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Hendrickson Fine Art photo of Glendalough monastery

A mystical and moving Irish monastery

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Visiting and photographing Glendalough – with it’s amazing ancient buildings, and centuries old cemetery was a real thrill.

It was a rainy day in Wicklow, when Barry and I decided to tour the Glendalough monastic site. The rain that day ended up being a great thing because the medieval grounds were empty. We had the place to our selves.  And trust me — that was a gift  — as this place is usually crawling with tourists.

We got to meander through scenic paths in the Wicklow Mountains. We gazed upon a hundred foot tall roundstone tower and went along trails through the graveyard. The graveyard was fascinating… so many beautiful and tall stones steeped over at odd angles, and many markers with worn away lettering, some as old as the 12th century. There were Celtic crosses to be discovered and Medieval buildings to enter, including St Kevin’s Kitchen- an early Irish church with a round tower and steep pitched roof. What a way to really feel the history of the place. 

Barry went to work, photographing stones, markers, the scenery, the mist and atmosphere of the place. Everything!  The rain made the tombstones shimmer… and the mist hung in the valley. We were enthralled!  It really was truly mystical and a moving day.

 

Monastery, Co Wicklow, Ireland @Hendrickson Fine Art Photo

Monastery, Co Wicklow, Ireland

Barry’s eye for composition, and the path drawn you into this magical place.
His attention to detail and the drama all brings this scene to life. This has made
this image one of our collectors favorites! 

View and Buy the Monastery photo

Monastery, Co Wicklow, © Hendrickson Fine Art Photography 
Archival black and white fine art photos available in three sizes. 


Glendalough Monastery is in the Wicklow National Park is in the Wicklow Mountains, approximately 50 km south from Dublin. 

More photos from the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains in Ireland:

Glendalough photo of Irish landscape

Glendalough, Co Wicklow, Ireland

Glendalough Lake >

Ruins in the Valley, Co Wicklow, Ireland

Ruins in the Valley >

 

Glendalough irish landscape photo by Barry Hendrickson

Captivating Glendalough

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Barry and I were just a few days into our first trip into Ireland, when we drove to Wicklow County to see Glendalough. The word Glendalough in Gaelic is Gleann Dá Loch meaning Glen of the Two Lakes, which is so fitting for this serene photograph. Not too far from this beautiful lake is the home one of Ireland’s most impressive monasteries. I found this ancient site captivating.

 

“Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.”

 

Stopping at the Visitor Centre, I truly enjoyed learning about centuries of Celtic history.  I learned ‘How The Irish Saved Civilization’ and that the monastery was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. We explored the grounds with its stone churches, grave stones, high crosses and a middle age round tower. I found its history and natural beauty so moving. So did Barry. He spent a lot of time photographing here. This is where he photographed the well loved “Monastery” fine art photo. See it here. >   

 

All of these sites are within the Wicklow Mountains National Park.  If you wish to explore this area, there are several hiking routes or as the Irish say ‘walking’ routes throughout the park. Barry captured the Wicklow Mountains in this Irish landscape photo titled “Ruins in the Valley.”

 

“Glendalough”
County Wicklow, Ireland (shown at the top)
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Limited edition, Fine Art Photographs for your home. >

 

To see “Ruins in the Valley” visit our website IrelandinBlackandWhite.com >

To see “The Monastery” visit our website IrelandinBlackandWhite.com >

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If you would like to learn “How The Irish Saved Civilization,” read Thomas Cahill’s book. It features Glendalough Monastery and tells the story of how the Celtic monasteries preserved a culture of learning through the Dark Ages. Or another option I personally loved was hearing Liam Neeson read the audio book.   

To plan your own trip to Glendalough, visit these websites:

The Glendalough Visitor Centre >

Wicklow National Park website >

Ruins in the Valley, County Wicklow by Barry Hendrickson

Wandering the Wicklow Mountains

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The Wicklow Mountains are not that far south of the city of Dublin. In the past centuries, these mountains were remote enough to have provide a refuge for opponents to the English rule. Rebels that took part in the 1798 Irish uprising, hid out in this region for years.

 

In 1800, the frustrated British started building a military road. This road was devised to help flush out the rebels, and in the end has only made this area more accessible. Currently, this winding road makes for a spectacular drive with many views of breathtaking scenery. 

 

While wandering though the Wicklow Mountains, Barry and I discovered these ruins. One can only imagine what this structure was used for in the past. Barry composed his photograph with the ruins front and center, over looking this stunning valley.

 

On a more recent note, the Wicklow Mountains have been used as a backdrop for hundreds of films. Some of the more well known productions are Excalibur, The Tudors, Ella Enchanted, P.S. I Love you, Michael Collins and Braveheart. Gazing at this landscape, it’s easy to see why films are shot here. 

 

If you’d like this artwork of the Ruins in the Valley for your home, it’s available in three sizes in our on-line store. >

 

Ruins in the Valley

County Wicklow, Ireland

 

A original fine art photo by Barry Thomas Hendrickson.
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

To learn more about these Irish film locations see: www.wicklowfilmcommission.com. >