Glendalough
From World travel guide
Glendalough is in county Wicklow in Ireland, 90 minutes south ouf Dublin by car.
Contents |
Understand
The English name Glendalough comes from the Irish Gleann Dá Locha which translates to "The valley of the two lakes".
St. Kevin founded a monastery here in the sixth century which continued to expand for 600 years, but was destroyed in 1398. The buildings which survive date from the 8th and 12th centuries. The most famous is the round tower which is 34m high and 16m in circumference at the base. A cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses also survived.
Get in
By Car
You could go the fast way: Take the N11 out of Dublin and take the turn off for Roundwood on reaching Kilmacanogue, just outside Bray. This enables the traveller to pass through the picturesque village of Roundwood on the way, taking in the beautiful scenery that it too has to offer.
Alternatively, take the N81 towards Blessington, pass the Lakes, then take a left turn into the R756, heading for Laragh.
Or, for a more scenic drive, you could go over the mountains: Use the R115, go over the Sally Gap, heading into Laragh; then turn right towards Glendalough.
By Bus
You could also get a Bus: use the St. Kevins Bus Service. http://www.glendaloughbus.com/
It leaves from central Dublin (St. Stephens Green) at 11:30 in the mornings (every day as of November 2004) and takes 90 minutes to get to Glendalough. Go back to Dublin at 16:15 in the afternoon (16:30 on Sundays).
Get around
See
Do
Glendalough is famous for it's spectacular settings: lakes, hills, a very old monastic site.
It's very busy on a Sunday when the weather is good, people come for a walk to enjoy the nature. You can go around the lakes and into Laragh on good paths; if you want more, climb the hills which also have tracks but can be a challenge at times (wearing walking gear is recommended).
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
The irish youth hostel organisation is called An Oige, it runs a nice youth hostel in Glendalough, see http://www.irelandyha.org/accommodation_wicklow_glendaloch_details.html
If you want a hotel, there's one nicely situated in the centre of Glendalough, and of course it's name is The Glendalough Hotel (Tel: 0404 45135, Fax: 0404 45142); see: http://www.glendaloughhotel.com/
There are also many B&B's in Laragh and Glendalough, so if you arrived early enough in the day you could decide on the spot where to stay.
Get out
External links
http://www.glendalough.connect.ie/
http://www.wicklow.com/glendalough/
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