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Saint Declan Abbot

Reposed 5C Remembered July 24

St Declan founded a monastery at Ardmore Co Waterford. He was a monk-evangelist in the south in the fifth century. He was a member of the local Deisi tribe who had tribal connections with Wales; he probably learnt his monasticism in South Wales or Gaul.

Ardmore contains an oratory (cell) and holy well on the cliff side said to be the place where he lived as a hermit. It has a small stone rectangular 8 century church, called his ‘house’ i.e. his resting place, built over the saints grave. It also has a magnificent cathedral and round tower from the days of great pilgrimages. His pattern day when people gather to pray in his honour is still observed each year.

["Saint", "Ireland", "Ir0020", "Cent05", "Abbot", "Hermit", "Grave", "Cell", "Well", "Pilgrim", "Icon"]