The Hermitage Centre is situated on the grounds of St. Kevin’s Parish Church and shares some common space with the parish including a beautiful Meditation Garden.

Although it is now an independent entity, the Centre continues to have very close links with St. Kevin’s Parish. We collaborate closely and support each other in many areas of common interest.

We Sisters of Mercy who take care of the Hermitage Centre are members of St. Kevin’s Parish. We attend daily Mass in the church and participate in parish activities. The Parish Priest and parishioners are valued friends and supporters of our work.

St. Kevin’s Church itself was built during the period 1846 to 1850. Designed by the Irish architect, J.J. McCarthy, the church was built by the local community under the leadership of Father Eugene Clarke, P.P.

The work was undertaken during the most devastating years of the Irish Famine and is a testament to the strong faith and generosity of the local community.

The church was carefully restored to its original beauty for the Jubilee Year 2000. It has been described as “a strict revival of a simple parish church of the middle ages.” The cut stone simplicity holds echoes of Celtic Monasticism and provides a beautiful setting for celebrations of the liturgy when the community and visitors gather for prayer.

The Church contains the original icons of St. Kevin and St. Laurence O’Toole which were specially commissioned for the Jubilee celebrations and written by Sr. Aloysius McVeigh, also a Mercy sister. 

Mass is celebrated daily in the Church. For further information on St. Kevin’s Parish and church activities, visit www.glendalough.dublindiocese.ie.