Travelmania Ireland - Ardmore Cathedral and Round Tower, County Waterford

Ardmore Cathedral and Round Tower, Co. Waterford

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Description

Ardmore is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland. St. Declan lived in the region at some time in the period 350-450 AD and christianised the area before the coming of St. Patrick. St. Declan's feast day is "Pattern Day" every 24th of July.

On a hill above the village is a well-preserved 30m high, 12th-century round tower and the ruins of a Cathedral and oratory dating from the 13th and 8th centuries respectively. This is where Saint Declan is reputed to be buried. One of the outer walls of the Cathedral features some stone carvings retrieved from an earlier 9th-century building. The carvings include a very early image of a harp, and images of Adam and Eve in the garden also a representation of "Solomon's judgement" The Cathedral also contains two Ogham stones, which rest in small alcoves.Some elements of the original structure can still be seen within the building The present Church of Ireland church (St. Paul's) is close to this complex.

The Cathedral is on the site of St Declan's Monastery; the present building is of various periods and many styles. The chancel being the oldest dating from 9th century, with the nave being late 12th century work. Further works on the south side-wall and the east gable are of the 14th century. The external figure filled panels on the West gable of the nave the most striking feature of the whole ruin dating from the 9th to 11th centuries.

More about Round Towers you will find HERE.
More about Monastic Sites in Ireland you will find HERE.