Glendalough Cross and Deer Stone

The Glendalough Valley in County Wicklow is also known as the valley of the two lakes taken from the Irish Gleann Dá Loch (glen of two lakes). Situated in the magnificent Wicklow Mountains (Irish: Sléibhte Chill Mhantáin) National Park the Glendalough Valley was carved during the ice age by glaciers and when the thaw eventually arrived the melting ice created the two lakes. As well as its beautiful scenery it is home to a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. It is steeped in history and archaeology with ancient tombs and cairns. The Glendalough Valley is also the location of the 6th Century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin (Saint Cóemgen). 

This is an early Christian site in the area of the monastery of Glen da Loch which dates from the sixth century. On the site is the conical shaped Deer Stone, the high cross of St Kevin standing about eleven feet in height from the tenth to eleventh century, a thirty metre high round tower from the same period, and the remains of the Cathedral and Church. The 'Deer Stone' has an interesting history, it is a hollowed out stone known in Irish as bullán. This type of stone has a meaning that stretches back into pre-history. Often filled with water they were thought to have magical significance with healing properties. These pre-Christian objects were adapted and put to use in the early Celtic church. Perhaps as one of the many examples of the need to promote an easy transition between old beliefs and the conversion to Christian ones which took place in Ireland from around 400 AD onwards. Glendalough is a very special place to visit, set in a wonderful location.

The site is off the R756 east from Hollywood in the Wicklow Mountains to the west of Laragh.

Links: Official website of Glendalough Co Wicklow.