Collection: The Glendalough series - Plein Air Landscapes

Originally carved out by a glacier the upper and lower lakes were at one time just a single massive lake, but sediment over time separated them out into what is now the lower and upper lakes. The upper lake is an incredibly tranquil place with the high steep walls of the Spinc on the south side of the lake, the opposite valley wall is less steep but no less dramatic. Painting at the lake shore is sheltered in some spots but you will get a lot of wind! You can follow the lake shore on the north side all the way to the Glenealo valley where the abandoned miners village from the 19th century is located. There is a much loved looped walk which continues all the way along the Spinc with amazing views all the way back to the beach area. Painting here is a wonderful experience, especially opposite the Spinc cliffs facing St. Kevin’s bed, a natural cave that the saint reportedly used for isolation periods of reflection.

An Spinc which is Irish for ‘pointed hill’ is on the southern side of the upper lake. It’s a steep climb at the start but well worth the effort for the commanding views of the upper lake and the Glenealo valley. A challenging and very beautiful place to paint. It’s an effort to reach with the gear but having painted here a number of times, it’s probably my favourite of all the Glendalough spots to paint in. The feeling here is second to none when you are alone with an easel and the deer and goats! When painting here I do really feel the history of the place.