Glendalough, Medieval monastery in County Wicklow, Ireland.
Glendalough is a medieval monastic complex in a valley in County Wicklow, Ireland, with numerous stone buildings along two lakes. The remains include a round tower, church ruins with vaulted arches, and a walled graveyard spreading between wooded slopes.
A monk founded a small community here in the 6th century, which grew into an important center for scholars. Troops ended the life of the monastery in the late 14th century through destruction.
The name comes from the Gaelic words for valley and two lakes, directly describing the setting. Visitors today can still see traditional Irish stone crosses in the ancient graveyard, visited by pilgrims for centuries.
The site lies about an hour's drive south of Dublin and offers marked paths of varying lengths through the valley. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear, as trails to the upper lake can be rocky and uneven.
The entrance to the tower structure sits well above the ground, as the lower floor has no door and was only reachable by ladder. Inside, wooden levels once led upward, serving as storage and refuge during attacks.
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