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Heritage Sites in Ardmore
Round Tower (12th century)
Visit the beautifully proportioned Round Tower built in the 12th century. The Tower’s entrance doorway is some 4 metres above ground level. The purpose of the Round Tower was to serve as a belfry and as a place of refuge for the ecclesiastics and for the safe custody of their books, chalices, shrines and relics.
St. Declan's Church (13th century)
Adjoining the Round Tower is the ruined St. Declan's Church. The blind arcading on the west gable contains very fine Romanesque reliefs and in the upper row the figure of the Archangel Michael weighing souls can be distinguished, below are Adam and Eve, the Judgement of Soloman and the Adoration of the Kings. In the choir of the Church are two Ogham Stones.
St. Declan's Oratory (8th century)
The Beannachan, St. Declan’s Oratory, is said to contain the grave of St. Declan. It is commonly believed that, in accordance with local legend, that the earth from this grave has healing powers. While the oratory possibly dates from the 8th Century, several renovations during the 18th Century were made to the walls and the roof.
St. Declan's Stone
Along the foreshore you will find St. Declan's Stone which according to legend was carried miraculously on the waves from Wales following Declan's visit there. Beneath the two supporting points is a little hollow, through which devotees would painfully drag themselves in prayer on Pattern Day, every 24th of July, in the belief of receiving health or spiritual benefits.
St. Declan's Well
On the cliff walk you will find an old Church where St. Declan’s little hermitage was located. Just passed the Church is St. Declan’s Well. This is where the waters are reputed to have curative powers. You will also notice the crosses marked into the stone from people praying at this spot.
