Virtual Vacation – Glendalough, Ireland

Since getting back to Ireland isn’t on my any time soon list (well, it’s always on the list, but the practicality of it means it’s simply not happening), I thought we could take a stroll together through one of the places I’d love to see again: Glendalough.

Pronounced “glen da lock”, Glendalough is a gorgeous valley in Wicklow (that’s on the Eastern side of Ireland, nearish to Dublin. We did it as a day trip while based in Dublin and it was an easy enough drive. Even on Irish roads.) The valley itself is full of ruins in various states, as well as lovely hiking trails that hide waterfalls and other delightful bits of nature.

So what’s so lovely about it? Well, to start out there’s the old monastic village.

Isn’t that lovely? Can you imagine living there? Here’s a bit more close up – through some of the left over arches of the buildings.

And of course, they have a round tower for defense.

Then there’s the scenery. Really, how could you not love living here? Even on an overcast day, it’s simply gorgeous!

Of course, to see all those things, you have to do a bit of walking – so consider that you’ve done your exercise for the day, and let’s go get some tea, soda bread, and potato leek soup.