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Nestled on the windswept cliffs of Ardmore, the Coastguard Station stands as a testament to Ireland’s maritime heritage, a silent witness to over 150 years of dramatic history.
A Legacy Born in 1836
The first Ardmore Coastguard Station emerged in 1836, strategically positioned at the Ardmore Strand. Uniquely, the Coastguard Force operated under a fascinating rule: personnel were never recruited from the districts they served, preventing undue fraternization with local communities.
Architectural Evolution
The station underwent several transformations:
- Initial location: A two-room watch tower at Ardmore Strand
- Annual rent: £4.12.4, paid to Edward Odell
- 1869: A magnificent new building constructed for £1,938.16.4
- Location: Perched dramatically above St. Declan’s Well
Turbulent Times
The station witnessed some of Ireland’s most tumultuous periods:
- 1921: Abandoned during the Irish War of Independence
- 1922: Burnt down during the Civil War
- 1924: Reestablished as part of the Coast Life Saving Service (CLSS)
A Unique Military Significance
During the War of Independence, the Coastguard Station became a strategic military position:
- Overlooked the entire village
- Occupied by British Marines
- Witnessed multiple confrontations between Irish volunteers and British forces
Human Stories
Beyond its military significance, the station tells deeply human stories:
- Coastguard families lived in nearby cottages
- Poignant headstones in Ardmore Cathedral remember those who died far from home
- Many crew members were descendants of original volunteer crews
Modern Legacy
Today, the Ardmore Coast Guard Unit continues its proud tradition:
- Traces origins back to the 1890s
- Provides critical search and rescue services
- Symbolizes community resilience and maritime dedication
As waves crash against Ardmore’s cliffs, the Coastguard Station remains a powerful reminder of Ireland’s enduring connection to the sea—a guardian watching history and horizon.
Discover the stories etched in stone and sea at Ardmore’s legendary Coastguard Station!
Citations:
[1] https://www.lawlorshotel.com/historic-attractions.html
[2] https://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web/Display/article/331/18/The_Ardmore_Journal_The_Ardmore_Rocket_Crew.html
[3] https://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web/Display/article/369/6/Ardmore_Memory_and_Story__The_Sea_The_Coastguard_Service.html
[4] https://bmh.militaryarchives.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS1229.pdf
[5] https://afloat.ie/safety/coastguard/item/57044-minister-naughton-joins-volunteers-in-ardmore-for-formal-reopening-of-coast-guard-station
Set high on a cliff overlooking Ardmore Beach and Bay; this building was constructed on the Odell Estate for the coastguards in 1867. Today, the old coastguard station is privately owned in splendid isolation.
It was the second coast guard station in Ardmore, the first one at the Ardmore end of the strand became a victim of coastal erosion. It was continually manned until the Civil War in 1922 and was abandoned in 1921. It was taken over by the republicans on independence and subsequently burnt down. The old Coast Guard Station is now a private residence.
Hello,
I am preparing an article on the 5 coastguard stations with massive defence towers that were constructed as a response to the Fenian agitation of 1867. The station at Ardmore is one of these and the others are at Ballycastle, Co. antrim, Ballygeary, co Wexford, Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork and Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry. I see from your web page part of an old photograph of the Ardmore station and I would be very grateful if you would e-mail me a copy of the whole photograph for inclusion in my article. In return I will send you a copy of the – as yet unfinished – article.
I must say that your organisation has done a great job in discovering all about Ardmore – a great site.
Withe best wishes,
Denis
With best wishes,