County Waterford,
Ireland
A beautiful, historical,
seaside town
All Photos by BT
Ardmore is a very nice village located just
off the N25 Road east of Youghal and down the narrow St. Declan's
Way Road. It is known as the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland.
According to Irish history, St. Declan lived there in the period
350-450 A.D. and christianised this area before the coming of
St. Patrick. There is a wonderful 12th Century Round Tower and
it is one of the best examples in all of Ireland of the round
tower. The Tower overlooks a beautiful bay and sandy beaches and
a quiet fishing village. Among other structures that are in ruins
are the Cathedral, St. Declan's Oratory, and St. Declan's Well
and Church. To learn more of the Round Tower go to this link.<http://roundtowers.org/ardmore/index1.htm>
Ardmore
The gravestones are almost falling,
Due to time's wearing them away.
Those of the past; sharing eternity with the present.
Who were they? The names are
worn away.
Oh Ardmore, your ancient secrets are there,
To be found and perhaps discovered.
We walk among you now
The cold Irish wind from the sea,
Sending shivers thru us.
The grass grows among the stones,
Some covering those low to the ground.
The small cathedral, almost not there now,
Speaks of the faith never to be forgotten.
We send a prayer to heaven that
peace encompasses
All who lie there on the hill now and forever.
----BT
Written from Ardmore Cemetery
May, 2009
TThe Cemetery and the Cathedral in the background
The cathedral is on the site of
St. Declan's Monastery, the present ruin is of various periods
and many styles. The chancel is the oldest dating from the 9th
century and the nave from the 12th century.
The Round Tower at Ardmore
Photo by BT
For more information on the Round Tower click here.
Ardmore: The Cathedral
and Round Tower
The external carved bas reliefs
date from the Romanesque period(late 12th century). They are located
on the west gable of the nave of the cathedral.
A Celtic Cross marking a grave in
the cemetery
Ardmore Cemetery looking to the
sea from near the Round Tower
A view out across the valley near
the Cathedral
The Round Tower at Ardmore overlooks
the Town from the hill above
Photo by BT
May, 2009
