The Historical Town Of Ardmore in Co. Waterford, Ireland 1979

A visit to seaside town of Ardmore in County Waterford, believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland.

The small town of Ardmore on the boarder of Cork and Waterford has a winter population of 400 or 500, but during the summer months, the town is thronged with tourists from all over Ireland. During the winter, fishing is Ardmore’s main industry.

Children from a local school sing a ballad about the history of Ardmore which mentions the town’s patron saint, Saint Declan. It is believed he came to Ardmore from Wales in the early 5th Century. Some people say his missionary work may have pre-dated the activities of Saint Patrick.

On his arrival at Ardmore, St Declan set up a monastery which became the main church in what was known as the Kingdom of Déisi Muman. This medieval monastery is known for its sculptures depicting scenes from The Bible. A round-tower was also added to the monastery in the 12th century.

On 26 August 1642, Lord Dungarvan and Lord Broghill set sail from Lismore to lay siege to the round tower and castle in Ardmore.

However the people of Ardmore knew they were coming and about forty of them retreated to the round tower. This event is dramatised by the schoolchildren.

The whole event ended in disaster, the people had to surrender when the enemy brought in cannon from the sea the next day, Saturday 27 of August 1642, 117 people from Ardmore were hanged.

A ‘Youngline’ report broadcast on 20 December 1979. The reporter is Ultan Guilfoyle.