Ardee (Baile Átha Fhirdhia in Irish) is a town in County Louth, Ireland. It is located where the N2, N52, and N33 roads cross the River Dee.
Originally called Atherdee, its name is derived Ath Fhirdia (the Ford of the Ferdia), from the mythological four day battle between Cuchulainn and Ferdia, for the defence of Ulster from Queen Maeve. 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.
Ardee also has an 18-hole golfcourse who's clubhouse has recently being rebuilt into a modern structure.
Ardee has grown much in the last ten years, mainly as a result of easy access to new roads with links to both Dublin and Belfast. It is situated beside the M1 motorway which links Dublin to Belfast, and so is an ideal commuter town. The development of the town has resulted in a dramatic rise in house prices in the area. It currently has a population of around 3,791.
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