Wicklow II - Glendalough and St. Kevin

We stopped at the glen of two lakes and wandered around a bit. It was so beautiful (and full of tourists, even in this "off season" time). I would love to go back and explore more. As it was we walked around the lake and then through the monastic settlement higher up. I am including two sites where you can look into the history and find more explanations.

At the upper lake:

Most places have good signage these days...it was not always thus.

Feeding the ducks

There were many paths, but we only had time to walk around one area.

Amazing.

Guy fishing - this is for my brothers.

If you stop long, moss and ferns will grow on you. The trees have no choice.

Another view

Wall of the caher

Outside wall of the caher

Inside of the caher

Crosses thought to be ancient stations of the Way of the Cross

Another "station" with DH walking away

At the monastic settlement:

Entrance of the monastic settlement showing the "sanctuary stone"

Another view of the "sanctuary stone"

Round tower

Ruins

Folks decided the ground was "holy" and the ruins are surrounded by cemetery (we saw very recent headstones - one from 2013 and one with "AstroTurf"**)

Ferns grow in the crevices of the ruins

Bordering stream

Remains of one protective wall

St. Kevin's Church (also called St. Kevin's Kitchen)

Another view of the cemetery

Old headstone

View of St. Kevin's from above.

These stones have created a "covered" path. After I walked through, DH looked at me and said, "You know - most of us walked around."

DH views the round tower.

View with the hills.

 NOTES:

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendalough (This is pretty good.) and http://www.glendalough.ie/ (This is the official site.)


 ** Told you.