Cong: Abbey, Film History and Forest Trails

Cong lies on a narrow isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. The town combines the ruins of an Augustinian abbey with the film history of The Quiet Man and trails through woodland. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cong, you can plan your trip around the things that interest you most: historic sites, film connections or outdoor activities.

Abbey, Church and River History

Visitors can explore the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian abbey. Turlough O’Connor founded the abbey in the early 12th century on the site of a 6th-century church associated with St. Feichin. The abbey is also connected with Rory O’Connor: Ireland’s last High King died there.

About 90 m west of the abbey, on the Cong River, stands the Monks Fishing House. A small opening in the floor allowed fishing there. The two historic sites focus on different subjects: the abbey’s history and a building associated with fishing.

Film History at the Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum is an exact replica of the exterior and interior of White O’Morn. As a film-set experience, it features exact replicas of important furniture and props from the film, as well as costumes. Visitors can dress up for photos.

The collection also includes the original fishing rod Father Lonergan used in the film in his attempt to catch the king of all salmon, and the original horse harness belonging to Napoleon, Michaeleen Og’s horse. The museum’s Cottage Cinema screens the documentary “John Ford: Dreaming The Quiet Man” about the making of the film. As the cinema schedule may change, check before your visit to see whether the screening is taking place.

Forest Trails and Routes Around Cong

The Pigeon Hole Loop leads into Cong Woods. After almost 1 km along a forest track, the route reaches Pigeon Hole Cave; access conditions to the cave may vary. Guinness Tower is also a point of interest on the loop.

Nearby, the Cong Nature Trail is an easy 2.3 km circular walk that takes about an hour and passes through a diverse forest with exotic and native trees. Also nearby is the trail from Cong to Clonbur: an easy 12 km circular route that takes about 3.5 hours. Both routes are easy; the longer loop takes considerably more time than the one-hour Cong Nature Trail.

Activities on Forest Trails and Lough Corrib

The network of trails around Cong Forest is suitable for cycling. Ashford Outdoors on the Ashford Castle Estate in Cong offers activities including archery, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, tree climbing, ziplining, kayaking and guided tours. As the activities on offer may change, check the latest details in advance.

Corrib Cruises offers boat trips on Lough Corrib from Cong; in summer, trips run daily. If you’d like to include a trip in your plans, check the schedule before your visit.

County Mayo: Culture and Pilgrimage Routes

In County Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park presents Ireland’s rural past through objects, rare archival photographs and films. Workshops, talks and guided tours are held there year-round. Knock Shrine tells the story of the 1879 apparition and the site’s development into an international place of pilgrimage.

Croagh Patrick is 764 m high and has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. The main summit route starts in Murrisk on the Louisburgh Road (R335) and is 7 km long, including the return journey.

Discover more destinations: Keel, Bellagarvaun, Ballytoohy, Kiltimagh, Bunnacurry, Gweesalia, Achill Sound, Louisburgh

For the main travel overview: County Mayo.