Glendalough

Introducing Glendalough

If you’re looking for the epitome of rugged and romantic Ireland, you won’t do much better than Glendalough (Gleann dá Loch, ‘Valley of the Two Lakes’), truly one of Ireland’s most beautiful corners and a highlight of any trip along the eastern seaboard.

The substantial remains of this important monastic settlement are certainly impressive, but the real draw is the splendid setting, two dark and mysterious lakes tucked into a deep valley covered in forest. It is, despite its immense popularity, a deeply tranquil and spiritual place, and you will have little difficulty in understanding why those solitude-seeking monks came here in the first place.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009