An American journalist, Ashley Bateman described her visit to Glendalough and its setting as follows:

“Considered by many the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow County is home to some of the premiere natural sights of the country, including mountains, hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. One of the county’s oases is the landscape of Glendalough.

With its lakes nestled in a secluded valley, reflecting cascading streams and deep green fauna climbing the hills on either side, walkers, hikers and pilgrims journey from all over the world to experience the meditative quiet and natural beauty of this idyllic nature reserve and the surrounding town. Natural beauty is not the only draw for tourists though, as the site has historical and religious significance as well.

The valley for which Glendalough is named is home to the ancient site of St. Kevin’s Monastery.

The greater Glendalough area offers even more extreme visions of Ireland’s natural beauty- soaring peaks accessible by car, rivers, lakes and rocky outcroppings awarding magnificent views of the valleys below.”