Líam Suipéil principal at Cólaiste na Rinne gave a fascinating presentation to a captive audience on the history of Ardo House, Ardmore and the Coghlan family who occupied it in the 18th century.
The house lies in ruin on the road to Goat Island. The history of the house begins in the 17th century. It passed through the Fitzgeralds and Prendergasts eventually coming into the possession of the Coghlan family in 1718. The Coghlans were descendants from an ancient Irish family, Ó'Cochlain. There are many early 18th century references to the Coghlans in relation to trade with Bristol, Waterford and Newfoundland.
Jeremiah Coghlan occupied Ardo House c 1790-1824.
Two of the Coghlan daughters married well. One to the Duc de Castries and the other to the Earl of Barrymore. In the 19th century Ardo was occupied by the Lawlor family who added further towers to the building. The next owner was Sir Joseph Neale McKenna who is buried along side his wife in a mausoleum by the entrance gate. By the end of the 19th century Ardo was passed to Marshal McMahon, first President of the Third French Republic. It was sold by him and eventually fell into ruin in the 1920's.