rathdrum

1798 Rebellion

This site commemorates the United Irishmen uprising of 1798, a pivotal moment in Irish history marked by a fierce struggle for independence. Set amidst the serene landscape of Glendalough, the area offers a poignant contrast between its tur

Ballyboy House

Ballyboy House is a historic country house located in the picturesque landscape near Glendalough. While the current structure dates from the 18th century, the site has deeper roots, possibly associated with an earlier settlement. Its elegan

Buddies

'Buddies' is a local term for a specific type of ore-dressing structure used in the Glendalough lead mines. These were essentially rectangular, sloping stone-lined pits where crushed ore was washed and agitated in water to separate the heav

Cloghernagh

Rising majestically within the rugged embrace of the Wicklow Mountains, Cloghernagh offers a challenging yet rewarding ascent for avid hikers. Standing at over 850 meters, its rocky summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding Lugnaqu

Crusher

The 'Crusher' is the site of the primary ore crushing machinery used in the Glendalough lead mining operation. Here, large rocks extracted from the mines were mechanically broken down into smaller pieces for further processing. The concrete

Derralossory Parish

Derralossory Parish is a historic ecclesiastical parish in County Wicklow, encompassing the Glendalough area. Its name derives from the Irish 'Doire na Lobhar,' meaning 'Oakwood of the Leprous,' hinting at a medieval leper hospital that onc

Dressing Area

The Dressing Area was a crucial part of the Glendalough lead mine, where the raw ore was processed and concentrated before being sent for smelting. Here, miners would 'dress' the ore by hand, separating valuable galena (lead sulfide) from t

Fiddler's Row

Fiddler's Row is a historic row of cottages in the Glendalough area, believed to have housed miners and their families during the 19th-century mining boom. The name evokes a sense of community and the simple pleasures that provided solace i

Gateway

The Gateway is the impressive stone entrance to the Glendalough monastic enclosure, dating back to the 9th century. It features a distinctive archway with a cross inscribed above it, welcoming pilgrims and visitors for over a thousand years

Glendalough

Glendalough is a breathtaking glacial valley in County Wicklow, renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. The site features a remarkable collection of ruins, including a round tower, seve

Glendalough Cathedral

Glendalough Cathedral, also known as the Great Church, is the largest and most significant building within the monastic site. Dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, it features a grand nave and chancel, with a distinctive sacristy added l

Glendalough PhotoPost

The Glendalough PhotoPost is a specially designated viewpoint designed for capturing the perfect photograph of the valley's iconic landscape. Located strategically to offer a stunning panorama of the Upper Lake, the Round Tower, and the sur

Glendalough Round Tower

The Glendalough Round Tower is an iconic 30-meter-tall structure that dominates the monastic skyline. Built in the 10th or 11th century, it served as a bell tower, a place of refuge, and a storage for sacred treasures. Its perfectly preserv

Glendalough Visitor Centre

The Glendalough Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for exploring the valley's rich monastic history. It features an engaging exhibition with artifacts, models, and audiovisual displays that bring the story of Saint Kevin and his 6

Laragh Castle

Laragh Castle is a 13th-century Anglo-Norman fortress located in the nearby village of Laragh. Though now in ruins, its thick stone walls and rectangular keep hint at its former defensive strength. The castle played a role in the region's m

Lead Mine Yard

The Lead Mine Yard was the central processing hub of the 19th-century Glendalough mining operation, where extracted ore was crushed and sorted. Remnants of heavy machinery, stone buildings, and the distinctive 'dressing floor' can still be

Lugduff

Rising majestically within the Wicklow Mountains, Lugduff offers a secluded sanctuary for hikers seeking solitude amidst ancient landscapes. Its rugged peak provides panoramic views of the Glendalough valley, where mist often clings to the

Mine Level

This 'Mine Level' is a horizontal tunnel or adit driven into the hillside as part of the Glendalough lead mining operations. It represents the engineering efforts to reach and extract ore from deep within the mountain. The entrance, often p

Miners' Village

The Miners' Village in Glendalough is a poignant relic of the 19th-century lead mining boom that transformed this serene valley. Scattered stone foundations and ruined cottages hint at the tough, communal life of the miners who once lived a

Mullacor

Rising majestically within the Wicklow Mountains, Mullacor offers a rugged and immersive escape into Ireland's wild heart. Standing at over 700 meters, this peak provides sweeping panoramic views of the Glendalough valley, where ancient mon

Old Lead Mine

The Old Lead Mine is one of the key historic sites in the Glendalough valley, representing the early phase of the 19th-century mining boom. Visible remains include the entrance to a deep shaft and extensive spoil heaps, evidence of the inte

Old Level

The 'Old Level' is a historic horizontal mine entrance, or adit, dug into the hillside to access lead veins in the Glendalough mining district. This dark, narrow tunnel opening is a direct portal to the challenging and dangerous work undert

Old Luganure

Old Luganure is a historic mining area within the Glendalough valley, known for its extensive network of surface workings and underground levels. The site is characterized by large spoil heaps, open cuts, and the remains of stone buildings

Old Mine Building

The Old Mine Building is a relic of Glendalough's 19th-century mining industry, when lead and zinc were extracted from the surrounding hills. This sturdy stone structure once housed machinery and workers, standing as a testament to the vall

Priests' House

Rathdrum Parish

Rathdrum Poor Law Union

Rathdrum Registrars District 1885

Rathdrum Superintendent Registrars District

Reefert Church

Saint Kevin's Bed

Saint Kevin's Church

Saint Kevin's Cross

Saint Saviour's Priory

Shay Elliott memorial

Site of Saint Kevin's Cell

St Kieran's Church

Temple-na-Skellig

The Deer Stone

Trinity Church

Van Diemen's Mine

Carrickgollogan Dolmen/Wedge Tomb