St Kevin's Way

The Pilgrim Paths of Ireland are a collection of ancient religious routes around the country which have documented claims to having been used by pilgrims since ancient times. Walking these ancient ways not only offers the opportunity for spiritual renewal but also provides us with a link to our past, while contributing to sustainable tourism and community development in each area

St. Kevin’s Pilgrim trail from Hollywood to Glendalough, reputedly follows the journey taken by St Kevin to found a monastic settlement in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. The well-marked track rises gently to the sweeping viewpoint of the Wicklow Gap before descending easily to finish at the ancient monastic site at Glendalough, which was a renowned centre of pilgrimage and learning in the medieval period.

Trail Details

Length 30K (18miles)  
Climb 580m   
Duration 7 hours 
Trail Head Hollywood T124 969
Finishes at Glendalough Monastic Site N 940 055
Pilgrim Passport information 083 4328842 or 087 2702099
Passport stamping Point Glendalough Hotel

Visit the fine interpretative centre beside Glendalough carpark to get an overview of the history of the area.  Little remains of the early monastery that grew up around St Kevin’s tomb, and most of the monastic buildings date from the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the heyday of the European pilgrimage. The cluster includes one of the country’s best preserved examples of a round tower. The valley beyond the monastic settlement has much to offer, including a view of the inaccessible ‘St Kevin’s Bed’ from which he reputedly hurled a seductive maiden into the lake below in a determined effort to preserve his chastity!

Pilgrim passport – walkers can avail of getting a passport stamped for completion of pilgrim paths around Ireland - see www.pilgrimpath.ie/pilgrim-passport