Ardcath 3.73

Ardcath is a hamlet in County Meath, Ireland. It is a small area inhabited by around 1,870 people which is almost a 2% decrease from the 2006 to 2002 census. The surrounding areas include Garristown, Clonalvy, Duleek, Battramstown, Bellewstown and Stamullen.HistoryFour Knocks is a passage tomb near Ardcath that was built around 5000 years ago. The graves are decorated and show the first artistic depiction of a human face in Ireland.Ardcath is historically part of the barony of Upper Duleek. In the early 19th century half of the parish was being cultivated (principally with wheat) while the other half was pasture land. Cotton was weaved in the area for Dublin and Drogheda manufacturers.There are extensive ruins of a medieval church, surrounded by a cemetery that is still in use.Ardcath's church was dedicated to St Mary the Blessed Virgin as was a tradition of the Norman settlement with the tithe of the Church and Parish being directed to the Canons of Llananthony (prima and secunda) Wales from 1172 to 1541. The church also had an active 'confraternity' which was a body corporate dedicated to maintaining religious services within the Church. Such organisations were often established by Charter and survived the Reformation. There was a similar organisation at the Church in the then adjoining parish of Piercetown.CommunityThere are several community groups in the area such as the Ardcath Macra and a guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association - these have been around since 1952 and 1948 respectively and often include members of the surrounding towns.