Powerscourt Gardens & Glendalough (II)

Después de la decepción de Irlanda en el VI Naciones, recuperamos fuerzas con otras pintas de la mejor Guinness por Dublín y la tristeza se tornó en alegría cuando llegamos al día siguiente a la estación de autobuses 'Bus Éireann' donde optamos por pasar el día en los Jardines de Powerscourt y luego visitar el conjunto monástico de Glendalough. Aunque Glendalough ya lo había visto el año pasado con Ana, no me importaba para nada volver, además así Jorge podía contemplar uno de los lugares más bellos de Irlanda.

La excursión consta de lo siguiente:

"An unforgettable tour which takes you along the south coast of Dublin and on to Powerscourt Gardens, situated in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Powerscourt Gardens were begun in the 1740’s and stretch out over 45 acres including a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. Powerscourt has been described as One of Europe's Greatest Gardens and One of Ireland's Greatest Treasures. The tour includes entry into the gardens for one of the mapped walks and a short time for the Powerscourt shops and tearooms. A wonderful experience. Travelling onwards through the picturesque countryside of Roundwood and Laragh, to another highlight of our tour – Glendalough. The Celtic Monastic System derived from the early monasteries of Egypt, and Glendalough was one of the oldest and most important of the early Irish monasteries.

Situated in an idyllic valley with two lakes, hence the name. Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, it has a High Tower which is one of the most famous images of Ireland, that was used by the monks to store and protect precious manuscripts and artefacts, and also some of the finest architecture of the early church. It is one of the best experiences on a day trip out of the city. The tour includes entry into the Glendalough Visitors Centre for a slide show of monastic Ireland, and a guided tour of the monastic settlement by the official guides of Ireland's Heritage Services. The Centre has an excellent exhibition also included in the tour. The tour returns to Dublin through the renowned Wicklow Mountains, the rugged Wicklow Gap and the Blessington Lake."

Nuestro conductor llamado John fue de lo más simpático haciéndonos corto el trayecto con comentarios y chistes que nos alegraron -aún más- el día. Lástima que se nos olvidara hacernos una foto con él porque hubiera sido un recuerdo muy bonito. Era fiel seguidor de Elvis, no le gustaba mucho U2 y detestaba a Dustin, el famoso pavo que va a representar a Irlanda en Eurovision 2008 con su canción 'Irelande Douze Pointe' del que hablaremos en otro momento cuando se acerque la cita en Belgrado.