Mykal and I headed out to Glendalough ruins after a simple breakfast. The scenery on the drive was so beautiful and serene. The drive was somewhat less serene with scary narrow roads but we got to the ruins early enough to grab a parking spot. Always a good start! We managed to get there before it became too crowded. It’s a really popular place with tour buses so if you’re headed that way, take that into consideration and plan to get there early.
The monastery was founded by St Kevin back in the 6th century. That something founded so long ago still stands, even if only partly, is truly incredible. It’s set in a valley, with a small river that winds past the settlement. The trees in the valley are starting to turn as autumn sets in and it gives the place a truly magical feel. It was destroyed by the English in 1398.
Some of the buildings were rebuilt in later centuries, using stone from the original ruins.
The Cathedral was one of the largest early Christian churches in Ireland but stopped being a cathedral back in 1214. The decorated chancel arch was added in the 12th century. The gravestones that you see against the wall are from medieval times.
After leaving Glendalough, we headed down to Wicklow for a spot of lunch at Phil Healy’s. DELICIOUS! If you’re in that neck of the woods, it’s worth a stopover. Their slow-cooked brisket was sublime and I had my first Guinness. Then a quick trek up a steep hill to Black Castle ruins, which was little more than a wall left standing of what was once a castle.
All in all it was a damn fine day in the Emerald Isle!
