Glendalough Monastic Site
Leinster
Glendalough, meaning 'valley of two lakes' in Irish, is a renowned Early Medieval monastic site founded in the 6th century by St Kevin in County Wicklow, Ireland. The monastery flourished for centuries as a religious and cultural center, featuring workshops, manuscript production, guest houses, and farm buildings. The surviving ruins, mostly dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, include a unique two-storey Gateway, a 30-meter-high Round Tower built of mica-slate and granite, and the remains of St. Peter and St. Paul's Cathedral. The Round Tower served multiple purposes including as a bell tower and refuge during attacks. Glendalough's significance is also marked by its role as a diocese in medieval Ireland and its association with notable figures like St Laurence O'Toole. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and nature, offering walking trails, picnicking, and rock climbing in a glacial valley setting. The site retains an aura of spirituality and historical depth, making it a unique cultural landmark in Ireland.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Glendalough is during late spring to early autumn for pleasant weather and accessible walking trails. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance during peak season to avoid queues. The site offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain and trails of varying difficulty. Guided tours are available and provide enriching historical context. Early morning visits can offer a quieter experience with fewer visitors.
Faits intéressants
- •The Gateway to Glendalough is the only surviving two-storey monastic gatehouse in Ireland.
- •The Round Tower stands about 30 meters tall and features a conical roof rebuilt in 1876 using original stones.
- •Oak timber from Glendalough was used to build one of the longest Viking longships around 1042.
- •St Laurence O'Toole, an abbot of Glendalough, became Archbishop of Dublin but maintained a spiritual connection to the site.
- •The Book of Glendalough, an important medieval manuscript, was written at the monastery around 1131.
Histoire
Glendalough was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, who established the monastery at the confluence of two rivers in the valley.
It grew into a significant religious center through the Early Medieval period, becoming one of the dioceses of North Leinster by the 12th century.
The monastery endured Viking raids and was plundered by foreign forces in 1176.
In 1214, its diocese was merged with Dublin, leading to a decline in its ecclesiastical importance.
The site was destroyed by English forces in 1398 but remained a place of local pilgrimage and worship.
Over the centuries, Glendalough transitioned from a thriving monastic city to a historic ruin that preserves Ireland’s rich medieval heritage.
Guide du lieu
The Gateway10th-12th century
This unique two-storey gateway originally featured two granite arches and a timber roof. It marked the sanctuary boundary of the monastic city, with a cross-inscribed stone inside the west wall symbolizing the area of refuge.
Round Tower10th-12th century
A 30-meter high tower built from mica-slate and granite, the Round Tower served as a bell tower, storehouse, and place of refuge. It has six timber floors connected by ladders and windows facing the cardinal points on the top storey.
St. Peter and St. Paul's Cathedral10th-12th century
The remains of the cathedral reflect the religious significance of Glendalough as a diocesan center in medieval Ireland. It was an important site for worship and pilgrimage.
Contact
Téléphone: (0404) 45325
