Cliff Walk, Ardmore

The walk follows the path around Ardmore Head and Ram Head passing the shipwreck  known as the Sampson Wreck. Features on the walk include St Declan’s Well , the old Coastguard Station, the Castle, the Lookout Post, used for observation during World War II, and Father O’Donnell’s Well. The walk also passes near the 12th-century Ardmore Round Tower, which rises to a height of just over 29m and the ruins of and the ruins of a Cathedral and oratory dating from the 13th and 8th centuries respectively. One of the outer walls of the Cathedral features some stone carvings retrieved from an earlier 9th-century building. The carvings include a very early image of a harp, images of Adam and Eve in the garden and a representation of “Solomon’s judgement”. The Cathedral also contains two Ogham stones, which rest in small alcoves. Some elements of the original structure can still be seen within the building.

Directions From Lismore, take the N72 to Tallow. Drive straight through Tallow town and follow the R634 to Youghal.

From Youghal, follow the N25 signposted Waterford. Turn right onto the R673 signposted to Ardmore.

From Dungarvan, take the N25 to Kiely’s Cross. Turn left onto the R673, signposted Ardmore.

Once in Ardmore take the Middle Road to the Cliff House Hotel. The walk begins just after the hotel car park – follow the road to where it becomes a path leading down to old ruins.