During my time in beautiful Ireland I got the opportunity to take a day tour from Dublin with Paddywagon tours to see the former medieval capital city of Ireland, Kilkenny, The magnificent Wicklow mountains and the monastic city of St. Kevin at Glendalough which is made famous for appearing in such movies as “Braveheart” and “PS I Love you”.
With everyone on board the bus in Dublin off to a bright and early start through the Wicklow mountains bound for the monastic city of St. Kevin in Glendalough
Our awesome guide, Mike
We then arrived in picturesque Glendalough, Here we got to explore the valley with it’s beautiful lake and scenic walks down towards the monastic city and ruins.
After a short walk, we spotted the monastic city ruins nestled within this picturesque valley.
Located in the cemetery is the round tower or bell tower, this 100 ft tower of early Irish monasteries was used to summon monk’s to prayer.
The monastic ruins include the round tower, two High Crosses, seven churches, a sanctuary Stone, the priests house, graveyard, Reeferts church, St Kevin’s Bed and St Kevins Cell.
After exploring the Glendalough area, we all jumped back into the bus and headed to the former medieval capital of Ireland Kilkenny.
As I walked through the streets of Kilkenny I felt like I had been transported back in time, looking at all the old walls and buildings.
the beautiful cobblestone streets were made even more beautiful by the warm orange glow of the falling autumn leaves.
Of course, no Medieval city would be complete without its castle. Kilkenny Castle was originally built in 1195 and was privately owned and it wasn’t until the 20th century that it was sold to the state for 50 euros and restored back to its former glory.
No visit to Kilkenny would be complete without having some Kilkenny in the town of Kilkenny itself, So I enjoyed some Irish fish and chips along with a delicious pint of Kilkenny at a local pub called “Matt The Millers”. Before heading back to our paddywagon to make our return journey to Dublin
but not before stopping off at the Brown Hill Dormen, One of the ancient wonders from the pre Celtic-Bronze age. This monument located out in a field was used by ancient Irish ancestors to bury and celebrate their dead and their passage to the next world.
Overall I really enjoyed my time in Wicklow and Kilkenny, It was great to see the sunning scenery and monastic ruins in Wicklow. Also being able to walk around on cobblestone streets of Kilkenny and explore its castle, really felt like I was being transported back into a time long passed.Plus having a glass of Kilkenny in Kilkenny itself is pretty damn cool 😀
*Note: I was a guest on this Kilkenny & Wicklow Day Tour from Dublin with Paddywagon tours. However as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.
when going to Dublin to see my brother, Kilkenny will be for sure on my to do list!
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Yay Mike! Best driver ever!
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My thoughts will also be with you -thanks you for your well-wishing!Ya, I’m prtety sure all is going to be fine – perhaps only the weather will be naughty…A big hug, Alex