Glendalough Hermitage Centre, situated in a place which was once a thriving centre of Celtic Christian Spirituality, is a place of welcome and pilgrimage. The Sisters of Mercy are involved in running the Centre.

Our Vision

Glendalough, once a thriving centre of Celtic Christian spirituality,
Will be re-established as a central place of pilgrimage.
The services in Glendalough will enable people
To reconnect with the roots of their own deepest spiritual energies,
To have the opportunity to be enfolded in the beauty
And the healing touch of nature in the valley,
To experience the presence of God within their own being
As they experience the presence of God in the peace and tranquility of the valley.

Here too, people will find others who are prepared to listen,
To be companions and guides on the journey
Towards a deeper relationship with God.

The faith community of Glendalough will provide a hospitable space
For all who stop here along the journey of life,
A sacred space for healing, reconciliation and growth,
A space for deeper communion with
Our Creator and Host.

Mediation stone

History of the Hermitage Centre

Glendalough Hermitage Centre began in 1998 as part of a Jubilee Year project. It was conceived in preparation for the Third Millennium and out of a desire to respond to the needs of modern pilgrims. It was spearheaded by Father Sean O’Toole, then the Parish Priest in Glendalough and brought into existence with the collaboration and support of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

The project was called “Glendalough 2000/Suaimhneas Chaoimhin.” It was comprised of four parts:

  • Restoration of the unique parish church – the Church of St. Kevin
  • Provision of retreat facilities
  • Renovation of an old Coach House (stables)
  • Establishment of a Meditation Garden

A Place of Welcome for Pilgrims

A key part of the project was the decision to provide a place of welcome for pilgrims where they could be accommodated comfortably in an atmosphere of quiet and prayer.  In summer of 2000, work began on the building of five hermitages in the vicinity of St. Kevin’s Church with support from various Church and community sources as well as the Millennium Fund.

The Sisters of Mercy were invited by the Archdiocese to become involved in the development and running of the project. In 2001, Sisters Kathleen Delaney and Mary McKeever came to Glendalough to provide that service.

The hermitages were officially opened and blessed on the Feast of St. Kevin, 3rd June 2001.

Since then, in the quiet of Brockagh mountain, a short distance from the original monastic site, pilgrims are offered solitude, spiritual guidance and the opportunity to reflect on life.

Glendalough is now in its third millennium as a site of Christian pilgrimage. The story goes on….