A Speedy Guide To The Dublin To Glendalough Bus (St Kevins Bus)

The Dublin to Glendalough bus (St Kevins) is very handy.

It leaves from St Stephen’s Green North and drops you near the Glendalough Visitor Centre.

Below, you’ll find info on tickets, how long it takes and what to do when you arrive.

Some quick need-to-knows about the Dublin to Glendalough bus

Take 20 seconds to read the points below, first, as they’ll save you hassle in the long run:

1. Where it leaves from

The Dublin to Glendalough bus leaves from St Stephen’s Green North (across from Stephen’s Court in Dublin City Centre). For your return trip, the bus in Glendalough leaves from the Glendalough Visitors Centre.

2. When it goes

St Kevins Bus operates every day of the week during the summer season from March through September. On weekdays there are two buses, one leaves at 11:30 and the second leaves at 18:00. On the weekends the buses leave at 11:30 and 19:00. Make sure to check the timetable for bus times during the winter season.

3. How much it costs

One way tickets on the bus from Dublin to Glendalough or vice versa cost €13 for adults and €7 for children. Round trip tickets are €20 for adults and €12 for children. Tickets can be purchased on the bus (prices may change).

4. How long it takes

St Kevins Bus takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Dublin to Glendalough though this can vary depending on traffic and stops. If you catch the first bus to Glendalough and take the last bus back to Dublin you will have around 3.5 hours to explore Glendalough.

5. You can’t book online

At the time of typing, there is no way to book this bus in advance or buy tickets online. If you want to get to Glendalough you just need to show up at St Stephen’s Green North and wait for the bus to arrive. If you’d like to book at trip from Dublin to Glendalough, this organised tour is worth considering (affiliate link).

6. Warning

If you’re doing one of the Glendalough walks, like the long version of the Spinc Walk, you’re going to be very tight on time. Make sure to plan what you’re doing carefully so that you don’t miss the bus back.

About St Kevins Bus

St Kevins Bus Service has been operating the Dublin to Glendalough bus since 1927. They are a privately owned, family-run business with deep roots in the area.

We said bus, but often during the peak season, there will be multiple buses leaving at the same time so try not to panic if you arrive at the bus stop and there is a massive crowd waiting to board.

Where the bus from Dublin to Glendalough goes

The route begins at St Stephen’s Green North across from Stephen’s Court and ends at the Glendalough Visitors Centre. There are multiple stops in South Dublin including UCD, Foxrock and Loughlinstown before the bus gets to Bray.

From there it goes to Roundwood, Laragh and finally Glendalough. According to the St Kevins Bus timetable, there are 20 stops between Dublin and Glendalough but the bus rarely stops at all of them.

If you are going to be at one of the stops other than St Stephen’s Green, Bray or Roundstone, we recommend calling ahead.

Unfortunately, during the peak season the bus often completely fills at St Stephen’s Green so if you are set on a day out in Glendalough, your best bet is to board the bus there.

What to do when you arrive in Glendalough

There are heaps of things to do in Glendalough when you arrive, with something to suit most visitors.

From tough hikes to historic sites, there’s plenty to see and do around the valley.

1. The Visitor Centre

The Glendalough Visitor Centre provides an in-depth history of the area, exploring what life would have been like when the Monastic City was a busy monastery and pilgrimage site.

It explores Early Christianity in Ireland, looking at other monasteries and saints that were founded around the same time as Glendalough.

The Visitor Centre has an interactive model of what the Monastic City would have looked like in the 12th century which is great to visit before you head to the Monastic City and see what remains.  

2. The Monastic City

Glendalough Monastery is one of the most important early Christian sites in the country. It was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and grew to be an important monastery and pilgrimage site.

The site was sacked by English forces in the 14th century but still remained an important pilgrimage site for centuries after.

The structures that remain, including the ruins of Glendalough Cathedral, St. Kevin’s Church, and the Glendalough Round Tower, all date back to around the 11th century.

3. The Upper and Lower Lakes

Unsurprisingly, the lakes at Glendalough that you have seen on postcards, in Failte Ireland ads and on social media, look even better in real life.

These glacial lakes are nestled into Glendalough Valley surrounded by rolling hills. There is a boardwalk around sections of the Lower Lake shoreline that is worth a ramble.

The Upper Lake looks good from just about every angle but we recommend doing the Spinc Walk and checking out the views of the Upper and Lower Lakes from the viewpoint.

4. The walks and hikes

There are at least 11 walks in and around Glendalough varying in length and difficulty (see this guide for a full overview of the trails).

The shortest is the Poulanass and St. Kevin’s Cell walk which is a moderate 1km walk starting in the Upper car park.

The walk starts with a steep climb alongside Poulanass Waterfall and then takes you up to St. Kevin’s Cell where you have a beautiful view of the Upper Lake.

If you are looking for a slightly more challenging hike, check out the Spinc Loop.

FAQs about St Kevins Glendalough bus

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How much is it?’ to ‘When does it leave?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.