

Glendalough Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, is one of the key buildings of the medieval Glendalough monastic complex in County Wicklow, Ireland, located near Glendalough Tower and the Church of Saint Kevin. Here is some basic information about it: • History: • The cathedral was built between the 9th and 12th centuries, although the exact dates of construction are unknown. It was the central church of the monastery founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. • During its heyday (until the 13th century), Glendalough was an important religious and educational centre in Ireland, with the cathedral serving as the main place of worship. • Following an English attack in 1398, the monastery, including the cathedral, began to decline. By the 16th century, the cathedral was partially abandoned, but remained in use as a parish church until the 17th century. • Architecture: • The cathedral is built from local slate and granite in the early Christian Irish style. • It has a traditional layout for that time: a rectangular nave (about 30 m long and 10 m wide) and a smaller altar part (choir). • The western entrance is decorated with an arch with carved stone elements, indicating a Romanesque style. Remains of decorative arches and columns have survived. • The roof was probably wooden and has not survived, so today the cathedral is ruins with partially surviving walls up to 2-3 meters high. • In the altar part you can see traces of a stone altar, and in the nave - the remains of the foundation and several tombstones. • Purpose: • The cathedral was the main place of liturgical life of the monastery, where large services were held and relics were kept. • In later periods it also served as a burial place for local...

Glendalough Cathedral is without a doubt one of the highlights of this historic monastic site. Walking among the ruins, you can almost feel the centuries of history that shaped this valley. The cathedral itself, though roofless, is truly impressive in its scale and detail. The stonework and arches tell stories of a time when Glendalough was a thriving center of faith and learning, and it is fascinating to imagine how it must have looked in its full glory. What I love most about this place is the atmosphere. Surrounded by peaceful mountains and old gravestones, the cathedral feels both grand and serene. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and take in the deep sense of history. Every corner is incredibly photogenic – from the tall stone walls to the ancient Celtic crosses scattered around the grounds. The area is well maintained, and there is a spacious parking lot nearby with a one-time daily fee, as well as free toilet facilities and small food stalls, which make the visit convenient. But what makes this site truly special is the sense of stepping back in time. If you are a history lover, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys exploring unique cultural sites, Glendalough Cathedral is a must-see. I always leave this place inspired and grateful to experience a piece of Ireland’s soul. Definitely worth visiting – and...

Glendalough cathedral is a stunning, old, sixth century monastery. It is an ancient, monastic city in County Wicklow, Ireland, founded by Saint Kevin. Glendalough was attacked several times by Vikings and the monks would hide in the tall, conical stone tower that still stands today for protection. The English destroyed the majority of the monastery city in 1398, leaving it the ruin that it is today.

It is a lovely historic site and is very peaceful and relaxing. You enter through the curved, granite arches, where we were lucky enough to see a lady playing Irish bagpipes (yes the Irish have bagpipes as well, but not as famous or common).

Tour the ancient graves and wonder at the tall, conical, bell tower. Stroll through the ruins of St. Peter and Paul’s cathedral and appreciate the amazing stone roof of St. Kevin’s church or ‘Kitchen,’ (its bell tower looks like kitchen chimney) as it’s called.

A very interesting, historic and lovely place to visit while in Ireland, that is well...