Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [367]
Information
The tourist office (Map; 094-954 6542; Abbey St; 10am-6pm Mar-Nov) is in the old courthouse building opposite Cong Abbey.
There are no banks or ATMs, but you can change money at the post office on Main St, or at the museum (below).
Sights
CONG ABBEY
An evocative reminder of ecclesiastical times past, the weathered shell of Cong’s 12th-century Augustinian abbey (Map; admission free; dawn-dusk) is scored by wizened lines from centuries of exposure to the elements. Nevertheless, several finely sculpted features have survived, including a carved doorway, windows and lovely medieval arches (touched up in the 19th century).
Founded by Turlough Mór O’Connor, high king of Ireland and king of Connaught, in 1120, the abbey occupies the site of an earlier 6th-century church. The community once gathered in the chapter house to confess their sins publicly.
From the abbey, moss-encrusted trees guard a path to the river and the diminutive 16th-century monk’s fishing house (Map), built midway over the river so that the monks could haul their catch straight up through a hole in the floor.
QUIET MAN MUSEUM
Modelled on Sean Thornton’s White O’ Mornin’ Cottage from the film, the Quiet Man Museum (Map; 094-954 6089; Circular Rd; adult/student/family €5/4.50/15; 10am-5pm Mar-Oct) also squeezes in a fascinating regional archaeological and historical exhibition of items from 7000 BC to the 19th century. Film fanatics (or those with a postmodern fascination for the way reality and fiction blur) can take a 75-minute location tour (€10), which includes museum entry.
ASHFORD CASTLE
Just beyond Cong Abbey, the village abruptly ends and the woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle (Map; 094-954 6003; www.ashford.ie; admission to grounds €5; 9am-dusk) begin. First built in 1228 as the seat of the de Burgo family, owners over the years included the Guinness family (of stout fame). Arthur Guinness turned the castle into a regal hunting and fishing lodge, which it remains today.
The only way to peek into its immaculately restored interior is to stay or dine here (opposite). But the surrounding estate – 140 hectares of parkland, covered with forests, streams, bridle paths and a golf course – is open to the public. Heading through the Kinlough Woods gets you away from the golfers and out to the shores of Lough Corrib. You can also walk along the riverbanks to the monk’s fishing house Click here.
Activities
CRUISES
In the centre of Lough Corrib is the island of Inchagoill. Corrib Cruises (Map; 094-954 6029; www.corribcruises.com; Apr-Oct) offers 1½-hour boat tours from the Ashford Castle pier to Inchagoill (€20), with a 30-minute guided tour of the island’s monastic sites; and one-hour lake cruises (€20). Cruises taking in Inchagoill and Cong also depart from Oughterard in County Galway. Tickets can be purchased on-board. The company also runs evening cocktail cruises (€25) with traditional live-music on-board. Sailing times vary depending on demand.
FALCONRY
The medieval splendour of Ashford Castle is a fitting setting to learn the ancient art of falconry at Ireland’s inaugural falconry school (Map; 094-954 6820; www.falconry.ie; by appointment). The school will teach anyone over the age of seven how to handle and fly Harris hawks. A one-hour introductory lesson costs €70 per person, while a 90-minute ‘hawk walk’ lesson costs €105. There are reduced rates for two or more people.
Sleeping
BUDGET
Cong Caravan & Camping Park (Map; 094-954 6089; www.quietman-cong.com; Quay Rd, Lisloughrey; campsites €15/25) This agreeable camping ground’s thick lawns ensure soft ground for sleeping. It’s operated