Kirsten Captures

Imagine the ruins of an ancient monastic village nestled in the mountains. Imagine walking down a trail through majestic trees to a sprawling lake in the warm sunshine. Imagine cathedrals made of stone and made of wood, existing together in a glacial valley. Can you imagine? If you can’t, then I would recommend visiting Glendalough in Wicklow, Ireland.

Despite the number of tourists crowding the visitor centre and monastic remains, I LOVED this place. Can you see why? It might just be because my mom and I are huge fans of graveyards. It’s a thing, don’t worry about it.

Beyond the monastic village lies a web of trails linking the village and two glacial valley lakes, conveniently named Upper Lake and Lower Lake. My parents and I hit the trails, finding ourselves chilled in the shade of the forest. By the time we reached the lake, we were happy to bask in the warm sunshine and watch children (and adults) chase the ducks.

We took the sunny and open boardwalk path back to the visitor center, encountering some wild berries and deer along the way. Talk about picturesque. It was a perfect day trip while on our way from Mount Juliet to Druid’s Glen, my parent’s next golfing destination and my next hiking destination.

A magical day in a magical place.

Just catching up? Don’t miss anything…

Ireland Day 1: Back in Ireland… Hurling and History in Galway

Ireland Day 2: Connemara: Bogs, Fjords and Kylemore Abbey

Ireland Day 3: Biking the Aran Islands… Again! 

Ireland Day 4: The Enchanted Forest and Castle of Cong

Ireland Day 5: Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave and wild walks at the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland Day 6: Adare and Limerick, featuring cold and damp Irish castles 

Ireland Day 7: Lazy Afternoons at the Guinness Storehouse

Ireland Day 8: Down to Southeast Ireland: Kilkenny 

Ireland Day 9: Mount Juliet Estate: A little slice of heaven in the Irish countryside