The entrance to the monastic village.
Carved stone inside the gateway of the monastic village, this has probably been here since medieval times.
The valley was carved out by glaciers ten thousand years ago and St Kevin made it his home in the sixth century. For the last fourteen thousand years people have been coming to Glendalough for solitude, inspiration, spirituality and recreation.
St Kevin's Kitchen and the surrounding graveyard
We began our visit, as we always do, with a walk through the ancient monastic village. The round tower originally had six wooden floors and was probably used for storage as opposed to refuge. It dominates the monastic settlement which also includes the ruins of several churches and a cathedral.
At the other side of the upper lake looking back towards Glendalough
View in the opposite direction, it feels like you are completely isolated. I can see why St Kevin picked this spot.
Leaving the monastic village you have to choose what trail you want to take. In the past I have competed the Spinc and the Wicklow Way which takes you up beyond the Poulanass Waterfall and high up to the sky walk and around the entire valley back to the Miners Village. It's spectacular, it's awe-inspiring, it's intense, especially if you're not very active like me! The entire round trip will take about four hours to complete and is well worth it.
The start of the Spinc and the walk up the Poulanass waterfall
Poulanass Waterfall
Sculpture just above St Kevin's Bed. It's accompanied by a Seamus Heaney quote :
"One turned-up palm is out the wind, stiff
As a crossbeam, when a blackbird lands
and Lays in it and settles down to nest"
View out over the lake from above Kevin's Bed.
The walk up to the waterfall can be enough for some people. You are rewarded with fantastic views of the waterfall and if you take the trail by St Kevin's Bed there are breath taking views of the lake.
Kevin's Bed from the other side of the lake.
A close up of the picture above so you can actually see the cave!
For the complete novice walker there's the Miner's Village Walk which is practically flat and also paved in places. Just because it's easy doesn't mean it's not beautiful. You get amazing views across the lake including views towards St Kevin's Bed. If you're lucky you'll also spy some sheep and deer. The Miner's Village itself is quite interesting, it's desolate and quiet. A perfect place to come and contemplate.
The view along the Miner's Village Walk.
One of the abandoned buildings in the Miner's Village.
Some sheep!
Some deer!
If you haven't been to Glendalough yet please make a point of coming. When you pull into the car park don't be put off by the throngs of people around the visitors center. As soon as you move through the valley you will find that it's quite easy to be totally alone. Navigation is easy, just follow the coloured arrows, don't stray off the trail! A picnic lunch is the way to go, though, there is a small kiosk selling sandwiches and drinks.
The Upper Lake.
Come to Glendalough, you wont be disappointed.
