07 Jan Glendalough, County Wicklow
Glendalough and its two lakes are set in the most picturesque high glens in Ireland.
Try and see it on any tours of Ireland.
In the 6th century Saint Kevin first built a church on the south side of the Upper Lake.
But as the number of followers grew the monastery moved down the glen.
Plenty of evidence of the settlement can still be seen in the spectacular surroundings.
There is 103 feet round tower.
The ruins of Saint Keirans Church were uncovered in a mound.
Other remains include the early barrel-vaulted oratory and high-pitched roof of Saint Kevins Church and the late 11th century Saint Savious Church.
There is also a 7th century cathedral.
From a much earlier age there is a Bronze and early Iron Age fort on the eastern edge of the upper lake.
It was here that Saint Kevin began his hermit’s life in a 7ft by 4ft excavation in a cliff above the water, known as “Saint Kevins Bed”
At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we use Powerscourt Hotel as a base to discover Glendalough and enjoy this beautiful area.