Saint Kevin’s Monastery in Glendalough holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the first places I visited outside of Dublin on my first trip to Ireland. I visited here with a group of people from the college class I was taking and was really moved by the place. I have taken my brother here, my husband here, and my parents here all on separate trips. It is charming and beautiful set in the hills of the Wicklow Mountains. The monastery sits on a peaceful lake said to have medicinal properties that visitors can have a nice walk around. Saint Kevin lived much of his time in a cave above the lake in contemplation. As is the case with most monasteries I can certainly see why. (Remember Kylemore Abbey?) The site also boasts many lovely buildings to explore along with several tall crosses and the iconic tower.
It is a beautiful drive here from Dublin whether you drive up over the bog-filled mountains or via Avoca and Powerscourt through the more direct route. If you are traveling the countryside I highly recommend staying the night in the area at one of the many lovely bed and breakfasts and enjoy some food in the quaint town of Laragh.
Follow my other Irish musings here…
Bulldog Travels / Photos By Jenny 
Gorgeous!
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Thanks!
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Isn’t Glendalough beautiful? The first time I went it was a gorgeous sunny day, and yet somehow the place wasn’t hiving with people! I really should go back one of these days 😀
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I love it there. This visit was probably the busiest I have ever been there as far as visitors went. But it is pretty big so it didn’t feel to overwhelming.
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Great pictures – we visited last summer, such a peaceful and special place.
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Glad you enjoyed it.
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I am on my countdown to Ireland, thanks for nudging things along!
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Very excited for you. When do you leave? And are you plans all settled?
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We go in June. Plans not fully finalised. We fly to Cork and will stay around the South West. Before that we have a few days in Andalusia in Spain. What about you, any holiday plans?
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Paris in April and possibly Galapagos in November! Made plans for Paris but not for Galapagos yet. And hopefully little trips in between!
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Paris in the Spring time – lovely!
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Looks so magical! I love the keyhole-shaped window opening.
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So many fun shapes
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What an incredibly lovely thing it is to have favorite nooks scattered around this previously-overwhelming globe; thank you for sharing this one!
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That’s a great way to put it. I do have books around the world that are favorites places to visit. And I always find a few more everywhere I go.
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I wandered through Ireland a long time ago. Your photos and comments make me want to return. –Curt
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Thank very much! It’s a wonderful place which I never grow tired of. I hope you were able to check out some of my other posts b
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Will do. –Curt
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That is clearly a special place to keep in one’s heart, and memory. 🙂 It certainly looks like it stood the test of time. I love the construction method of just hard rocks on top of each other. Very authentic that way, seemingly magical even. And very neat for the area to be surrounded by vibrant greens.
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Thank you. It’s a lovely spot in a lovely valley with a river and a lake. Who wouldn’t want to be there? I hope to go back and back and back.
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I love the first photo of the cross/tower/trees. That stone roof is incredible.
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Thanks. We sat and stared at that roof for a while trying to figure out how it was built.
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Great Photos mate > Wish I was on that journey as well, but your blog takes me damned close. Cheers!
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Hey thanks! Thanks for the comment. You are welcome to travel with me anytime!
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Looks wonderful! Very peaceful…:)
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It sure is even when there are groups around.
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Good to know!
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Lovely. It seems to me that Ireland, like Brittany, are harsh yet beautiful lands…
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Without a doubt. Have you never been!?
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Only once. To Dublin. To visit an Irish friend from grad school. Easter. Nearly froze to death. Visited Dublin and a few places in the countryside nearby. Lovely. (But the irish barely heat their houses!) 😉
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That’s for sure! They are used to the cold.
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Totally are… (Brrrrr.)
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such beautiful photos as always
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Thank you! Happy Saint Patrick’s day to you!
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