Culture

One of the oldest Christian religious sites in Ireland. Ardmore, and this graveyard in particular, is the centre of the Cult of St. Declan. Declan preceded St Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland but he, in turn, followed a St. Colman who was based in the Old Parish region. Declan was the prince of a dominant political family eminating from between Capoquin and Lismore and probably lived in the early 400s. His grave, enclosed by the Beannacháin structure in this graveyard could well be the oldest known Christian grave in Ireland.

Erected in the 1950s by public subscription this memorial is situated close to the home of Patrick 'Staker' Wallace. Wallace lived and farmed in Teermore townland and was active in land agitiation in the late 1700s, falling foul of authorities in 1798 when he was accused of planning for the assassination of the County Sherriff Charles Silver Oliver of Castle Oliver. Wallace was captured as the result of a manhunt and the route he ran in an attempted escape is still remembered locally. Wallace was imprisoned, flogged and executed in Kilfinnane in the Summer of 1798.

This community hall is a hub of local culture in this area of the Ballyhouras. The local heritage group Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society work from here, a thriving crossroads dancing scene takes place here through most of the Summer on Sunday evenings. The hall is on an old road, which could well have ancient roots and the amazing Early medieval settlement complex of Cush is accessible nearby.