Functions of Glendalough
Monastic Site
There is a lot of evidence around Glendalough of early settlement. A 6th Century monastic site was founded by St. Kevin, a hermit who lived in the Glendalough area. There are some sites and a church named after him. There are some remains of the monastic settlement including a round tower and some monastic buildings.
Mining
In the 1790s Glendalough served a significant mining function with mines set up for zinc, lead and silvers. The remains and waste from some of the mines can still be observed in areas around Glendalough. At its peak the industry was huge employing thousands of people in the area. Various issues such as flooding, lack of machinery and toxic fumes made it difficult for the mines to remain open and they were eventually closed in the 1950s.
Tourism
In recent years the area has served a tourism function with many people visiting Glendalough to observe the geographical beauty of the area as well as to engage in tourist activities such as hiking and mountain walking. A tourist centre has been developed there with car parks, a hotel and restaurants. Many people also visit for the monastic site.
There is a lot of evidence around Glendalough of early settlement. A 6th Century monastic site was founded by St. Kevin, a hermit who lived in the Glendalough area. There are some sites and a church named after him. There are some remains of the monastic settlement including a round tower and some monastic buildings.
Mining
In the 1790s Glendalough served a significant mining function with mines set up for zinc, lead and silvers. The remains and waste from some of the mines can still be observed in areas around Glendalough. At its peak the industry was huge employing thousands of people in the area. Various issues such as flooding, lack of machinery and toxic fumes made it difficult for the mines to remain open and they were eventually closed in the 1950s.
Tourism
In recent years the area has served a tourism function with many people visiting Glendalough to observe the geographical beauty of the area as well as to engage in tourist activities such as hiking and mountain walking. A tourist centre has been developed there with car parks, a hotel and restaurants. Many people also visit for the monastic site.