The Round Tower

We're on the tourist trail today folks as we head west to beautiful Glendalough, the 'Valley of the Two Lakes' but also known as The Seven Churches, which is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Pictured above and part of the Monastic Site formed by St Kevin in the 6th century, near the Lower Lake in Glendalough, the Round Tower is almost 1,000 years old.  In medieval Ireland, round towers served as landmarks to guide pilgrims from afar, and were regarded as places of refuge in times of attack. With a door about 4 feet from the ground it was believed to be defensively secure by refuge seekers, who raised the ladder from within.






Glendalough thrived as one of Irelands great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214. Below, St Kevin's Church with it's own
integrated round tower is often referred to as 'St Kevin's Kitchen'.  Now why can't those pesky tourists keep out of my shot?  What's that I hear you say?  Now how could I be a tourist?