Information Ardmore Ireland
Ardmore is Irish for “Great Height”. It is a fishing village by nature, and its population is around 330. However, the population numbers fluctuate during the tourist season. As a popular tourist destination, the village has two hotels and a number of restaurants and pubs. It has a number of beaches, including one that’s a mile long – it’s known as the Main Beach. With the tourism sector growing in recent years, Ardmore has lost its reputation as a fishing village – EU laws and regulations curtailing fishing have been blamed for the decline, with local and national government funds required to develop the local harbours to accommodate larger fishing vessels. The need for redevelopment was highlighted in 1987 when a crane ship was wrecked on Ram Head near Ardmore. The wreck of the Samson (the name of the ship) is now a popular spot to go diving in the area. Other ships – one of which can still be seen at low tide – have sunk in the area, and these too are popular with divers. The call for development of the harbour at Ardmore has been ignored by both national and EU legislators. Not far from Youghal, Ardmore boasts among its other attractions a monastic site. St Declan came to the area before Patrick set foot in Ireland, and the people in the region were Christianised some time between 350 and 450 AD. The monastic site itself contains Pre-Norman walls that show stone arches featuring statuary in St Declan’s Cathedral, including some of the archangel Michael. Much of the monastic site was built between the tenth to the fourteenth centuries
Attractions Ardmore Ireland
Curraghmore House - Portlaw
Located at Portlaw, Curraghmore House is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork. The House is open by prior appointment year round, Monday to Friday. The guided tours are usually conducted personally by Lord Waterford. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine,
Lismore Heritage Centre - Lismore
This former courthouse has now become the Lismore Heritage Centre, with Lismore's Celtic origins on view in the historical display room. The story of Lismore dates from 636 and is told in an award-winning presentation narrated by Niall Toibin.
Passage East - Waterford
A small, friendly fishing village based around two open squares. The fishing village is built beneath a high escarpment with small squares, streets and three main quays: Boathouse Quay, Haketts Quay and Middle Quay. From here you can hop on the ferry that crosses the River Suir to the Wexford side of Ballyhack. The village hosts a Mussel Festival every September.
Reginalds Tower - Waterford
Located at The Quay, Waterford City, Reginalds Tower dates from the late twelfth century and is the oldest urban civic building in the country. It has recently been completely restored to its medieval appearance. The heritage museum houses two fascinating collections. On the ground floor, artefacts from the Viking and Medieval periods are on display. The mezzanine floor houses one of Ireland's great collections of decorated charters and civic regalia.
Waterford Crystal Shop - Waterford
Located on the Cork Road out of Waterford City, Waterford Crystal has traditionally extended a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. Tours are given of the production areas where the famous crystal is actually made. Three's also an audio visual presentation, tracing the ancient craft of glassmaking to the present day.
