Glenmalure’s rugged beauty is deeply linked with the struggle for Irish freedom. Over centuries, this landscape has acted as a safe place and a useful tool for Irish rebels fighting against the Crown.
A number of famous events are associated with this area. The Battle of Glenmalure in August 1580 saw an army of Gaelic families use their knowledge of the difficult landscape to plan an ambush and defeat the English army. In 1592, after a dramatic escape from Dublin Castle, Irish leaders Red Hugh O’Donnell and Art O’Neill made their way to safety by travelling across the mountains at night into the valley. Glenmalure was also central during the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion. The bravery of the local rebel hero, Michael Dwyer, is legendary. He would hide at a rocky outcrop, now known as Dwyer’s Chair, watching the construction of Drumgoff Military Barracks below. The army were building the barracks to help locate Dwyer! These events have been turned into important local songs and stories.
Glenmalure also has links to the 1916 Rising. Dr Kathleen Lynn, a political activist, pioneering doctor, and revolutionary who took part in the Rising in Dublin, spent much time in Glenmalure throughout her later life. She purchased a house in the valley from a fellow 1916 revolutionary Maud Gonne. It operates as a youth hostel today.
Monuments to these people and events can be found throughout the valley, showing local people’s connection to and pride in Glenmalure’s heritage.
