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.

[@laetitialogan2017]

One of my favourite places to visit....beautiful

[@finolaomurchu8217]

Hello Laetitia ☘️👍

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

stunningly beatiuful

[@laetitialogan2017]

@@finolaomurchu8217 hey my darling..lol..🥰🥰

[@finolaomurchu8217]

Very enjoyable. The ancient ruins most impressive. And the tower👍🧚‍♂️

[@kerinfaulkner4537]

A beautiful piece of Irish history,Thankyou from an Oz-Irish inWestern Australia ☘️💚☘️

[@seanmccann8368]

Beautiful area, sadly I haven't been there in a long time.

[@m8discovery]

What a tragic day the 27th of August 1642 was…

[@anatolianatoli5781]

Amazing place, hope to see it once

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

and you will, you wish will come true

[@maryfox7440]

Lovely video!
Thank you

[@ciaran5588]

For some reason the kids singing brought me back to when I was about 5 in St Mary's School in Kilbarrack. All the "Low & High Babies" were lined up in the yard. It was the 1st of May every year & we'd sing
"May is the month of Mary
Queen of our school today etc..."
And it always seemed sunny 😊
I heard they do a version of WAP nowadays!
Seriously, who'd be surprised?

[@ravenhill_firelord_1968]

wonderful and traditional.

[@theRappinSpree]

A beautiful town Ardmore, steep enough awl walk up to the round tower & the graveyard mind.

[@misteryman5109]

Simpler times these were.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

When I get enough money, I am going to build me a high tower like the one in the Historical Town of Ardmore, just to get some peace and quiet and so I can say my prayers in peace and be nearer to heaven. Don't mock me harshly, as i may be also saying prayers for you to

[@bizzjoe]

Whiting bay

[@cosmicman621]

Who were the cruel invaders of such a little town and the executioners of 117 men...what demons could do such a thing to their fellow man and not die of remorse thereafter...