Glendalough is a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, home to one of the most impor…

Glendalough is a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. It was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century as a hermit’s retreat and grew over the following centuries into a major centre of learning, with a famous round tower, several ruined churches and two dark lakes that give the place its name (Gleann Dá Loch means “valley of the two lakes”). It was raided by Vikings, burned by English forces, and still managed to survive as a pilgrimage site into modern times. Today it’s one of the most visited places in Ireland, but early in the morning before the buses arrive, you can still hear why Kevin chose to disappear here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​