Ardmore Round Tower and Cathedral

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 including a beautiful and perfect Round Tower, 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 marvellous Romanesque sculptures depicting scenes from the old and new testaments. Inside the house of worship, there are two fascinating Ogham stones.

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