Glendalough is situated deep in the Wicklow Mountains and was chosen by St. Kevin as his site to build a monastery because of its remoteness and serenity.
St. Kevin, "Coemghan" in Gaelic, was born into a wealthy family in Ireland in 498. He was baptized by St. Cronan and later studied Holy Scripture under the guidance of St. Petrocus. The reputation of St. Kevin and his monastery in Glendalough spread throughout Europe making Glendalough a popular place of pilgrimage.
Probably quite uniquely among Irish saints his feast day is celebrated by both Western and Orthodox calendars on the third of July. However, in Ireland it is celebrated on the third of June.
