The lovely town of Ardmore in County Waterford, Ireland is a small seaside location that boast of beauty and history. A visit to this county Cork neighbour can be both a beach holiday (weather-permitting) and a walk on Ireland’s ancient past. From Cobh, you would drive for about fifty minutes and pass the medieval town of Youghal before it opens up to the town centre and the beautiful Ardmore Bay.
On the off-season, the road to the town and beachfront is an easy car ride but during summer months even the parking space can be a challenge. Next to the beach is a host of accomodations from hotels and restaurants and also shops for tourist and local needs.
There are dirt roads and sandy walkways that will make the beach stroll an enjoyable one, and the sidewalk around town is neat on both sides. There is also the family friendly Cliff Walk that many hikers and nature lovers especially visit in Ardmore. If you ever need to use the public toilet, the semi-dome shape building above is the place to go.
While kids do have a lot of activity on the beach, they can also go to a kiddie playground at the town centre. Anyone who visited Ardmore or would want to visit Ardmore would notice too that the town is always on the running for the Tidy Towns award.
An interesting fact about Ardmore is that this town is the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland. Its founder, St Declan, has left a lasting impression till this day, with Declan’s Well, Declan monastery, Declan hermitage, Declan Oratory and other important christian sites all within walking distance with each other.
Ardmore’s iconic symbol, the Round Tower, juts on the hill and overlooks the fishing village and the bay. The 29 metre tower dates back from the 12th century and stands next to the surviving ruins of an old cathedral. If you look closer at the church walls, you may see biblical carvings and depictions, and there are also two Ogham stones tuck in the alcoves.
A day in Ardmore promises to be a day of fun in the sun, water, and also the charm of a small vilage. Walking around town exposes you to its rich cultural and christian history. It is also quiet and quaint enough that it could also be a nice retreat from the bustles of life. If a day like that is playing in your head, i definitely recommend stopping and getting to know this lovely lovely place.
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