The word Glendalough means the valley of two lakes. The monastery was founded by St Kevin (6th c.) to care for the sick and to copy ancient manuscripts. It was raided by the Vikings several times and was finally closed in 1539: dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. Pilgrims, however, kept coming to this holy place. The round towers are unique to Ireland!! They were built to be the safehavens of monks in case of Viking attacks. The door is always on the 2nd floor. The only way to enter was through a ladder!! Which was, of course, pulled up when attackers neared the place. Many invaluable treasures survived this way the fate of being taken by the Vikings! Most of these round towers were built over a well, food was stored there; so the monks could hold out for weeks if necessary. This tower is 33 m high. There are beautiful Celtic crosses in the cemetery and the ruins of a cathedral from the 12th c.
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