''Glendalough: idyllic panoplies''

One of the most enchanting places in Ireland is surely Glendalough, Co Wicklow - part of the county known as the 'Garden of Ireland.' Nestled between some of the Wicklow mountains and part of the Wicklow national park, like an intersection or galactic epicentre, with its ornate centrepiece being undoubtedly the lake itself. For tranquility, special energy, panoramic vistas of immense beauty, the place could claim to rival any courter of the muses! And is thus an extremely pleasant 'get away' from the turgidity of modern living.

But the history of the place is perhaps what it's best known for: established by St Kevin in the 6th century as a monastic settlement - subsequently city - as a refuge or bastion of solitude away from the encroaching and wily ways of the material world, it was his chosen place - a type of otherworld for temporal dreams and visions. From such a small and humble beginning, it flowered into one of the most important Ecclesiastical and monastic sites of Ireland and today is one of her great totems of heritage and tourist attractions!
The college was particularly important, with the city that sprung up, enclosing around seven churches and hence there were seven churches to be seen. Still to be seen is the majestic Round Tower, the one here rising like a great pencil to the sky.

It also has an infinite number of walks, hikes for the nature lover and an abundance of wildlife, birds, that will astound you and when leaving, will render you totally crestfallen at departing from the place where St Kevin touched the heavens!

"At Glendalough, my senses take fire"

At Glendalough drowns delirium
in enchantment of the senses
nature's sacred emporium
its spring of hope, nerve tenses,
muses of the monastic forum,
like handshakes recompense

Where Kevin on its pebbles
stumbled 'pon great boulders,
the sun's reflection on cobbles
the lake's shadow it solders;
of solitude life's utopia:
Evergreen, Hazel, Oak, Alder,
spirit, solace, virtue, cornucopia!

Glendalough your drowning dispenses
in soft elopements, foam fresh,
as harmony's gourd condenses
in a gentle greeting in the flesh;
poetic suns, pale russets,
birds in summers sweetest feis;
3D vistas cinematic assets:
Thrush, Sparrow, Chaffinch, Lark,
and wildlife like the Buzzard;
Wicklow's mountains, Ireland's green park,
betwixt the Faery Witch and wizard
in the Glen casts away feelings dark
Oh Glendalough I bid you hark!