On a return trip to Wales in the 5th century, St Declan came across the village of Ardmore and founded a monastery there. Today, a number of sites remain from his monastic city, located just 15km from Youghal in County Waterford.

Visitors can discover St. Declan’s oratory, a small church believed to be the burial place of its namesake. They can also view the 29m-high round tower, which served as a belfry and place of refuge, and the cathedral, which features Romanesque sculptures depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Inside the house of worship, there are two Ogham stones.

Both the tower and cathedral date back to the 12th century.

Ardmore

Waterford

Republic of Ireland

Credits and Sources:

Nancy Cox, Undergraduate Student, University of West Florida