Glendalough, hidden in the hills of County Wicklow has been one of my favourite places to go hiking or strolling since I was a little girl. It started off when I was dragged there on school tours in primary school. They used to give us out treasure maps and give us trails to go explore the woodland. It wasn't until I went there by choice with my mum for long brisk walks up "the spink" trail that I got to appreciate the natural beauty of Glendalough.
There is something there for everyone, weather your bringing you kids out for a run around or you want to set off on a serious 5 hour hike, you will find it all.
Not only is Glendalough a place of beautiful walking trails, trickling rivers and thundering waterfalls, it is also home to one of the most important early Christian Monastic Settlements. It was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and developed in to a 'Monastic City'. This 'city' consists of a Round Tower where most of the monastic buildings lie, a large granite cross dating back to the 6th/7th century, and the "Cathedral", the largest church on the site, known as St. Kevin's Church.
The picture above is the beginning of "the spink" trail, and is my favourite. Depending on how you are feeling it is just as easy to walk or to jog, when I'm feeling active I love nothing more then to drive down to Glendalough, plug in my ear phones and jog this trail. Im not fooling you, it is though, but the feeling of achievement when you have finished is even more satisfying then the spectacular views at the top.
"The spink" trails has a 380m assent and is 9km long. The estimated time taken to briskly walk this it is 3-4 hours. If you are ever down in Glendalough I would highly recommend doing it. Even if the entire walk seems too daunting, Id advise you to even walk to the top of the steps and inhale the clean crisp air at the top, while soaking up the magnificent views.
I stumbled across this gorgeous little waterfall on my walk there last sunday.
One thing I always pair with Glendalough is Liam Lawton. He is an award winning irish, singer, song writer and catholic priest. I am in no way religious, but I find listening to his soothing music heightens the experience of Glendalough even further. I think that his melodic songs are the perfect accompaniment for the drive to and from Glendalough, or during a relaxing stroll around by the two lakes. Liam Lawton's 'Time' album is my favourite, I would definitely give it a listen.
A link to some of his music is here.
One thing I always pair with Glendalough is Liam Lawton. He is an award winning irish, singer, song writer and catholic priest. I am in no way religious, but I find listening to his soothing music heightens the experience of Glendalough even further. I think that his melodic songs are the perfect accompaniment for the drive to and from Glendalough, or during a relaxing stroll around by the two lakes. Liam Lawton's 'Time' album is my favourite, I would definitely give it a listen.
A link to some of his music is here.
These are just a handful of aspects that I love about Glendalough, but if you are interested and want to read more you can view their website by clicking here.