“If you go, hire Martin Swords”
We picked a house for a week rental near the town of Shillelagh. I specifically wanted to be in Wicklow, to be near Glendalough. I had been before and was amazed by its beauty and history. But this time, I hired a guide, something I rarely do. He is on TripAdvisor, Martin Swords. This man single-handedly made the experience a journey, not a visit. We were with him for hours, just the two of us.
He told the history, the nature of Pilgrimage, some off-colored jokes about Relics and other saintly items and legends. Martin was a retired teacher, but did not teach, he shared, he led you deeper into Glendalough than I ever would have imagined.
Even without him, this is still one of the most magical and special of places.
Glendalough Guided Walks 