An Láithreach (Laragh): Local History and Walking Trails

An Láithreach (Laragh) is best known for its proximity to the monastic city of Glendalough. Walkers and tourists use Laragh as a starting point for leisure activities in the mountains. At the same time, the Laragh Heritage Trail tells the story of the village through its protected buildings and structures. When planning your hotel stay, you can choose between different interests: Laragh’s architectural history, trails near Glendalough, or a specific event date.

Local History and the Laragh Heritage Trail

The Laragh Heritage Trail does not yet have a formalised route connecting its individual sites. The historic buildings in the village include the Roman Catholic Church of St Kevin, completed in 1851. The Anglican Church of St John was completed in 1847 as part of a programme to support the population affected by the Famine.

The buildings’ former uses also offer insight into local history. Laragh Castle was originally one of five military barracks built in Wicklow; today it is a private residence and is not accessible. The Priest’s House was built in 1864 and has housed the parish priests of St Kevin’s Church ever since. It is also a private residence and is not accessible. The Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks was built around 1855 to house the local Royal Irish Constabulary; it too is a private residence and is not accessible.

Built around 1855, Laragh Mill is the village’s only significant industrial heritage building. The Heritage Trail traces Laragh’s origins to the 1798 Rebellion and the construction of the Military Road. The churches, former residential and administrative buildings, and the mill thus represent different aspects of local architectural history.

Walking Trails and Scenery near Glendalough

Glendalough is close to Laragh. The monastic site has an interpretive centre where visitors can learn more about the area. Glendalough lies in a glaciated valley with two lakes. The trails described each offer their own scenic highlights: one climbs steeply beside Poulanass Waterfall and then follows a forest path around the ridge of Derrybawn Mountain. From there, it offers views of the Glendalough Valley, including Upper and Lower Lake, the monastic settlement and the village of Laragh.

Another trail runs alongside Upper Lake through a forest of Scots pine to the abandoned Miners’ Village in Glendalough. When planning, you can therefore choose between a trail featuring a waterfall, ridge and valley views, and a lakeside route ending at the abandoned mining village. No distance or difficulty rating is specified for the trails. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Other points of interest lie north of or around Laragh: Glenmacnass Waterfall is north of the village. Clara Lara is a 100-acre leisure park, located about 5 km from Laragh on the road to Rathdrum. This information helps distinguish the named destinations geographically without conflating them with the trails near Glendalough.

Getting There, Events and Travel Planning

Laragh is at the junction of the R115, R755 and R756 roads through the Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow Way Bus provides transport from Laragh to Rathdrum railway station. Before travelling, check whether the service is currently running on your travel date.

The Brockagh Market & Car Boot takes place monthly on the second Sunday, except in January and February. The Walking Festival takes place annually in October and starts in Laragh. If an event is central to your trip, check the latest dates in advance; for the Walking Festival, it is advisable to confirm with the organiser. This way, you can fit the local stories and trails described here around the specific dates of your stay.

County Wicklow as the Wider Regional Setting

In the wider destination of County Wicklow, Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. The Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail, runs through County Wicklow.

Discover more destinations: Kilmacanoge, Brittas Bay, Ballinalea, Boystown, Dunlavin, Arklow, Ashford, Oldbridge.

Back to the wider travel overview: County Wicklow.