DAY FIVE
Day five, Glendalough and Gardens... On this beautiful sunny day, we get to visit the iconic church ruins and round tower of Glendalough. The Monastic City was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, and survived numerous Viking attacks through the years. With the option of a hike around the site, there is plenty to offer. The skies were blue today, making it a perfect day to get ice cream. The green contrast to the blue sky is a beautiful representation of Ireland. Unfortunately, we depart Glendalough and load the bus for Dublin. After an orientation walk (giving a nice glimpse of what's to come in the next few days), we check in at the Irish Whiskey Museum for whiskey tasting! The night is open to find your own dinner (or a second helping of ice cream like me).
Bus and Walking Time
4
0 hours
5 hours
2-8
0 miles
8 miles
Glendalough Monastic City
Standing 33 meters tall, the Round Tower was built over 1,000 years ago by monks of the monastery. Its main use was believed to be a bell tower, or possibly a refuge/lookout for monks under attack.
Round Tower
Kevin's Cones
The most important part of the day is mid-day in Glendalough. As our guides give us time to wander the site, my mom and I find time to sneak off to Kevin's Cones for ice cream. At the base of the stairs to the cemetery, Kevin's Cones offers a variety of choices to complement the sunny day; appropriately named after founder and abbot of the site. So, after walking under the remarkable Monastic City Gateway (where the stones are held in an arch without mortar), turn to the left for an amazing treat.
GETTING SITUATED IN DUBLIN
A Series of Events...
Whiskey Tasting
One of the most fun activities in Ireland comes from when we first arrive in Dublin. After our orientation walk, we arrive at the Irish Whiskey Museum. The guide gives an Oscar worthy performance, taking us through the history of whiskey in relation to Ireland. We visit the She Beam room, which is a tax-free, illicit drinking house (and also sometimes a house used for wakes); and learn the history associated with illegal drinking in Ireland. Then, we visit the Victorian Bar room, and sit alongside the famous Whiskey figures (or, animated photos of them). Finally, we head to the tasting room. After taking a seat along the bar, the bartender/tour guide gives us a run down of the variety of whiskey brands we will be tasting. We have water to dilute the whiskey if it's too strong. First we swirl, then we smell, and finally we drink. Cheers!
