Things to do in Ardmore
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
-
White Horses
Energetically run by three sisters, this tasty bistro serves nourishing fare like fresh seafood chowder or locally caught seafood on plates handmade in the village. Enjoy a drink on the bench out front or a meal at a sunny lawn table out back.
reviewed
-
Olde Forge
Quality not quantity is true of the variety at this seasonally opening cafe. There are only four or five dishes on the menu at any given time, such as gourmet-style fish and chips.
reviewed
-
Walks
A 5km, cobweb-banishing cliff walk leads from St Declan's Well. On the one-hour round trip you'll pass the wreck of a crane ship that was blown ashore in 1987 on its way from Liverpool to Malta. The 94km St Declan's Way mostly traces an old pilgrimage route from Ardmore to the Rock of Cashel (County Tipperary) via Lismore. Catholic pilgrims walk along it on St Declan's Day (24 July).
reviewed
-
St Declan's Well
Pilgrims once washed in these waters, which are located in front of the ruins of Dysert Church, behind the hotel development above Ardmore Pottery.
reviewed
-
St Declan's Stone
Different geologically from other rocks in the area, this stone steeped in lore is at the southern end of the beach. It was perhaps brought by glacier from the Comeragh Mountains but, according to legend, St Declan's bell, which he is often pictured with in his hand, drifted across the sea from Wales on the stone after his servant forgot to pack it. He decreed that wherever the stone came to rest would be the place of his resurrection.
reviewed
-
St Declan's Church
In a striking position on a hill above town, the ruins of St Declan's Church stand on the site of St Declan's original monastery alongside an impressive cone-roofed, 29m-high, 12th-century round tower, one of the best examples of these structures in Ireland.
On the outer western gable wall of the 13th-century church, weathered 9th- century carvings set in unusual arched panels show the Archangel Michael weighing souls, the adoration of the Magi, Adam and Eve, and a clear depiction of the judgement of Solomon. Inside the church are two Ogham stones featuring the earliest form of writing in Ireland, one with the longest such inscription in the country. Local lore claims St D…
reviewed
-
Ballyquin Beach
Tide pools, fascinating rocks and sheltered sand are just some of the appeals of this beautiful beach. It's 1km off the R673 4km northeast of Ardmore. Look for the small sign.
reviewed
-
Ardmore Pottery
Near the start of the cliff walk, this cosy little house sells beautiful pottery, many in lovely shades of blue and cream. Other locally produced goods include warm hand-knitted socks. This is a good source of tourist info for the area.
reviewed
-
Ardmore Gallery & Tearoom
Displays of cute, luscious cakes pull you in. Displays of local art keep you interested and the coffees and sandwiches keep you fuelled. If you feel a creative urge, you can arrange for painting lessons.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Ardmore Adventures
There's always something going on at this action-packed place: kayak tours of the coast (€45), surfing, climbing and more.
reviewed
