Cong: according to the Ordnance Survey Field Name Books of 1838 the Irish for Cong is Cunga, meaning " a narrow neck of land ".
Things to Do and See
- Cong is an anglers paradise situated as it is between the two major Mayo lakes of Lough Mask and Lough Corrib both renowned for their brown trout and salmon fishing.Fishing is also possible on the Cong river.
- Cong is the location of Ashford Castle. The castle which has been a luxury hotel since 1939 dates back to 1228 and was once the estate of the Guinness family. Ashford Castle boasts a 9 hole 2996 yards par 35 parkland golf course, which was designed by the renowned Irish golf architect, Eddie Hackett.
- There are a number of organisations operating lake cruises on Lough Corrib including Corrib Cruises and Ashford Castle Cruises .
- Ashford Equestrian Centre offer trail riding and can accommodate everyone from complete novice to expert trail veteran. Hard hats and boots are supplied and all rides are supervised by guides.
- Ireland's School of Falconry is the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland and offers visitors a chance to view and fly some of Ireland's amazing bird's of prey.
- Visitors to the area can view the unusual " Dry Canal ". The canal was built as a relief project for famine victims after the terrible potato harvest failures of the 1840's. The project took five years to complete but was a total failure. Once the locks were opened the water flowed for about two-thirds of it's path and then vanished without a trace, having percolated back through the porous limestone rock of the area.
- This porous rock has also led to the formation of a number of caves in the countryside surrounding Cong. One of the best known locally is names The Pigeon Hole.Visitors to the cave must negotiate 61 steps to reach the bottom of the cave. Various myths and legends surround the cave including that of the white trout which is said to have once been a mortal girl who was taken by the fairies. Other caves in the area include Kelly's Cave which is an ancient monument preserved by the Office of Public Works. In order to access this cave it is necessary to pick up a key from the Quiet Man Coffee Shop, in order to open the gate at the mouth of the cave.
Facts and Figures
Cong has gained international fame through it's association with the Hollywood epic "The Quiet Man " starring the legendary John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. The film which is adapted from Maurice Walsh's book " Green Rushes " is set in the Ireland of the early 1920's and tells the story of a wealthy American prize fighter who on the death of one of his opponents decide to retire and return to the land of his parents. He purchases the old family home and farm and meets a local girl and the rest as they say is history! Directed by the renowned John Ford " The Quiet Man" has a strong nostalgic attraction to this day for the Irish global diaspora. More information about the making of the film and the locations used can be found at The Quiet Man Museum
History
Cong village is the site of an old Augustinian Abbey which was founded by the High King of Ireland Turlough O'Connor in 1123. This abbey itself replaced the even older seventh century monestary of St. Feichin. The Abbey has the distinction of being the location of the deathbed of the last High King of Ireland Rory O'Connor. It was also for a time the home place of the Cross of Cong. The Cross was commissioned by Turlough O'Connor and made in Roscommon in 1123. It consists of an oak core that is sheathed in sheet brass adorned with gold and silver filigree and other decorative settings. After a chequered history the Cross was transferred to the National Museum of Ireland for safekeeping and has returned briefly to Mayo a part of a display at the Museum of Country Life at Turlough. Ashford Castle also traces it's history to the medieval period, it was built in 1228 by the de Burgo family following on from their victory over the royal house of O'Connor. The castle left their hands in 1589 when it fell to Sir Richard Bingham . in 1715 the estate of Ashford was established by the Oranmore Brown family and thence to the Guinness family in the mid 1800's. It became a hotel in 1939 and established an international reputation as providing high calibre accommodation. Cong has also played hosts to one of the best known villains of a troubled Irish past. Lough Mask House which is located about three miles from Cong was once the residence of the notorious Captain Boycott. His treatment of his tenants during the Land Wars of the late 1800's resulted in his ostracism by the local community and gave rise to the verb "to boycott ".
Education
Sport
- Sporting facilities in Cong include the world famous Ashford Castle Golf Course. The town has an active presence in the world of GAA with it's own GAA grounds .
Photos of Cong
Getting to Cong
- By Car:
- from Dublin: follow the signs for the M4/M6 to Galway. Then take the N84 Headford road to Headford. On reaching Headford follow signs for the R334/R345 to Cong.
- from Galway: take the N84 Headford road to Headford. On reaching Headford follow signs for the R334/R345 to Cong
- from Sligo:Take the N17 National route to Galway. On arrival in Galway take the N84 Headford road to Headford. On reaching Headford follow signs for the R334/R345 to Cong.
- By Bus: For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann.
- By Rail:Galway city is served by national rail links. For timetables and more information, visit Iranrod Eireann.
- By Air: You can fly to Knock Airport (IWAK) from a number of UK and European locations. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
Also Nearby
Links