Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

- Backblip - Dublin : Day 4

A full day bus to tour Glendalough, the Wicklow Gap and Kilkenny.

"The Valley of the Two Lakes" - one of Ireland's most atmospheric monastic sites, founded by St Kevin in the 6th Century. An impressive round tower, and a High Cross, which Americans on the bus tour had heard about. Seemingly if you can stretch your arms right around it and join your hands, you will have seven years of good luck! Lots of info about Vikings, Normans, raised bogs, leprachauns, the "stinking rich", and Hooligans.

Over the Wicklow Gap, with great views down to the sea, and a reservoir right at the top. "Braveheart" was filmed here, not in Scotland to my surprise. On to the little town called Hollywood, and passed by Baltinglass Abbey, built by Henry VIII.

On to Kilkenny, the Medieval Capital of Ireland. A castle (Butler family), cathedral, many historic and colourful buildings, with alleyways known as "slips".

Back to Dublin, with a mini-tour along the Liffey as we dropped travellers on their way.