Gleann Dá Loch
Glendalough
Co. Wicklow · 53.01° N · 6.33° W
Dublin & Wicklow · Co. Wicklow
Photoshoots in Glendalough
A photoshoot in Glendalough is a session with a professional photographer in the glacial valley of the two lakes in Wicklow Mountains National Park, at the Upper Lake, the boardwalk or the early medieval monastic site, arranged through Eriora, from €450 for a couple.
Pricing
From €450
- Region
- Dublin & Wicklow
- Photo spots
- 5
Starting price. The exact price depends on photographer, place, date, time and add-ons, and is stated in your proposal before you book.
Quick answers
- How much does it cost?
- Photoshoot in Glendalough starts from €450. The final price depends on the place, duration, date, time of day, travel and any add-ons such as video, and is stated in your proposal before you book.
- When is the best time?
- The valley runs east to west and is enclosed by steep slopes, so the sun leaves the lakes early in the evening.
- Which experiences are available here?
- Proposal Photography, Couple Photoshoot, Elopement Photography, Engagement Photography, Family Photoshoot, and Honeymoon Photography
- Getting there
- Glendalough is about an hour by car south of Dublin.
- Where does it take place?
- Popular places include The Upper Lake shore; The boardwalk and Miners’ Road; The round tower and monastic site; The Green Road and the Lower Lake. Your photographer suggests the best spot for your date, the light and the crowds.
- How does booking work?
- Send a free request with your place, date and plans. Eriora checks which photographers are available and replies with a proposal stating the photographer, the package and the exact price. Nothing is booked until you accept.
Glendalough, “the valley of the two lakes”, is a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains founded as a monastic settlement by Saint Kevin in the sixth century. Its round tower, stone churches and old graveyard stand at the foot of the valley, and a walk along the river leads to the Lower Lake and then the larger Upper Lake, framed by steep slopes of forest, scree and heather.
It is one of the most romantic places within reach of Dublin, and it suits proposals, couple photoshoots, elopements and quiet engagement sessions. The valley feels remote but the paths are well made, so it works for families too.
Glendalough is on the scenic tier: the photographer drives out from the city and the session usually includes a walk. A couple session starts at €450 and a proposal at €490; see pricing for details.
Photo spots — Glendalough
- 01
The Upper Lake shore
The Upper Lake lies at the head of the valley under steep cliffs and forest. Its small beach and the paths around the eastern end give wide, calm water with mountains behind — the classic Glendalough image and the most popular place for a proposal.
- Best time
- Early morning for still water and mist; late afternoon for soft light down the valley.
- Access
- About 30 minutes on foot from the visitor centre along the Green Road, or a few minutes from the Upper Lake car park.
- 02
The boardwalk and Miners’ Road
Along the northern side of the Upper Lake, the Miners’ Road and the wooden boardwalk of the Spinc trail lead deeper into the valley. The boardwalk is a strong leading line through heather and trees, and the views back over the lake are wide and quiet.
- Best time
- Golden hour, and any misty morning.
- Access
- A level walk along the lake for the Miners’ Road; the Spinc boardwalk starts with a long climb of steps and suits fit walkers.
- 03
The round tower and monastic site
The round tower, around 30 metres tall, stands among the stone ruins of the monastic city with its gateway, cathedral and Celtic crosses. It gives a sense of history and works well on grey days, when the stone and the moss look their best.
- Best time
- Early morning before tour coaches arrive; overcast days for soft light.
- Access
- Close to the visitor centre and the Glendalough Hotel; level paths.
- 04
The Green Road and the Lower Lake
The Green Road follows the river through woodland from the monastic site to the Upper Lake, passing the small, reed-fringed Lower Lake. It is shady, green and quiet, good for walking portraits and for families with small children.
- Best time
- Any time with soft light; autumn for golden leaves.
- Access
- A flat, well-surfaced path of about 2 km between the visitor centre and the Upper Lake.
- 05
Wicklow Gap and the mountain roads
The roads over the Wicklow Gap and towards Sally Gap cross open bog and moorland with long views. They make a good second location on a longer session, for wide, empty landscapes with no one else in the frame.
- Best time
- Sunset and sunrise; clear days after rain.
- Access
- By car only, 10–40 minutes from Glendalough; the high roads can be closed in snow.
