With less than 4 weeks to go to the yearly celebration of St Patrick, on March 17, Guinness will flow from Malin to Moscow, the Chicago River will run green and parades will be held worldwide to celebrate the fifth-century preacher and patron saint of Ireland.
[Taoiseach Enda Kenny presents President Barack Obama with a bowl of shamrock in the White House during Mr Kenny’s St Patrick’s Day] (Photo by Leslie E. Kossoff/LK Photos)
GLENDALOUGH, COUNTY WICKLOW: ST. KEVIN
Founded by St Kevin in the sixth century, Glendalough which means the valley of two lakes in County Wicklow was once one of Ireland’s greatest centers of learning. Visitors can wander through the remains of a monastic settlement which includes a soaring round tower, churches and gravestones, as well as “St. Kevin’s Bed” — a man-made cave carved into the rock high over one of the lakes.
CLONMACNOISE, COUNTY OFFALY: ST. CIARAN
In County Offaly, visitors can explore the magnificent remains of a monastic site founded by Ciaran in Clonmacnoise. Dating back to the sixteenth century it includes the ruins of a cathedral, two round towers, three Celtic crosses and the largest collection of early Christian gravestones in Western Europe.
St Brigid’s round tower, cathedral and tranquil park with an ancient well, said to have healing powers in Kildare town, County Kildare.
St Declan’s fifth century settlement in Ardmore Co.Waterford including one of the tallest round towers in Ireland, an ancient church decorated with intricate stone carvings and the remains of an oratory.
At Fenit Harbour in County Kerry stands a large bronze statue in honour of St Brendan, the sixth century navigator, said to be the first saint to discover America.
Still amongst all these saintly shrines all over the country it seems St. Patrick is still the star with St Patrick’s Day Events in Ireland taking place all over the country from Dublin to Galway and Cork to Belfast.