Ardpatrick

Ardpatrick is a small village in Co Limerick. It lies at the foot of the north slopes of the Ballyhoura Mountains, on the edge of the Golden Vale. It is located on the R512 road, close to the border with Co Cork and is just 14km east of Charleville and 7.5km south of Kilmallock. On the hill above the village is the site of a 5th-century monastery and round tower or cloictheach, now in ruins. The monastery was reputedly founded by St.Patrick himself and is surrounded by earthworks probably far more ancient. Castle Oliver can also be seen from the hill. Ardpatrick is around an hour from both Cork and Shannon airports with the village comprising a small number of houses around the parish church. At the south end of the village is a memorial garden and tourist information office. Each summer there is a three day Festival na Fianna. The Greenwood, just to the south of the village, gives access to walking trails across thousands of acres of countryside. Local amenities include a community centre, shop and pub.