Best time
Seasons
Spring brings fresh green and fewer visitors; summer has long evenings but busy car parks at weekends; autumn, from late September to early November, turns the valley gold and brown and is many photographers’ favourite. Winter can bring snow on the peaks and very quiet paths, with short days.
Time of day
The valley runs east to west and is enclosed by steep slopes, so the sun leaves the lakes early in the evening. Early morning gives the stillest water and the best chance of mist; late afternoon gives warm light on the slopes. Midday on a sunny summer weekend is the busiest and harshest time.
Weather
The Wicklow Mountains are wetter and cooler than Dublin, and cloud can sit on the peaks for days. Mist and soft rain are part of the place and often make the most atmospheric pictures. Paths stay walkable in rain, but the upper trails can be muddy and exposed. Your photographer watches the forecast and can move the session within the day.
Getting there
Glendalough is about an hour by car south of Dublin. The St Kevin’s Bus runs daily between Dublin and Glendalough, and many day tours stop here, but a car or the photographer’s transport gives the freedom to arrive at the right hour. There are car parks at the visitor centre and at the Upper Lake; the Upper Lake car park is paid and fills early on busy days.
Good to know
Glendalough is in Wicklow Mountains National Park, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Entry to the valley and the monastic site is free; the Upper Lake car park charges a fee. A private photoshoot needs no permit, but commercial filming and organised events in the national park need permission, so check before planning a ceremony. Drones in national parks are generally not allowed without permission; check the rules before you plan one. Swimming in the lakes is not advised.
- Arrive before 9:00 in summer for an empty lakeshore and a parking space at the Upper Lake.
- Bring waterproof shoes; the paths and the lake beach are often wet.
- Mist is a gift here, not a problem — soft weather makes Glendalough look its best.
- Combine with the Wicklow Gap or Sally Gap for wide mountain views on a longer session.
- Have a meal or a drink at the hotel by the monastic site after the session.
Experiences in Glendalough
From €490
Proposal Photography
A photographer who hides, catches the moment you ask, and then takes relaxed portraits of the two of you. Planned with you in advance.
1 hourExplore
From €320
Couple Photoshoot
An hour of easy, guided portraits of the two of you, in a Dublin square, on a Galway quay or above the Atlantic.
1 hourExplore
From €950
Elopement Photography
A small ceremony on a clifftop or by a lake, photographed from the first look to the last light. Legal or symbolic.
4 hoursExplore
From €320
Engagement Photography
Relaxed portraits of the two of you as an engaged couple, for save-the-dates, your wedding website and the walls at home.
1 hourExplore
Photographer availability
We confirm availability for your date personally — send a request and we will check which reviewed photographers are free for this place and session.
Find My PhotographerFrequently asked questions
Can you propose at Glendalough?
Yes. The Upper Lake shore and the Miners’ Road are popular, quiet places for a proposal, with the photographer waiting on the path. See the proposal photographer page and our Ireland proposal guide.
How far is Glendalough from Dublin?
About an hour by car, or a little longer by the daily St Kevin’s Bus. It is an easy half-day trip from Dublin.
Can we elope at Glendalough?
A small symbolic ceremony is possible in the valley, but organised events in the national park need permission. Our elopement photographer page and the Ireland elopement guide explain the options.
What if it rains at Glendalough?
Light rain and mist often make the best pictures here. In heavy rain the photographer uses the woodland and the monastic site, or moves the session to a drier window the same day.
How much does a photoshoot at Glendalough cost?
Glendalough is on the scenic tier: a couple session starts at €450, a proposal at €490 and a family session at €450. See pricing.
Is Glendalough good for families?
Yes. The Green Road is flat and shady, the monastic site is full of stories, and the lake beach keeps children busy. Read about our family photoshoot.
Planning guides
How to Elope in Ireland: Legal Steps, Locations and a Sample Day
A legal marriage needs three months’ notice in person; a symbolic ceremony needs none. Here is how to choose between them, where to say your vows and how the day runs.
Read more
The Best Proposal Locations in Ireland: 10 Spots Ranked for Photographs
Ten places to propose in Ireland, ranked by how they photograph: privacy, crowds, wind, the hour that works and where a photographer can stand unseen.
Read more
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