Ballapousta National School

Ardee (Irish: Baile Átha Fhirdhia, meaning Ford of Ferdia): 53°85 N, 6°53 W is a town in County Louth, Ireland. It is located at the intersection of the N2, N52, and N33 roads. Ardee is on the banks of the River Dee and is approximately 12 miles (20 Kilometres) from Dundalk, Drogheda, Slane and Carrickmacross. It currently has a population of about 4,318.History Originally called Atherdee, its name is derived from the Irish Áth Fhirdia (the Ford of Ferdia), from the mythological four day battle between and Ferdia, for the defence of Ulster from Queen Maeve of Connacht. Ferdia fell after 4 days of battle and is buried on the southern banks of the river alongside the Riverside Walk.

Ardee is a town of great historical interest, Ardee Castle (St. Leger's) is the largest fortified medieval tower house in Ireland and perhaps in Europe.The river Dee was the northern border of the Pale in medieval times.Another item of interest worth visiting is the "Jumping Church" which is located about 3 miles outside the town. Legend has it that a non-Christian was buried inside the Church walls and that later that night, the Church jumped so as to leave his remains outside of the sacred ground.

Recent Developments Ardee has grown much in the last ten years, mainly as a result of easy access to new roads including the M1 motorway which links Dublin to Belfast. The development of the town has resulted in a dramatic rise in house prices in the area. 2007 has been set by the NRA for work to begin on the Ardee by-pass which will run to the west of the town taking in the N52 and joining up with the N2 north of Ardee.

Ardee has the unusual distinction of having two castles. Previously on the northern edge of the Pale, Ardee boasts two 13th century castles on its main street. An easy distinction can be made between the two castles: Ardee Castle has square corners while Hatch's Castle has round corners.Ardee's name come from the legend Tain Bo Cuailnge which involved the fight between Cuchulainn and Ferdia. Between the 12th and 17th century it was in the hands of the English until the O'Neills took it over and James II used it as headquarters for months prior to the Battle of the Boyne. Ardee Castle is in the process of being restored and will house a museum on completion while Hatch's Castle is still a private residence.

Ardee Castle Ardee itself is one of the best examples of a medieval town in the country having being created by the Anglo-Normans. In ancient times it was the site of a great duel between Cuchulainn and his foster brother Ferdia. This contest was described in one of the most ancient epics of any European language namely the Táin Bo Cuailgne (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). The name Ardee in Irish "Atha Fherdia" meaning the Ford of Ferdia derives its origins directly from this great struggle. There is a statue commemorating this epic struggle located near the river.The town's strategic location has made it the site of many significant battles throughout the ages and in medieval times it position marked an outpost on the border between the Anglo Norman South and the Gaelic North.

The town has been fortunate in retaining much of its medieval structure and buildings, such as Chantry College, Cappock's Gate and St. Mary's Abbey. The principal example of these is Ardee Castle which overlooks the main street. This castle has the distinction of being the largest fortified medieval tower house in Ireland or Britain. In 1689 during the period leading up to the Battle of the Boyne, King James II and William of Orange stayed there on separate occasions.

The castle hosted a very successful Baroque music festival in 2004. Plans are well advanced locally to open the castle to the public again on a permanent basis. However the present-day walk developed about the ford is of great interest to any visitor to the town.