Ardmore round tower

Ardmore is a coastal village on the south coast of County Waterford in Ireland, not far from Youghal. It has a well-preserved 12th-century round tower and the ruins of a cathedral. The village is linked to St Declan, an early Christian saint (4th or 5th century, depending on the source), who according to tradition founded a monastery here.

The round tower is about 30 m high. The cathedral ruin dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and stands next to an 8th-century oratory that was restored in 1716; the saint is said to be buried in a hollow in its south-east corner. Set into an outer wall of the cathedral are reliefs from an earlier 9th-century building, including an early harp, Adam and Eve and the Judgement of Solomon. Inside stand two Ogham stones.

Practical details: according to Wikivoyage the site above the village is freely accessible (check ahead). The Ardmore Cliff Walk is a 3.9 km loop, takes about an hour and is rated easy. It starts at the Seafront Car Park and passes St Declan's Well, the round tower and the cathedral, among other sights; dogs are allowed on a lead. For motorhomes, Wikivoyage lists the Ardmore Seaview Motorhome site, 500 m north of the village (year-round, check ahead).