Glendalough: Dublin's Mountain Retreat
Popular all year as a starting point for hill walkers, rock climbers, or families looking for a bolt-hole from city life, Glendalough’s parks and ancient monastic buildings are the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day outside of Dublin. From medieval monks to modern day tourists, Glendalough’s incredible natural beauty has captured the imaginations of visitors for over 1,400 years.
First settled by 6th century hermit priest St Kevin, the area of Glendalough (or “Glen of Two Lakes”) grew from a handful of monks to a flourishing monastic hub six centuries later when its settlements were destroyed by English forces.
Today, the small town of Laragh has grown carefully around the remnants of Kevin’s community – crumbled stone walls nestle by bed and breakfast inns while snack stands and stalls selling tchotchkes crowd a small layby close to a rebuilt medieval round tower.
In fields surrounding the central upper lake, small buildings – most likely constructed between the 10th and 12th centuries – give explorers a window into the busy life of a thriving monastery complex at the peak of its success.
On warm summer days, the area comes alive with families, tourists and day-trippers crowding around the shores of the chilly glacial lake. Walking trails thread through the steep hills around the lake, while a wide hilly lawn provides plenty of space for picnics, long naps in the afternoon sun, or space for the family dog to run.
The nearby visitor’s center provides information, snacks, restrooms and a small playground, while a converted two-story cottage on the grounds serves as an unassuming nature museum. Here, visitors may pour over maps of the local mountains and dioramas of local flora, as well as scan a startlingly large herd of stuffed and mounted fauna.
HelloDublin Tip: Maps of the nine local hill walks may be bought cheaply from the front desk of the museum, while the safety advice is free. If you're planning to take one of the scenic walks through the valley and surrounding hills, be sure to arrive early, as most walks will take three hours or more. Breathtaking landscapes, good weather and a picnic lunch may stretch walks far past initial estimates, so it is best to dedicate a full day to exploring all Glendalough has to offer.
Posted on Mar 28, 2011 by Bridget Reilly
