Glendalough aka: Gleann Dá Locha

So, typically, all the tourists pour out of their planes at Dublin or Shannon and head west to the Ring of Kerry, or poor Dingle or Doolin. They clog the roundabouts, pile into the nearest pub, try to tip the barkeep repeatedly, jump on a tourbus or scrape their hired cars along the stone walls as they attempt to learn a new way to drive while jetlagged.

When you’re touring Ireland in midsummer, head east to Glendalough. This medieval site is soaked in history. The surrounding countryside is devastatingly beautiful, and it’s such a peaceful, thoughtful place. I never get tired of it.