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Ardee
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Ardee is a market
town lying in the rich farming countryside of mid-Louth. Ardee is on
the banks of the River Dee and is approximately 20 km from the towns
of Drogheda, Dundalk, Carrickmacross and Slane. The town is also
situated on the principle road from Dublin to Derry. Ardee's central
location makes it an ideal base to explore the Cooley Peninsula and
the enchanting Boyne Valley.
The town takes its name from the Irish Ard Fhirdia, the ford on the
river Dee. According to legend, the mythical Irish heroes Ferdia and
Cuchulainn fought a duel near present day Ardee. There are a number
of places of historic interest in both the town and the surrounding
countryside. Right in the centre of Ardee is one of the grandest
focal points in the town, Ardee Castle. This castle was built in the
15th century by John St. Ledger. It is the largest fortified
medieval tower house in Ireland. In 1805 the castle was handed over
to the Louth grand Jury and converted into a courthouse and prison.
Today it houses a museum. Ardee actually has a second castle on its
main street. This 13th castle is called Hatch's Castle and is a
private residence.
About 2km to the south of Ardee is the Jumping Church of Kildemock.
Legend has it that a non-Christian was buried inside the Church
walls and that late one stormy night, the Church jumped so as to
leave his remains outside of the sacred ground. Located 10km north
of Ardee is Knockabbey castle and gardens. The recently restored
Victorian gardens, parkland, medieval water garden and
interpretative centre are some of the features of this historic
attraction set in the estate of the 14th century tower house.
Just north of Ardee outside Knockbridge is the Agnes Burns visitor
centre and Stephenstown Pond. This centre has something for all the
family. History and literary buffs will enjoy exploring the recently
resorted 18th century cottage that was home to Agnes Burns, sister
of the renowned poet Robert Burns. Children will enjoy seeing the
birds on the lake and having fun in the playground. This unique
attraction also boasts a nature park and picnic area, carp fishing
facilities and an interpretation area where the wildlife of the
locality is highlighted. There is also a coffee shop on site
Ardee Golf Club is one of the finest golf courses in the north-east.
This challenging 18-hole parkland course will test all levels of
golfer. The course is an Eddie Hackett design with improvements by
Declan Branigan in the mid 1990s. Measuring 6,490 yards from the
back tees, guarded by tree-lined fairways and with water coming into
play on 9 of the 18 holes, it is sure to provide an unforgettable
experience. With its modern clubhouse and facilities, fully stocked
pro shop and friendly staff, Ardee Golf Club is an ideal venue for
ladies and gents societies. Visitors are welcome and rates are very
reasonable! Buggy and trolley hire is also available.
Since 2004 Ardee has held an annual Baroque Festival. In this time
the town has played host to the finest Baroque musicians from these
islands, from Europe, and from the USA. As the only orchestral
Baroque Festival on the island of Ireland, it prides itself on
quality music, evocative venues and a warm, friendly, festive
atmosphere. |
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Ardee Holiday Homes - County Louth, Ireland