Lady’s Guide to a Weekend Break in Ardmore, Ireland

Rounding the bend on the cliff, I’m surprised to see a shipwreck. The southern coast of County Waterford isn’t the first place I think of when I imagine ruins of giant crane ships, but I suppose they can be anywhere. And the shipwreck is just one of the unexpected things I find during a weekend break in Ardmore, Ireland.

Weekend Break in Ardmore, Ireland

I also find that Ardmore is one of the prettiest towns on the south coast of Ireland—and has won a number of awards to prove it.

Its sweet high street has everything from thatched-roof cottages with turquoise doors to little boutiques and a sandy beach.

I’ve come here for a romantic weekend trip to Ireland with my boyfriend, and we’re pleasantly surprised to find how much charm this place has.

Hotel in Ardmore, Ireland

The same goes for our accommodation in Ardmore, the luxurious five-star Cliff House Hotel. They’ve offered us a complimentary stay for the weekend, and we find ourselves in a room with a huge terrace overlooking the ocean.

But the inside appeals just as much, what with the shower-with-a-view, giant free-standing bathtub, and stylish decor. And that’s to say nothing of the spa, which we take full advantage of when the fog rolls in.

Things to Do in Ardmore, Ireland

Beyond the loveliness, we’re also impressed with Ardmore’s history. Dating back to Saint Declan’s arrival in the 4th or 5th century, the town is thought to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland.

Conveniently, it still retains some of the most intact medieval sites in the country. We spend some of our weekend break in Ardmore exploring them.

There’s a 98-foot (30-meter) high round tower where 12th-century monks could take refuge in event of a siege. There’s also a cathedral from the same era with beautiful stone carvings of Adam and Eve.

We walk around Ardmore feeling like we’re in a Romanesque fairy tale.

Ardmore Cliff Walk

Ardmore’s famous cliff walk reveals even more history. Saint Declan’s Well and its surrounding stone walls sit peacefully above the churning waves.

The crenelated lookout tower from the Napoleonic wars reveals Ardmore’s identity as a coastal site concerned with its self-preservation throughout the centuries.

There’s even a legendary rock on a nearby beach that’s said to have carried Saint Declan’s sacred golden bell across the sea from Wales when his assistant forgot it.

Ardmore Restaurants

Our weekend break in Ardmore falls during the autumn shoulder season, so not all of the restaurants and shops are open.

But we enjoy meals at the Cliff House Hotel (sadly their Michelin-starred restaurant is closed the nights we’re in town) and drive into the nearby town of Dungarvan for a pub lunch one day.

It’s slow living here, and it’s nice to get off the highways and drive down the narrow country lanes as we go.

Weekend in Ardmore, Ireland

Back in Ardmore, the shipwreck holds its course. It might not be going anywhere, but we’re off to Cork to fly home.

It’s been a lovely trip to Ireland and a relaxing weekend break in Ardmore, and all the better for the unexpected treasures we’ve found.

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