Day 15 - Wickow Pyramid, Black Castle and Glendalough
We spent the day exploring the Wicklow region, uncovering a mix of hidden gems and iconic historic sites. From the strange and solitary Wicklow Pyramid to the seaside ruins of Black Castle and the serene monastic valley of Glendalough, each stop gave us a different glimpse into Ireland’s rich and varied past. Molly decided to stay home and rest today, so we adventured without her — but we made sure to grab a photo of us eating ice cream to tease her for missing out.
Our first stop was the Wicklow Pyramid, also known as the Howard Mausoleum. Tucked away in a quiet graveyard near the village of Killincarrig, this unexpected structure looks like it belongs more in Egypt than rural Ireland. Built in the 18th century by the Howard family, the pyramid serves as a family tomb and stands out starkly among the surrounding gravestones. It was eerie, fascinating, and completely unique — a great reminder of how even lesser-known places in Ireland can surprise you.
Hidden in the Wicklow countryside, the Howard Mausoleum—often called the Wicklow Pyramid—rises like an enigma from another world. Modeled after ancient Egyptian tombs, it guards the secrets of the Howard family and stirs whispers of arcane symbolism and forgotten rituals. The captions below explore its mystery and myth.
Molly said she was too tired - so we left her home with the ice cream.Tucked away in County Wicklow stands Ireland’s only known pyramid-shaped tomb. Built in the 1780s by Ralph Howard, 1st Viscount Wicklow, it was inspired by Egyptian architecture.The pyramid is part of the Kilbride Cemetery on the Shelton Abbey estate, a place of noble rest.Its unusual shape draws curious visitors—most Irish mausoleums are far less grand.Legend says it was constructed to prevent spirits from escaping—trapping them inside forever.Some believe the pyramid design was meant to protect the dead from body-snatching.Only a handful of family members were ever interred within the massive stone structure.Though weathered by time, its silhouette still cuts a striking figure against the Irish sky.The mausoleum once had a heavy metal door—but it now stands open to time and mystery.The Howards were fascinated by Freemasonry, and the pyramid may reflect those beliefs.Rumors whisper that the pyramid is aligned to ancient celestial patterns, like the pyramids of Giza.On stormy days, it’s said the wind howls through the cracks like voices of the dead.Despite its remote location, the site remains an atmospheric stop for the curious and brave.Some claim strange energy surrounds the pyramid—sparking ghost stories and local superstitions.The surrounding gravestones are much more modest, making the pyramid even more mysterious.Whether monument or message, the Wicklow Pyramid still guards its secrets after more than 200 years.
Black Castle & Wicklow
Next, we visited Black Castle in Wicklow Town. Perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Irish Sea, the castle ruins are all that remain of a Norman fortress destroyed in the 14th century. Though only crumbling stone walls are left, the views were spectacular — waves crashing against the cliffs below, with the breeze carrying the smell of salt and seaweed. The dramatic coastal setting made it easy to imagine the site as it once was, guarding the coast centuries ago.
Perched on the cliffs above the Wicklow coast, Black Castle watches over the sea like a ghost of Ireland’s turbulent past. Once a Norman stronghold, its ruins now echo with tales of sieges, betrayal, and Viking raids. The captions below trace the shadows of history that still cling to its crumbling stones.
Black Castle looms over the sea, its ruins clinging to a rocky headland since the 12th century.The castle was built by the Normans to secure the area from Irish clans—especially the O’Byrnes and O’Tooles.It was originally established by the FitzGeralds, a powerful Anglo-Norman family.The location gave it a strategic view over Wicklow Bay—both beautiful and defensible.Despite its strength, Black Castle was attacked and destroyed many times over the centuries.In 1301, the native Irish forces laid siege and burned it to the ground.The FitzGeralds rebuilt it—but the cycle of destruction continued well into the 16th century.Over time, the castle fell out of use, left to crumble and be reclaimed by the sea.Today, only jagged walls and foundations remain, but they still whisper tales of blood and stone.The ruins are haunted by the echoes of battle cries and crashing waves.Local legend says a ghostly knight rides the cliffs on stormy nights, guarding what’s left of his fortress.The castle was said to house secret tunnels connecting it to the harbor below—now lost to time.During full moons, some say you can hear clanking armor echoing from the ruins.Black Castle’s dark silhouette has inspired poets, painters, and plenty of eerie local tales.The site is free to visit and utterly exposed to the elements—making it feel wild and untamed.From here, you can watch ships disappear into the horizon—just as Vikings once did from nearby coves.This was once a place of fierce power struggles—now, it offers peaceful views and poignant history.The sea has eaten away at parts of the ruins, a constant reminder of nature’s patience.Centuries ago, its ramparts would have bristled with guards; today, only seabirds remain.The castle’s stones are said to remember the blood spilled on them—an old Irish belief.Nearby caves were once used by smugglers, taking advantage of the hidden coastline.Though broken, Black Castle