22 (25) Swedish version
	Ardmore is situated 100 miles east of Cork. Many Irishmen make a pilgrimage to this little town once a year, on July 24, to celebrate Saint Declan at the place where he worked and presumably was buried. The legend says he was one of four bishops preaching the Gospels in Ireland in the 5th century, before Saint Patrick began his mission. On a hill stands the ruin of a monastery and a cathedral from the 12th century. The cathedral's west gable is decorated with Romanesque relievos. Tombstones in the graveyard bear the old Ogham letters, the first written Celtic language. Close to the cathedral stands a small stone church, somewhat unnoticed. But if you look closer you'll find that the church was built in the 8th century. It's hard to avoid one moment of silent reverence when you sense the wing beat of the centuries. History is always present in Ireland.
	First published: Sunday 27th October, 1996. Send a to the author! You may also use this form