Glendalough was an ancient monastic city, with seven churches and other structures. It was enclosed into a huge circular stone enclosure. Of course it needed an access. This gateway was the main access to the enclosed settlement and it is the only surviving example of a gateway to a monastic city in Ireland.
The access consists of a square building with two arched passages built with stones cut specifically to hold themselves up without mortar. The gateway is aligned northeast-southwest (40°-220°). Seven steps have been added in more modern times to the northeast arch. On the northwest wall past the inner arch is a large stone with an inscribed cross. This cross would mark the boundary of the sanctuary, hence of the place of refuge.
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