Ardfert, Where Saint Brendan The Navigator Was EducatedArdfert is nestled at the southern end of Banna Strand. Ardfert is a small village, which was once the ecclesiastical capital of County Kerry. Saint Brendan was educated in Ardfert. Today memories of its former glory are the extensive ruins of a cathedral and the abbey that owes its foundation to Saint Brendan the Navigator (AD 483-577) Young Saint Brendan was educated at the missionary post established here in the 5th century. The monastery he founded became the centre of Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical influence in Kerry. The 13th century St Brendan’s monastery is now roofless, its massive walls standing stark against the skyline and is now the haunt of black crows and rooks that you can hear shrieking every time you arrive in Ardfert. The graveyard contains ancient tombs and a 5th century stone carved headstone with the ancient Irish script called Ogham. Nearby is the Temple-Na-Hoe (Temple of the virgin) and the Temple-Na-Griffin (Temple of the Griffin) in the north wall of which are two winged dragons with crossed necks representing evil devouring itself. After strolling around and viewing these ancient ruins and artefacts you will probably be in need of sustenance. There are four excellent pubs in Ardfert, a garage with excellent shop, a furniture warehouse and an interesting village to stroll around. But joking aside, if you want a bit of “CRAIC” you will have to head onto The Town of Tralee unless that is you want to have a game of poker and chat with the “boys,” and when I say the boys I mean “The Patriots.” Are you interested in everything and anything Irish and to do with Ireland? If you are then you will also be interested in these. Click Here for a pleasant surprise. If you have any local knowledge on Ardfert send me an e-mail and I will include it on this page.
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