Camino de Glendalough
The Camino de Glendalough guides pilgrims through the stunning Wicklow Mountains, stretching between Hollywood and Glendalough. This route traces the historic St Kevin’s Way, starting at St Kevin’s Church in Hollywood and leading to the Monastic City in Glendalough. The entire Camino spans 30 kilometres, but there are numerous points along the path where individuals and groups can embark on shorter segments.
The Dublin & Glendalough diocesan pilgrimage, known as the Glendalough Camino, offers a meaningful journey for pilgrims. Participants can choose to walk the entire route from Hollywood to Glendalough or opt for shorter trails at various points along the way.
Traditionally held on Sundays, the pilgrimage has been moved to Saturdays based on feedback from clergy in the dioceses. This change allows clergy to participate in this significant event with their parishioners.
The Glendalough Camino connects two churches along St Kevin’s Way – St Kevin’s Church in Hollywood and St John’s Church in Laragh. Pilgrims embarking on the full 30-kilometre journey will receive a Pilgrims Blessing at St Kevin’s Church in Hollywood at 9am. It is recommended to allow six hours to complete the route.
Throughout the pilgrimage, shorter journeys are facilitated with a minibus transporting people from St John’s Church in Laragh to the Wicklow Gap at regular intervals.
All participants, regardless of the route chosen, are invited to a closing service at the stone ring fort on the shores of the Upper Lake in Glendalough at 5pm. A bus will be available to bring people back to Hollywood at approximately 5.30pm. Those wishing to use this service must register and provide contact details before departing from St Kevin’s Church in the morning.
St Kevin’s Way is a recognized Celtic Camino route. Pilgrims planning to walk the Camino de Santiago can have their Camino Passports stamped at the beginning and end of the journey, contributing to the completion of their Compostela.