Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

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 two lakes
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: top lake

Then we have a view across the upper lake: 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: view from Kevin's Bed

And now a view across to Kevin's Bed from the other side of the lake: View to Kevin's Bed


The next long view is from Reefurt church near the lower lake:
View from Reefurt church

And this is Reefurt church itself:
Reefurt church

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:
gateway

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.
Round Tower
Round Tower ii

This is the main church at Glendalough, parts of which probably date from the tenth century:
Main Church

The priest's house has some fine carving around the archway:
priest's house

St Saviour's church:
St Saviour's

Again note the fine work round the arches:
St Saviour's interior

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 Kevin's Kitchen

St Kieran's church:
St Kieran's
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