Did you know that St. Patrick’s historic landing in 432 took place here in Wicklow? From the shores of Travelahawk Beach, where St. Patrick first set foot, to iconic monastic settlements, Wicklow bears the enduring mark of his early Christian influence. Delve into Wicklow’s rich Christian heritage by exploring some of the historical landscapes and sacred sites available in the Garden County.
Travelahawk Beach
Beyond its scenic pebble shoreline and natural charm, Travelahawk Beach is a significant heritage site which served as the reputed landing site of St. Patrick upon his return to Ireland in 432. As the closest land to Wales, this sheltered beach is where the saint first set foot, making it an intrinsic part of Wicklow’s rich Christian heritage.
Glendalough Monastic City
Glendalough Monastic City, set deep in a glacial valley in County Wicklow, is one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites. Founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, it became a thriving centre of prayer, learning, and pilgrimage during the early Christian period. The round tower, stone churches, and crosses that survive today reflect a community shaped by faith, solitude, and scholarship, where religion and the rugged landscape were closely intertwined. Even now, Glendalough carries the quiet spiritual atmosphere of Ireland’s early Christian tradition.
Baltinglass Abbey
Baltinglass Abbey, tucked beside the River Slaney in County Wicklow, is a beautifully atmospheric ruin of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Founded in 1148 by Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster, it was once known as Vallis Salutis the “Valley of Salvation.” Today, the soaring Gothic arches of the church still stand, hinting at the abbey’s former importance before it was dissolved in the 16th century. Quiet, open to the elements, and rich with history, it’s one of those places that feels timeless the moment you step inside.
Church Mountain Passage Tomb
Amidst the scenic beauty of Church Mountain lies a fascinating relic of Ireland’s ancient past. At its summit rests the remains of an early Christian Church and a circular cairn of stones, likely a former passage tomb dating back to the Neolithic period.
Discover one of Ireland’s oldest examples of stone-age heritage at Church Mountain, offering breath-taking views and insights into Irish history spanning over 3,000 years.
St. Valery’s Cross
Valery’s Cross is a free-standing granite structure standing at 1.40 meters. This historic feature, identifiable by its circular head and truncated cone base, likely dates back to the 12th century.
Belonging to a small group of crosses in the Dublin/North Wicklow Area, it serves as a tangible link to the early Christian heritage, continuing the legacy established by St. Patrick some seven centuries prior.
St Mark’s Cross – Blessington
Blessington Village Cemetery is home to the towering St. Mark’s Cross, a majestic symbol of Ireland’s enduring religiosity. This cross boasts intricate details, including a distinctive unpierced ring and a single boss on each face.
Dating back to the 13th century, St. Mark’s Cross is a long-standing testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of Old Irish society, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of Wicklow.
Aghowle Church
Aghowle Church, hidden in a wooded valley near Roundwood in County Wicklow, is a small but evocative early Christian site. Dating mainly from the 12th century, the church is believed to have grown from an earlier monastic settlement, reflecting the spread of Christianity into Ireland’s rural landscapes. Its simple stone ruins and surrounding graveyard speak to a faith rooted in isolation, prayer, and community, where Christianity shaped daily life in harmony with the natural surroundings.
