Glendalough

The village of Glendalough is located in County Wicklow, Ireland and may very well be one of the most beautiful old village sites in all of Ireland. The village is actually found in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The name Glendalough stems from the Irish language (Gleann dá locha) meaning literally "Glen of Two Lakes". The village was originally founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin, who was a hermit priest. It was then later destroyed by English troops in the year 1398. Glendalough is one of the most frequently visited sites in all of Ireland, with more than a million visitors each year coming to see the old village remains.

Looking back into the 6th century, Saint Kevin probably chose the area in which he founded Glendalough because it was not only quite remote (Saint Kevin was a hermit priest) but also because the area is very beautiful and serene. Originally, it started as a peaceful retreat for Saint Kevin, but several of his followers eventually arrived and built several churches and living quarters that all later became a monastery and school. What now remains of the monastery is a tall round tower of about 33 metres, and Saint Kevin’s Cross. Visitors can also see the ruins of an abandoned miners’ village at the west end of the Upper Lake. Between 1850 and 1957, the area was mined for lead.

One of the most common pastimes that visitors engage in when visiting Glendalough is that of hill walking. Throughout the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the areas immediately surrounding Glendalough you can find many footpaths and walking trails. All of the walking trails vary in difficulty, however there are at least nine colour-coded walking trails that the Park maintains and advise of their level of difficulty. One of the most popular of the walking trails in and around Glendalough is the Wicklow Way, which passes through Glendalough as it originates in Rathfarnham and terminates in Clonegal.

Another activity to do in the Glendalough area is that of rock climbing. Glendalough is found among many beautiful and scenic granite cliffs as it is situated on a hillside. The first rock climbs were established here in 1948 and have thrived ever since. There are more than 100 rock climbing routes for enthusiasts to experience. There are several sectors of rock climbs available in this area including the Twin Buttress, the Upper Cliffs, the Acorn Buttress, and the Hobnail Buttress. The Twin Buttress is, perhaps, the most beautiful of the sectors with its seasonal waterfall.

Many people come to Glendalough each year to catch a glimpse of the past as well as to see a beautiful area rich in spirituality. For anyone who has not been to the area previously, it might be a good idea to do a little research to learn about the historical site you will be visiting. Additionally, do not try to squeeze Glendalough into your itinerary, you should make the time and schedule the visit, as it is surely not to be missed.