Ardmore Monastic Site

Map Reference: X190772 (2190, 0772)

St Declan is supposed to have founded a monastery here before the arrival of St Patrick. There are three structures of note.



A complete Round Tower stands to a height of 29m. Instead of continuously tapering as it rises it is divided into four distinct sections by an external string course with the external diameter being suddenly reduced at each stage. There is a very fine round-headed Romanesque doorway.



The nave-and-chancel church nearby has a blind arcade inside and outside and on the outside of the west gable are some carvings set within a series of arches. The subjects include the Fall of Adam & Eve and the Adoration of the Magi. There are two Ogham stones inside the church.



A little to the east is a small stone building with a pit in the floor. It is called St Declan's Oratory and is supposed to be the burial place of the saint.





For details of other Round Towers click on the links below

Antrim, Co Antrim Armoy, Co Antrim St Mullin’s, Co Carlow Drumlane, Co Cavan Drumcliff, Co Clare Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare Cloyne, Co Cork Kinneigh, Co Cork Tory Island, Co Donegal Drumbo, Co Down Maghera, Co Down Nendrum, Co Down Lusk, Co Dublin Swords, Co Dublin Devenish, Co Fermanagh Kilbennan, Co Galway Kilmacduagh, Co Galway Roscam, Co Galway Aghadoe, Co Kerry Ratoo, Co Kerry Castledermott, Co Kildare Kildare, Co Kildare Kilcullen, Co Kildare Oughterard, Co Kildare Taghadoe, Co Kildare Aghaviller, Co Kilkenny Grangefertagh, Co Kilkenny Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny Kilree, Co Kilkenny Tullaherin, Co Kilkenny Timahoe, Co Laois Kilmallock, Co Limerick Dromiskin, Co Louth Monasterboice, Co Louth Aghagower, Co Mayo Balla, Co Mayo Killala, Co Mayo Meelick, Co Mayo Turlough, Co Mayo Donaghmore, Co Meath Kells, Co Meath Clones, Co Monaghan Clonmacnois, Co Offaly Boyle, Co Roscommon Oran, Co Roscommon Drumcliffe, Co Sligo Cashel, Co Tipperary Roscrea, Co Tipperary Glendalough, Co Wicklow