Ardagh, County Limerick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ardagh
Ardach
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Village
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St. Molua's Roman Catholic church in Ardagh
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 Ardagh
Location in Ireland
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| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Limerick |
| Dáil Éireann | Limerick County |
| Eircode routing key |
V42
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| Dialling code | 069 |
Ardagh (which means "high field" in Irish) is a small village in County Limerick, Ireland. It is also a civil parish, which is an old way of dividing land. The village is located where two roads, the R523 and R521, meet.
The closest town to Ardagh is Newcastle West, which is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away to the south. Kids in Ardagh go to St Molua's National School for their primary education. The area around Ardagh is bordered by other parishes like Athea to the west and Rathkeale to the east. The local sports club, St. Kierans, plays Gaelic games and represents Ardagh and nearby areas.
History and Discoveries
Ardagh has some interesting history! On March 5, 1867, a group of local supporters, called Fenians, tried to take over the police station (called the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks). This attempt was not successful. A local carpenter named William Upton led the group. Many of the Fenians were later arrested, but William Upton managed to escape to America.
A very important discovery was made near Ardagh in 1868. This was the Ardagh Hoard. It included the famous 8th-century Ardagh Chalice. A chalice is a large cup, often used for religious ceremonies. This amazing treasure was found in an old circular fort called a rath, near Ardagh. Today, the Ardagh Chalice is kept safe at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. It is a beautiful example of ancient Irish art.
Fun for Visitors
Ardagh is a great spot for outdoor activities! The Great Southern Trail passes right through the village. This trail is about 53 kilometers (33 miles) long. It follows the path of an old railway line that used to connect Limerick and Tralee. The railway opened in the 1860s and 1880s and closed in the 1970s.
When you visit Ardagh, you can find a restored old train station house. Here, you can use bathrooms and find picnic tables. Sometimes, there's even a food truck available during certain seasons. It's a perfect place to stop and relax while exploring the trail.
Famous People from Ardagh
- William Smith O'Brien was an important Irish nationalist and a Member of Parliament (MP). He was a leader of a group called the Young Ireland movement. His home, Cahermoyle House, was only about a mile from Ardagh village.
See also
In Spanish: Ardagh para niños
