Ardmore Pattern Festival is a free fun filled festival for all ages in the seaside and heritage village of Ardmore. Over 70 events to enjoy and an opportunity to visit one of Ireland's most beautiful locations. 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 July 24 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.
The 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. 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 week-long celebration of fun each year.
