Glendalough is in the heart of the Wicklow mountains, and is one
of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. It is said to have
been founded by St Kevin in the 6th century AD. The valley contains
two lakes; the lower lake, around which most of the buildings
survive, and the upper lake, where Kevin is reputed to have dwelt. A
fairly speculative article about him can be found here.
First we have some views of the lakes at Glendalough:
The lower lake can be seen in the distance.
A view from the top of the hills surrounding the valley, looking
down onto the upper lake:
Then we have a view across the upper lake:
There is a niche on the steep valley slopes of the upper lake, known
as Kevin's bed. You can't easily get to it, but here's what the
view's like from a few feet above it:
And now a view across to Kevin's Bed from the other side of the lake:
The next long view is from Reefurt church near the lower lake:
And this is Reefurt church itself:
When you arrive at the entrance to the valley of Glendalough, there
is fine tenth century gateway, which must originally have been the
gate house for the monastic site:
Like many other monastic sites, Glendalough has a round tower (see
Cloyne for futher discussion of round
towers). As is typical, it is sited a short way away from the main
buildings, and you can see that its door is several feet off the
ground.
This is the main church at Glendalough, parts of which probably date
from the tenth century:
The priest's house has some fine carving around the archway:
St Saviour's church:
Again note the fine work round the arches:
St Kevin's Kitchen - I have no idea why this is known as Kevin's
Kitchen. It's obviously far more recent than the sixth century.
St Kieran's church:
The St Kieran to whom this church is dedicated is probably St Kieran
of Clonmacnois, as St Kevin is
associated with him.
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© Verity Allan 2008