About Us

Written by Admin

IN THE BEGINNING

The Ardmore Pattern Festival Committee first came together in early 2007 with the aim of organising a Festival to revive the traditional ’Pattern’ of Ardmore in a modern context. Since the inaugural Festival, which took place from the 27-29 July 2007, it has gone from strength to strength, increasing in size and popularity year on year.

The original Festival Committee were: John Supple, Maurice Power, Amanda Hosford-Mansfield, Mary Jo Keevers, Olan Geaney, Patricia Quirke & Martha Tierney.

Since then, we have had some personnel changes and the latest Festival Committee Team includes a number of new recruits. The current committee members are pictured above getting into the Festival spirit. They are (from left to right): Claire Flavin, Emer Power, Roseanna Plummer, Don Brockie, Maurice Power, Mary Jo Keevers, John Supple, Ciara Griffin & John Kennedy. Missing from the photo is Amanda Hosford-Mansfield.

TRADITION

The tradition of the ’Pattern’ of St. Declan, patron saint of Ardmore, goes back hundreds of years. Thousands of people from near and far made the annual trip to the small seaside village in West Waterford on the 24th July each year to venerate at the Holy Well and reputed grave of St. Declan. This annual pilgrimage involved doing the ‘rounds’ at the Holy Well, as well as other forms of revelry and celebration. The tradition of doing the ‘rounds’ and praying at the Holy Well had waned in recent years and the Pattern Committee wanted to set about reviving the old traditions, while organising a modern, fun-filled festival that would attract families and other visitors from the surrounding region to Ardmore.

PATTERN OF ST. DECLAN

This is why our Festival not only has a huge programme of musical, sports, arts and other events, with something for all ages and tastes, but is also includes a number of events each year relating to the Pattern of St. Declan. These include the annual St. Declan’s Mass, walk down St. Declan’s Way, Historical Tours of the Village and surrounding area, as well as a pageant re-enacting St. Declan’s arrival in Ardmore.

WEEKEND LONG CELEBRATION!

The Ardmore Pattern Festival Committee is made up of a group of local volunteers who give of their time and organisational skills to produce a weekend long celebration of fun each year. The Committee tries to ensure a wide and varied programme of high-quality events that will be attractive to both locals and visitors alike, showcasing Ardmore for the wonderful holiday destination it is.

We intend to continue to grow and develop our Festival – with your help. If you have any suggestions or ideas for our Festival, feel free to contact us through our CONTACT US section. Looking forward to seeing you at the next Pattern Festival in July. Have fun!!