During my time in eastern Ireland, we ventured south of Dublin after two nights in the city and spent the next two days in Wicklow. On the second day we made our way to Glendalough, a site on my must-visit list for many years. This early medieval monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century.

Located in a valley, this peaceful settlement features a well-preserved round tower, several church ruins, a cathedral and gateway. Irish round towers are a specific type of structure mainly found in Ireland, originally used as bell towers. The Glendalough round tower is almost 100 feet tall and would have served as a landmark for visitors.

Early Christian graves are also located throughout the grounds, identifiable by their simplistic and somewhat eroded cross shapes with no writing or carvings. Irish deer roam the grounds, as well, and I spotted one curled up around several gravestones near a tree.

Further on from the settlement are nice walkways beneath the trees which lead to several lakes. Although it was raining on and off the day we visited, the trees made for good shelter, and during the dry spells we went to the shores of the smaller lake to take in the views.

If the day was nicer, we would have walked further, where St. Kevin’s cell can be found. On the Upper Lake is St. Kevin’s bed, a reputed retreat for the saint that can be seen from the lake. This cave was once accessible to the public, but no longer.

We also went into the visitor center to learn more about the creation of the settlement and how monks lived more than 1,500 years ago.

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor