Glendalough New Year
What a great way to welcome in the new year of 2019 other than a family trek to see the wonderful and picturesque Glenalough, home of the two lakes in Co. Wicklow, Ireland
About Glendalough
Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains and has many attractions to enthral visitors, from its world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower dating back to the 6th century, its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way.
Check out https://donnamcgee.ie/product/glendalough-upper-lake/ for my latest painting of this gorgeous place.
Glendalough has a mystique and sense of majesty about it.
I have painted Glendalough, both the Upper Lake and Lower Lake so many times and yet, I never tire doing so.
For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.
The Climb up the Mountain
We took the “blue” route which was considered to be the most difficult. Huh! I thought, no bother to me, I can easily do that!
Big wooden, studded boulders led the way on into the mountain – on and on – up and up! It was relentless.
Feeling like a pressure cooker about to blow a gasket and forced to stop! Gasp!
Attempting to look suitably cool, cheeks glowing, we drew in big gulps of air.
New year resolutions uppermost in our minds, we vowed we would get fit, exercise more, make a new start.
Gathering ourselves, we took regular stops and reassured ourselves that the mountain wasn’t going anywhere!
So, in effect, we had permission to slow down and enjoy the experience.
Having reached the top, the landmass somewhat levelled out
(phew!). The magnificent scenery unfolded and stole our breath away.
On top of the World
The climb continued all the way around the mountain top which would have been lovely to explore further.
The Descent
Heading down was easier – sure-footed and slow. Feeling somewhat amused at others passing us by skipping and hopping like, mountain goats!
Along the way, we hear the roar of Poulanass Waterfall.
It marks a sudden drop where a hanging valley meets the main Glendalough valley.
It is thought that during the last Ice Age, a glacier flowing down this small valley was cut off when a larger glacier carved a deeper channel down the Glendalough valley. At the end of the last Ice Age, Glendalough only had one lake, where two now lie.
The day began to draw to a close and the landscape was cloaked with a dusky haze.
Short winter days, steal away the time from us and brings the day to an early close as the darkness falls.
Even though the mountains were silent and serene, the people would go home and leave this heavenly place to rest for another day.
I pondered about another whole life experience waiting to happen!
Deer, Rabbits, Foxes, Squirrels and all the other wildlife waiting on night to descend. A whole new experience would unfold in these awesome mountains – foraging and going about their way – investigating the discards of the day from the tourists.
