It was in incredible day. The Walsh family is so gracious and are the perfect hosts. They drove us to Glendalough (Glenda-lock), the glen of the two lakes where St. Kevin founded a monastic immunity in the 7th century.
- St. Kevin's Monastery at Glendalough
It was amazing to be there. I felt quite peaceful even though there were a lot of people there, it was like they weren't. I could only imagine the monks praying in this community. Getting water from the river, going into the tower when they were attacked.
- St. Kevin's Church at Glendalough
Here were with Joe, Nadine, Lizzie and one of the girls who Lizzie watches and her mother.
- Close up of St. Kevin's Kitchen
It is interesting to see how this was built.
Kevin, came from one of the ruling families in Leinster, studied as a boy under the care of three holy men, Eoghan, Lochan, and Eanna. During this time, he went to Glendalough. He was to return later, with a small group of monks to found a monastery'. Kevin's writings discuss his fighting "knights" at Glendalough; scholars today believe this refers to his process of self-examination and his personal temptations. His fame as a holy man spread and he attracted numerous followers. He died in about 618.
For 600 years Glendalough flourished and the abbots that followed him were recorded.
British troops partially destroyed this settlement in 1398.
- Graves at Glendalough
- Graves at Glendalough - very old grave in lower right corner
The upper lake. I thought about how the monastics must have used the lake 1400 years ago. Some icons, crosses and prayer ropes were blessed on the buildings.
The graves were quite old. Some as new as 2005. Mrs. Walsh said that most like the family had rights that way back.
Lots of people came today as the weather was incredible.
We had some food at a pub. Quite nice. People are really friendly and warm here. Just start talking with you.
The pub we ate at was the Coach House up in the Wicklow mountains away from Dublin City.
The Wicklow mountain are covered with heather. Not so purple now for some reason, but will turn later.
The Guinness family lives in the White House that looks small next to this blackish lake. They say it looks like a 'pint of Guinness.'
We went to Johnny Fox's a pub that was like walking into a movie. It is where the locals go. The Walsh family has been so good to us these past two days taking us to these wonderful places. The video should give you a little of what we experienced today.
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