Jimmy: A Trip Through Glendalough

If you're looking for an easy day trip from the busy streets of Dublin, then you may want to explore the beautiful landscapes of Glendalough, in the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough is a little village that is on the site of Saint Kevin's Monastery.

Meaning "The Glen of Two Lakes", Glendalough is a place of beautiful scenery. There are various paths throughout the grounds where you can take a stroll and take in all that the Wicklow Mountains have to offer.



The Monastic ruins on the grounds take visitors back to the time of Saint Kevin. Take a walk through the cemetary to the Round Tower. One of the tour guides jockingly called it Ireland's attempt at a rocket ship. However, it was built to protect the sacred relics of the monastery.



After the ruins, take a stroll throughout the park on one of the many paths. One particular path is made of wood and leads you on a journey that traverses around the lower lake. Travelling under the sprawling and twisting trees that hang over the path, one can hardly imagine that they're just a short ride from the hustle and bustle of the heart of the Celtic Tiger, Dublin.



The path meets up with the main road which takes you to the upper lake. As amazing as this lake is, nestled in a valley with jagged cliffs, my favorite part of Glendalough was Poulanass Waterfall. Follow the stream all the way up the mountain to the mouth of the waterfall. There is a dedicated path that is a few feet away from the source. As the water rushed out, it's hard to imagine a better scene within the park.




Following another path to head down the mountain, you run into a winding path. This path leads to a break in the trees which provides visitors to Glendalough one of its most breathtaking views. You see the mountains straight ahead and the upper lake below. This secluded spot allow you to feel as though you are literally the only person on the grounds.











What is also nice about Glendalough is that there are various activities you can partake in. Walking the many trails, playing on the various fields, or rock climbing allow for outdoor activity throughout this amazing landscape as well. Whether you're into rock climbing or just like to take in nature, you will love this little getaway from Dublin.