Glendalough Upper Lake
Lake Scenic upper lake at Glendalough monastic site
The Upper Lake at Glendalough in County Wicklow. Walkers and history visitors come for monastic ruins, the round tower and valley trails circling tranquil glacial lakes.
Glendalough Upper Lake is one of two lakes in the glacial valley of Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland, and forms part of the historic monastic landscape founded by St Kevin in the 6th century.
The Upper Lake sits within the Wicklow Mountains and is crossed by a network of walking trails from short lakeside circuits to longer hill routes. A well-known route called the Spinc follows the valley rim and includes a boardwalk that offers panoramic views over the lake and wooded slopes.
Glendalough grew up around a monastic settlement established by St Kevin in the 6th century and developed through the medieval period; the monastic ruins and burial grounds remain an important archaeological and cultural focus in the valley. The lakes themselves occupy a classic U-shaped glacial valley carved during the last Ice Age.
The Upper Lake lies within the Wicklow Mountains National Park near the village of Glendalough, in eastern County Wicklow, roughly south of Dublin and accessible by road from regional towns.
- Best viewpoint: The Spinc boardwalk and viewpoint give one of the best panoramic views over the Upper Lake and the surrounding valley.
- Access and parking: Parking and the Glendalough Visitor Centre provide the main access point; car parks can become busy in summer and at weekends.
How to Get to Glendalough Upper Lake #
Glendalough is about 1-1.5 hours’ drive from Dublin (depending on route); take the M9 south then regional roads toward Laragh/Glendalough. There are seasonal shuttle and bus services from Dublin and Wicklow towns during peak months; parking is available at the Visitor Centre with short walks to the Upper Lake.
Tips for Visiting Glendalough Upper Lake #
- Go early in the morning to catch the light on the lakes and avoid coach groups who arrive mid-morning.
- Walk the short loop from the Visitor Centre to both the Upper and Lower Lakes; the Upper Lake offers quieter vantage points and better reflections.
- Bring insect repellent in summer for the valley trails - the area is damp and midges can be persistent.
Best Time to Visit Glendalough Upper Lake #
The monastic site and valley are visitable year-round; spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and visitor numbers, while summer has the most activity from tour groups.
Weather & Climate near Glendalough Upper Lake #
Glendalough Upper Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1036 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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