What an entrance! At best husband’s suggestion, I’m dipping into my Ireland photo collection once again for this week’s photo challenge. This is the entrance to Glendalough Monastery, home of St. Kevin of Ireland and his merry band of monks. Well, okay, maybe they weren’t merry, because after all, being a monk is serious business. Why the double gates? Besides the fact that it makes a better picture, and I’m sure St. Kevin was all about the photo ops, the double gates may have been for better security, as back then everyone was always sacking and looting each other. Guess the gates did not help, as the monastery was later destroyed by the English in 1398. Despite the English conquest, many buildings remain and there’s much for visitors of Glendalough to explore. St. Kevin’s mark is evident, as just about everything there is named “St. Kevin’s bed,” or “St. Kevin’s chair” to the point that I wondered why is it we hear so much about St. Patrick, when apparently St. Kevin was quite renowned. Probably because St. Kevin does not have a day dedicated to drinking associated with his name! 🙂
Unidentified grave, traditionally thought to be St. Kevin's
St. Kevin's ducks of course!
Reefert Church ruin; this archway mirrors the monastery entrance
And one more entrance that I’m hoping no one needs to enter soon – an ancient crypt on Valencia Island.
Open ancient crypt, Valencia Island, Ireland
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