still commands attention—a shadow of its former strength.After the Black Castle we stopped at a pub in Wicklow for lunch.St. Patrick’s Church has served Wicklow’s faithful for generations, standing at the heart of the town.Though modern in structure, the site has religious roots dating back centuries.It is named after Ireland’s patron saint, who is said to have traveled and preached throughout the Wicklow region.The church is a symbol of Catholic perseverance, especially through times of penal laws and religious suppression.The current building dates to the 19th century, built during a period of Catholic resurgence in Ireland.Its Gothic-style architecture reflects the period’s desire to reclaim grandeur and reverence in worship.The interior is peaceful and filled with light—offering a space for quiet reflection and prayer.Local families have worshipped here for generations, marking baptisms, marriages, and funerals.The stained-glass windows tell stories of Irish saints, apostles, and moments of grace.The bell tower, added later, still calls parishioners to mass on Sundays.Church records here provide a glimpse into the town’s history and the lives of its people.It stands as a spiritual anchor in Wicklow, reminding visitors of the town’s enduring faith.Whether you come to pray or simply to admire, St. Patrick’s Church invites quiet reverence.St. Patrick’s Church continues to be a beacon of community and tradition in the heart of Wicklow.The Robert Halpin Memorial in Wicklow honors the fearless sea captain who helped wire the world by laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable.Standing beneath Billy Byrne — Wicklow's own rebel hero — who gave his life in the 1798 Rebellion. His raised arm still calls out for liberty.This historic jail housed rebels, convicts, and famine victims — its haunted corridors still echo with untold stories.Standing outside Wicklow Gaol — once known as ‘the gates of hell’ for the misery endured by prisoners inside these stone walls.
Glendalough Monastic Site
We finished the day at the stunning Glendalough Monastic Site, nestled in a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains. Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, the site includes a round tower, stone churches, and ancient grave markers scattered among trees and grassy meadows. We walked the trails along the lake, took in the peaceful atmosphere, and felt the quiet reverence that still lingers in the ruins. Glendalough was the perfect way to end the day — timeless, spiritual, and surrounded by nature.
Glendalough, the “valley of the two lakes,” is a place of peace and pilgrimage. Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, its ruins speak of early monks, ancient wisdom, and the sacred stillness of nature. In the captions below, you’ll walk among round towers and stone churches where faith shaped a timeless sanctuary.
Glendalough means "Valley of the Two Lakes" — a place of beauty and spiritual calm.Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, Glendalough became one of Ireland’s most important monastic centers.The iconic round tower stands over 30 meters tall and was used as a bell tower, lookout, and refuge.Round towers were built with the entrance high off the ground to protect against Viking raids.According to legend, St. Kevin lived as a hermit in a cave above the upper lake for years.Pilgrims traveled here for centuries, drawn by the stories of Kevin’s miracles and the holy waters.The cathedral ruins are the largest among the structures and once hosted large gatherings of monks.This site was a center for learning, worship, and pilgrimage — a beacon of early Christian Ireland.Glendalough thrived for over 600 years before being destroyed by English forces in 1398.The Gateway to Glendalough is a rare example of a surviving entrance arch to an early Irish monastery.The Priest’s House may have been used to store relics or as a mortuary chapel.Legend tells of St. Kevin being fed by a wild doe when food was scarce.The site’s setting — among trees, hills, and lakes — gives it a haunting and timeless atmosphere.One tale claims St. Kevin held out his arms in prayer for so long, a blackbird nested in his hand.Many pilgrims walked "St. Kevin’s Way," a 30km path from Hollywood, County Wicklow.The monastery once contained workshops, living quarters, and schools for scribes and students.Glendalough’s upper and lower lakes were thought to hold healing powers.Several high crosses still stand, once used to mark sacred ground and tell Biblical stories.The site attracted scholars, poets, and holy men from across Ireland and Europe.St. Kevin was buried here, and his grave became a place of pilgrimage.Many still come here on June 3rd, St. Kevin’s feast day, to honor his life.The landscape is dotted with ancient graves — reminders of Glendalough’s centuries of devotion.Despite ruin, the structures exude a sense of reverence and peace.The nearby lakes reflect the monastery’s towers, blending nature and history in a perfect mirror.Though it fell to ruin, Glendalough was never forgotten — it remains a symbol of Ireland’s spiritual heritage.The monastic site was once home to a scriptorium, where monks painstakingly copied illuminated manuscripts by hand.In early Irish tradition, Glendalough was believed to be a "thin place" — where the veil between heaven and earth is especially close.Today, Glendalough invites visitors to walk among echoes of saints, scholars, and silence.We got Ice Cream at St Kevins Ice Cream shop just to tease Molly. Maybe next time she will come with us!