2. Wicklow Mountain: A U-Shaped Glacial Valley
The Wicklow Mountain valleys were formed during the Pleistocene epoch, between 2,588,000 and 11,700 years ago, when
the forces of plate tectonics moved the mountains upwards and slowly moved the glaciers downhill, carving out the U-
shaped valley. The lakes and the rivers formed with the glaciers would melt towards the end of the epoch.
3. A Replanted Forest
Due to heavy clearing that started as early as the Bronze Age and continued up until the early 20th century, programs were
implemented to replant the forests. These programs would start in the 1920s and would gain speed in the 1950s, where
conifer trees were the most common plantings. 58% of the forest is now Sitka spruce. No native tree species remain.
4. Animals… BAAAAAA
Irish elk were once native to this area, and many of their bones can be found in the mountains. Wolves also lived here but have been
extinct in Ireland since the 1700s. Red deer were originally hunted to extinction but were reintroduced by the Powerscourt Estate in
the 18th century along with sika deer. All deer here are now solely sika deer or red-sika hybrids. The mountains are now also a
grazing area for sheep.
5. St. Kevin’s Bed
St. Kevin, the founder of the monastic settlement of Glendalough, would be supposedly led to this spot by an angel and
would spend many years residing in this Bronze Age tomb. It is only 4 ft. wide and 3 ft. high, making it impossible for an
adult to stand in. It is likely the oldest piece of work to be undertaken by man in the area.
6. The Round Tower of Glendalough
Made of mica-schist and granite from the Wicklow Mountains, this tower stands about 100 ft. high with its entrance
located 11.5 ft. from its base. These round stone towers were created as landmarks for travelers, as well as a place of
sanctuary incase the settlement was attacked. The top of the tower has four windows, one for each cardinal direction.
7. The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul
Out of the 7 churches of Glendalough, this cathedral was the biggest. It is believed that it was made from mica-schist
stones from an earlier smaller church. The chancel and the sacristy were dated to the late 12th or early 13th century.
Archeologists can tell it was finely decorated, but many of the stones have since gone missing, along with its roof.
8. St. Kevin’s Church or “Kitchen”
This church is sometimes referred to as St. Kevin’s Kitchen due to its small size. Unlike other Glendalough churches, this
one had a stone roof and a miniature round tower that rises from the west end of the roof. It originally only had a nave,
but a chancel and sacristy were added later. The chancel is now missing from the building, as well as its timber first floor.
9. Glendalough Cemetery
Burials exist in Glendalough from the beginning of the monastic settlement to the present, though few total records remain and are
reserved for the most recent burials. Cemetery records indicate that there are currently 153 known internments, with the oldest
individual having passed in 1795, and the most recent burial from 1998. A very desired place of rest.
10. Abandoned Mining Camps
The Upper Valley contains the ruins of old mining camps. The camp at Glendalough was one of two main mining operations
in the Wicklow Mountains. Lead mining was the main extraction here and was first discovered in the early 19th century.
The last mines in the valleys would close in 1957.
11. Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains Today
Wicklow Mountains National Park was established in 1991 by the Irish government in order to conserve the area’s
biodiversity and the landscape, both ecological and cultural. It encompasses an area of over 77 square miles and hosts
over one million visitors each year.
