North Kerry

Ardfert | Irish : Ard Ferta : the height of the burial Mounds

Ardfert lies 5 miles outside Tralee to the Northwest.
Ardfert Cathedral: here you can see the partially restored mainly 15th centuryCathedral. Originally the site of a monastery founded by Saint Brendan (Brendan Moccu Altai) the Navigator in the 7th century, it later became the headquarters of the Anglo-Norman Church in Kerry. The Cathedral retains an Irish Romanesque doorway with fragments of an arcade on each side and stylish lancet windows. There is an exhibition dealing with the churches historical background in the South Transept. A number of ancient tombs and a 5th century carved Ogham Stone can be seen in the graveyard. Nearby is the late 12th century Temple na Hoe (Temple of the Virgin) and 15th century Temple na Griffin (Temple of the Griffin), which on its north wall window-jam carries an image of two winged dragons with crossed necks, apparently an emblem of evil devouring itself.
Ardfert Friary: a Franciscan House, which was founded in 1253 by Thomas Fitzmaurice the 1st Lord of Kerry. It has a well-preserved tower and chancel.
Golf: Ardfert has a 9-hole Golf Course.

Leave a Reply