Ardee

Ardee is one of the best examples of a medieval town in the country having being created by the Anglo-Normans. It was the site of a great duel between Cúchulainn and his foster brother Ferdia described in the Táin Bó Cúailgne (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), one of the most ancient epics of any European language. The name Ardee in Irish "Atha Fherdia" meaning the Ford of Ferdia derives its origins directly from this great struggle. The town's strategic location has made it the site of many significant battles throughout the ages and in medieval times its position marked an outpost on the border between the Anglo Norman South and the Gaelic North.

The town has been fortunate in retaining much of its medieval structure and buildings, such as Chantry College, Cappock's Gate and St. Mary's Abbey. The principal example of these is Ardee Castle which overlooks the main street. This castle has the distinction of being the largest fortified medieval tower house in Ireland or Britain. In 1689 during the period leading up to the Battle of the Boyne, King James II and William of Orange stayed there on separate occasions. Plans are well advanced locally to open the castle to the public again in the near future. However the present-day walk developed about the ford is of great interest to any visitor to the town. Ardee is an excellent place to eat out or go for a quiet drink.