Ardmore translates into Irish as Árd Mór, which means ‘Great Height’. It was to this part of the Waterford coast that St Declan was miraculously guided, on a return voyage from Wales some time during the 5th century. Today, a number of sites remain from his monastic city, pointing to a devotion that stood the test of time. The beautiful Round Tower and Cathedral were 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. The marvellous Romanesque sculptures on the West Gable Cathedral were sculpted between the 9th and 12th centuries. They are arranged in a series of arcades and depict scenes from the old and new testaments. Two Ogham stones are contained within the Cathedral for safety. One commemorates Lugaid, son or grandson of Nia-Segmon and the other is dedicated to AMADU (the loved one). The latter constitutes the longest known Ogham inscription in Ireland. The Beannachan, St. Declan’s Oratory, is said to contain the grave of St. Declan. The upper walls and roof were built in the 18th century. Generations of the faithful have scooped out the earth from the Saint’s grave, as it is believed to protect from disease.
