Last Day in Ireland: Wicklow Tour

Before we went to Dublin, my friend Kathleen Webber from back in MD suggested that we take a tour of an early settlement called Glendalough. We found a touring company that included this village in their tour of the Wicklow area, which was south of the city. On this tour, we were supposed to see some incredible views, including mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Of course, we expected to see lots of rolling green hills (isn't that all that Ireland is made up of?). And although Ireland wasn't as green as we expected (it is Fall after all), we certainly weren't disappointed with what we saw.

These pictures were taken at our first stop, where we could overlook the city of Dublin in the distance. Not a bad start.Next, we were driven to a lake that was up in the mountains. The land surrounding it was marsh. It was almost like a swamp set up high in the mountains with lots of low-lying brush. Very tricky to walk in, but worth it to see this lake.On our journey, we drove past this area which is where they filmed parts of Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan (the Normandy scene), and P.S. I Love You (a more recent film that I haven't seen yet). We then stopped at a small waterfall which was the start of the River Liffey (the river that flows through the city of Dublin).Our next stop had an increible view of a lake and mountain range.
(Isn't this a beautiful shot?!)After lunch in a small village, we stopped to see a larger waterfall,
and then we headed to the village of Glendalough. Glendalough (meaning "Glen of Two Lakes") was a 6th century Monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin. We entered the settlement through the originally-built gateway. We were able to see the cathedral,the round tower, and a building known as St. Kevin's Church.In this picture, our tour-guide Tony, was explaining the design of the Celtic high-cross to us. Did you know that early missionaries to Ireland combined the Christian cross symbol with the symbol (ring/circle) representing the sun-god? They did this to help the pagans understand that the Christian God is the one who gives life (like their version of the sun-god). I never knew that before.

We finished up out time at Glendalough with a lovely hike before heading back to the city.This picture is of Maddie with her "iPod Rock." Hey, it's cheaper than a real iPod! :)
Once back in Dublin, it was time to head to the airport.

Our trip to Ireland was a whirl-wind three days for sure! As always, the challenges of traveling, (including flying) with three kids were exhausting at times. But, it was certainly worth it! Looking back, I am so pleased that in just three days we were able to see so much of Ireland, not just the city of Dublin. It was a great trip!