A Walk Through Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland
Glendalough, or the Glen of two Lakes, is one of the most important sites of maonastic ruins in Ireland. It is also known as the city of the seven Churches. Fourteen centuries have passed since the death of its founder, St. Kevin, when the valley was part of Ireland's Golden Age.
The two lakes, which gave the valley its name, came into existence thousands of years ago, after the Ice Age, when great deposits of earth and stone were strewn across the valley in the area where the Round Tower now exists. The mountain streams eventually formed a large lake. The Pollanass river spread alluvial deposits across the centre of the lake and created a divide to form the Upper and Lower Lakes. The Glenealo river flows in from the West into the Upper lake which is the larger and deepest of the two lakes.
Before the arrival of St. Kevin this valley (glen) would have been desolate and remote. It must have been ideal for St Kevin as a retreat and area to be 'away from it all'. Kevin died in 617 A.D. at the age of 120 years and his name and life's work is forever entwine with the ruins and the Glendalough Valley.
The recorded history of the wooded valley dates from the 6th century - the dawn of Christianity in Ireland. For 500 years it was one of Irelands great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning. The establishment was attacked, burned and plundered by the Danes, who were based in the stronghold of Dublin, a shortish distance away, and making it an easy target..
Glendalough, despite extensive fire damage in 1163 A.D. prospered until the early 13th century. In 1163, Laurence O'Toole, Abbot of Glendalough, who later became Irelands first canonised saint, was appointed Archbishop of Dublin.
The arrival of the Normans in Ireland sealed the fate of Glendalough, as in 1214 the monastery was destroyed by the invaders and the Diocese of Glendalough was united with the Sea of Dublin. After that, Glendalough declined as a monastic establishment and gradually it became deserted.
The buildings fell into decay and more than 6 hundred years elapsed before a reconstruction program was started in 1878. Further work was carried out in the 20th century Today the valley of Glendalough is extensively wooded and a comprehensive network of walk ways have been completed and continually improved, which provides good access for the visitor and researcher to wonder the valley.
A Journey Through Wicklow - Part 1
Welcome to Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland. Our journey starts from the shores of Blessington Lakes, we take a tour of Russborough House and afterwards we cross the Wicklow Mountains to reach the monastic site of Glendalough.
Wicklow, The Garden of Ireland - 1997 promotional movie
1997 promotional movie of County Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland.
Russborough Walk Through
Russborough was built between 1741-1750 and is regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful houses. It has magnificent views of the Blessington Lakes and Wicklow Mountains .
In 1978 Sir Alfred Beit opened the house for guided tours and there have been over 1 million visitors since. The house which is beautifully maintained and lavishly furnished contains fine furniture, tapestries, carpets, porcelain, silver and much of the Beit collection of paintings. It also has beautiful ceilings, plaster work and a fine mahogany staircase.
More info at:
Wicklow's Historical Gaol Day Tour
Relax in the Great Outdoors in Castleblayney and South Armagh
Produced by BNL Productions
Visit Castleblayney & South Armagh
Famed for its spectacular beauty, it's no wonder that the magical Lough Muckno and Ring of Gullion area is fast becoming such a magnet for visitors. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Ring of Gullion in South Armagh is famous as the source of many powerful Irish myths. Known as the 'Killarney of the North', Muckno is based around the largest lake in County Monaghan.
There are so many ways to enjoy this idyllic natural wonderland. Choose from a range of exhilarating outdoor activities from hill walking and mountain climbing to woodland rambles, boating, water-skiing, horse riding, golfing and some of the finest angling on the island of Ireland.
The sublime Slieve Gullion Pathway has been specially created to suit all ages and abilities. Take the path to the mystical ancient cairn at the top of Slieve Gullion for a truly spiritual experience and gaze around you at the breathtaking views that stretch for miles. Children will adore the fabulous new adventure play area in the foothills of the mountain too.
Just minutes from the charming town of Catleblayney, the serene Lough Muckno attracts nature ramblers, sports enthusiasts, families and anglers alike to enjoy its wooded walks, picnic areas, boating, golfing and world-class angling, not to mention its state-of-the-art new adventure play area.
So easy to get to and around, this beautiful region offers everything from mountains, lakes and woods to a wide range of activities for all. There's so much more to enjoy while you're here too, such as welcoming pubs, restaurants and coffee shops, enticing spas, fine hotels and fascinating museums.
So come along, meet the locals and enjoy the wonderful attractions and scenery of this unique area for a truly unforgettable experience.
For more information go to mournemountains.co.uk , monaghantourism.com or ringofgullion.org