Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and on to Dublin

Day 6, Thursday 16 August

Glendalough to Dublin

Glendalough is memorable not so much for the historic remnants, but for the spectacular scenery around the site. Set in an area called “the valley of the two lakes” this is a real ramblers paradise; with the scenic lakes and valleys and lush mountain vegetation. Put it on your travel plans as a must do destination - Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.

The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has many attractions to entice, entertain and enthral visitors, from its world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower to its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way. The steep wooded slopes of Glendalough (GLEN-da-lock, "valley of the two lakes"), are a stark contrast to the stark Wicklow Mountains, that are treeless and severe.

This early Christian ecclesiastical settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses.

PS Did I mention it was raining!

View of the Wicklow Mountains from the top lake at Glendalough.

Remains of the Reefer Church at the top lake, Glendalough.

The Reefer Church was located on the banks of the top lake.

Church and round tower at the main monastic site.

The main monastic site through the rain.

Onward to Dublin

Onward to Dublin; or so we thought; we were about to experience another Murphy’s law moment. We expected that our navigational advisor would steer us through the Wicklow Mountains to Dublin. An hour into our journey we were somewhat surprised to find that we were still travelling through the stunning Wicklow Mountains and shortly afterwards we arrived AGAIN at Glendalough. After  refocussing we set ourselves back to the task of driving to Dublin AGAIN!

The Wicklow Mountains, while only 10 miles south of Dublin, feel remote — enough to have provided a handy refuge for opponents to English rule. Rebels who took part in the 1798 Irish uprising hid out here for years.

The Wicklow Mountains are a mix of wind swept tundra and lush glacial valleys.

Dublin

Driving into Dublin was easy once the GPS was sorted. Number 31 Leeson Close where we are based for the next two days is in a great location. The Main Canal is right across the road and it doesn’t take long to walk right into town through St Steven’s Green. At 22 acres (89,000 m2), it is the largest of the parks in Dublin's main Georgian squares. Dublin’s numerous parks and gardens are the life and lungs of the city. The park is adjacent to one of Dublin's main shopping streets, Grafton Street. So we spent the afternoon getting our bearings, to allow us to be prepared for a more in-depth discovery day tomorrow.

We are also fortunate to have a little group of restaurants and pubs not far from where we are staying. The Sussex was our choice for dinner last night and it was a gem. The Guinness was great!

PS Did I mention it was raining!

Number 31 Leeson Close is a doorway in a wall on a small side street.

It did take a bit of finding, but we managed!

We are in a room in the converted stables of a Georgian Terrace. An interesting renovation.

Dublin has many side streets with restaurants and pubs.

Did we mention it was raining again.

Irish pubs are certainly distinctive.

They also have some very interesting shops.