St Kevin came to this long isolated valley, in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, to find solitude. Later, he founded a monastery that became a highly frequented pilgrimage centre and still continues to attract hoards of tourists. The «Glen of the Two Lakes» is, without doubt, one of Ireland's most evocative monastic sites. This is due both to the beauty of its setting and the number of buildings - intact or in ruins - testifying to the beginnings of Christianity in Ireland.

The road west from Glendalough to Hollywood (24km) follows the course of the medieval pilgrims' path, St Kevin's Road, through the Vale of Glendasan. By car, the road loops northeast and rejoins the old route through Wicklow Gap between Tonelagee (816m north) and Table Mountain (700m west). Hikers may choose to follow the old direct route (3km) closer to Lough Nahanagan.

This magnificent Palladian mansion stands on gently sloping ground leading down to the waters of Poulaphouca Reservoir, which reflect the Wicklow Mountains lying beyon it. The lawned terraces behind the house are original. The short drive passes the old stable before the main building's full facade, built of Wicklow granite and linked to two wings by crescent shaped colonnades, comes into view.

Take the time stop at this crossroads on the Military Road, built by the British to open up the region after the 1798 Rebellion, and admire the splendid view of the surrounding blanket bog on Wicklow Mountains.

The highest waterfall in Ireland is formed by the Dargle River which plunges (120m) in a spray of thick white spume down a grey rock face set in a horseshoe of hills. There are pleasant walks and nature trails along the river banks. Climbing the rock face is dangerous.