Thursday, July 31, 2014

Glendalough - Ireland

What a beautiful place!! I believe I could spend hours in a place like this, admiring the landscape, the medieval buildings and taking hundreds of pictures. 
Thousands of people think like me and Glendalough is one of the most visited and important monastic sites in Ireland. 
This beautiful card was sent by "Marnie".

Photography reproduced from original artistic waork © Liam Blake
Glendalough, from the Irish “Gleann da locha", means the Glen of two Lakes is famous for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. 
The early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Irelands great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 and the dioceses of Glendalough and Dublin were united. The settlement was destroyed by English forces in 1398. 
A reconstruction program was started in 1878 and today the valley boasts a visitor centre, wooded trails, walkways and rock climbing. The monastic ruins include a round tower, seven churches, a gateway into the settlement with a Sanctuary Stone, two High Crosses, the Priest’s House, a graveyard, Reeferts Church, St. Kevin’s Bed (cave) and St. Kevin’s Cell (hermitage hut).  in: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Glendalough%20Monastic.html

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