visit the gaeltacht

Just a few miles from Dungarvan, in the heart of Deise countryside, is the Gaeltacht, 'An Rinn', a floourishing Irish Centre with its own particular heritage and culture. Much of the activity centres around 'An Colaiste' where summer courses in the Irish language are held. The friendliness of the people makes a visit to a local pub an event not to be missed. A blazing turf fire sets the background for a lovely evening of traditional music and folklore. Further out on the peninsula is Helvick Head, which has most attractive scenery and several sandy beaches. Retracing your steps, take the coast road for Ardmore, not only a deservedly popular seaside resort but also the site of a seventh century monastic settlement founded by St Declan. The ecclesiastical remains are well worth a visit. The Round Tower which is one of the finest in Europe is 97 feet high and 15 feet in diameter at the base, with its doorway set high above the ground for protection against Viking attacks. Also interesting is St Declan's oratory which is a very small early church. The 'Cathedral' includes work of various periods and styles from about the tenth to the fourteenth century. Archaeology and history give to Ardmore a sense of timelessness but it is its situation on Ardmore Bay with its beach of smooth sand and numerous sheltered coves that makes it a delight to visit and a joy to linger.