Shops and Restaurants

Shops and restaurants are available in the village of Laragh within five minutes walk of the Hermitage Centre:

  • McCoy’s mini-market (sells most grocery and household items, fuel for fire, petrol/diesel)
  • Glendalough Green (sells groceries – organic produce available)
  • The Wicklow Heather (restaurant)
  • Lynham’s (bar and restaurant)
  • The Conservatory (restaurant/coffee shop)
  • There is also a gift shop and some coffee shops. Laragh village only has a post-box. The nearest Post Offices are in Rathdrum and Roundwood.
  • There is an ATM in McCoys mini-market, in Laragh village.

The Glendalough Hotel (15 minutes walk) also serves food and drink.

Tours and Walking

Glendalough Monastic Site and National Park is located one kilometre (10-15 minutes walk) from the Hermitage Centre. Information, a guided tour and a video screening on monasticism in Ireland are available in the Visitors’ Centre.

The Hermitage Centre is also well-placed for access to a large network of walks in the beautiful scenery of the Wicklow mountains. These include:

  • Walks in the area of Glendalough National Park
  • Wicklow Way
  • St. Kevin’s Way

For those who wish to remain in quiet as they walk, Brockagh Woods and Mountain are adjacent to the Hermitage Centre and provide a number of beautiful walks which can be made in peace and tranquillity even at times when Glendalough National Park is busy.

Public Transport

Public transport is available from Dublin to Glendalough. St. Kevin’s Bus Service runs a twice daily service leaving St. Stephen’s Green north in Dublin city centre at 11.30 am and 18.00 pm. Contact (01) 2818119 for further details or visit www.glendaloughbus.com.

When requested, the bus driver will stop at the turn for the Hermitage Centre in Laragh village (before you come to Glendalough). Ask for St. Kevin’s Parish Church.

It is also possible to get a bus or train from Dublin to Rathdrum or Ashford and then to get a taxi to Laragh.

Internet Access

Internet access is not available in the hermitages but can be accessed in the Coach House or in the nearby Brockagh Centre.

Pets

Unfortunately, pets cannot be facilitated in the Hermitage Centre. However, kennels are available in Rathdrum and Wicklow town.

Local Religious Services

Mass

Daily mass is available (except in the occasional absence of the parish priest) in St. Kevin’s parish church which is adjacent to the Hermitage Centre. The times are as follows:

Monday – Thursday 9.00 am
Friday – 7.00 pm (except Winter when it is 9am)
Vigil Mass Saturday – 7.00 pm
Sunday Mass – 10.30 am

The sacrament of reconciliation is available on Saturday evenings or by request.

Communion Service – Sunday – 9.15 am

A Church of Ireland communion service is available on Sundays in St. John’s parish church which is located in the village of Laragh about 10 minutes’ walk from the Hermitage Centre.

Additional religious services take place on an occasional basis. Information is available on request.