Glenmalure, U-shaped glacial valley in County Wicklow, Ireland.
Glenmalure is a broad valley carved into the Wicklow Mountains, bounded by steep granite walls on either side. The floor spreads wide and relatively flat, creating a stark contrast with the rising slopes that define its character.
The valley witnessed a major battle in 1580 when Irish forces defeated an invading English army in dramatic fashion. This victory became a pivotal moment in Irish resistance and remains central to the valley's historical identity.
The valley has long served as a gathering point for hikers and mountain enthusiasts who share a deep connection to the landscape. This tradition shapes how visitors experience and value the place today.
Several marked hiking trails run through the valley and connect it to surrounding peaks, including routes to Lugnaquilla mountain. Visitors have multiple entry and exit points depending on their fitness level and desired destination.
The valley was sculpted by glacier flows during the last ice age and retains the distinctive U-shaped profile that glaciers carve into bedrock. It holds the distinction of being the longest such formation across the entire Irish and British landscape.
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