No 16: Emerald isle touched by magic

We continue our series of the top 20 destinations of readers. By JILL TOWERS


I just happened to pick one of the nicest times to visit Ireland. It was mid-April and the weather was giving glimpses of the beginnings of what was to become a hot summer.

Leaving Dublin and travelling south through the county of Wicklow, we stopped to experience the magic of Glendalough - the "Glen of the Two Lakes" - a monastic site founded by St Kevin in the early 6th century. A holy place of pilgrimage.

The area oozes history and was the site of repeated raids and destruction by the Vikings.

It now has a tranquillity about it.

The two lakes lap their waters in silent witness to the centuries of comings and goings.

The wooded valley that encompasses the lakes tells of glacial beginnings and hold secrets of long-ago mining activity.

The ruins to the monastic settlement are approached through a double arch, a solid tribute to workmanship that would make any stonemason proud.

Inside the remains of the cathedral you are transported back to an era of ancient ritual and belief.

The graveyard no doubt holds many secrets. And the high Celtic cross stands as a sentinel to the dead.

The Round Tower is the pinnacle of the visit. Around and around we walk and wonder - how did they get inside? Its true purpose is even more of a mystery?

And this was just the first morning of Ireland.

The scenery, the history, the magic. They are calling me back.

Getting there

Return economy class airfares ex Auckland to London, return ferry Holyhead/Dublin, and two nights accommodation at the Cassidys Hotel from $2749 a person share twin. Contact Flight Centre on 0800 24 35 44 to book. Conditions apply.

Getting around

Visitors travelling around Ireland by public transport should inquire about discounted fares or Rambler/Explorer tickets which offer unlimited bus/rail travel for three, five or 15 days.

Things to see and do

Narrow winding roads, sleepy hidden villages, tumbling dry-stone walls, whitewashed farmhouses and small fields encompassed by varied hedgerows are key features in modern Ireland. Try a round of golf or fish in clear, unpolluted lakes and rivers. Sail around the entire island. Hire a bicycle, tour the Moyle Way, or wander in a forest park in Limerick.

Tourism Ireland