Glendalough (Gleann Dá Loch), meaning 'The Valley of the Two Lakes' is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. Situated in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and boasting some of Ireland's best mountain scenery with its deep moody lakes, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls, the Glendalough Valley is among the country's top tourist attractions offering incredible walking opportunities. From the 6th century monastic ruins with their iconic round tower near the Lower Lake, to the C19th lead mines at the 'Miners' Village' at the far end of the Upper Lake, Glendalough is a landscape replete with history and heritage. Autumn is one of the finest times to visit as the deciduous trees and bracken turn rich shades of russet, orange and yellow, and the deer rut (mating season) is at its height.
Our circular route took us from the monastic site skirting the western side of the Lower Lake, past the shore of the Upper Lake and along the Miners' Road towards the zig-zag track up to Van Diemen's Land and the Glenealo Valley. From here we followed the boardwalk along the Spinc and the descent to the Poulanass Waterfall, before passing the eastern side of the Lower Lake along another boardwalk back to the monastic site.
Music tracks in this film are:
Alexi Murdoch: Song For You
Nick Drake: Northern Sky
John Butler Trio: Young and Wild