A morning in Cong, County Mayo

On a dry but overcast morning, we arrived bright and early in the village of Cong, Co. Mayo. After parking near Cong Abbey, we set off to explore the grounds of Ashford Castle.

Our first stop was the Monk’s Fishing House, a remarkable little structure built between 1400 and 1550 on a stone platform over the River Cong. Its clever design allowed monks to fish directly from inside the building, sheltered from the elements while the river flowed beneath their feet.

There is an opening beneath the house that allows the river to flow freely under it. The monks used a trapdoor in the floor to lower a net into the water, making it possible to fish while staying sheltered inside. The rivers and lakes around Cong are still known today for their abundance of fish, attracting anglers throughout the year.

After crossing the footbridge, we continued towards Ashford Castle. During the summer months, there is an entrance fee of €10 per adult to explore the gardens, but since it was only April, we were able to enter for free.

Ashford Castle is a magnificent five‑star hotel, set within 350 acres of manicured gardens along the shores of Lough Corrib. The hotel reopened in 2015 after an impressive $75 million restoration, transforming it into one of Europe’s most prestigious luxury properties.
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A wide range of activities is available on the estate — from fishing and falconry to equestrian experiences, archery, clay shooting, and much more. All of these can be enjoyed within the castle’s spectacular grounds, making it a destination in its own right.

The gardens range from beautifully structured formal layouts to more relaxed, informal spaces. The main central terrace and broad walk offer wonderful views across the entire estate, linking each garden seamlessly. From the walled garden — reached through a charming tunnel — to the Tolmann Garden with its impressive fountain at the heart of the sunken lawn, every section has its own character and charm.

We enjoyed wandering through this stunning estate, taking our time to explore each garden and soak in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds Ashford Castle.

We walked back into Cong village, passing through the atmospheric ruins of the Augustinian Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century. The remains of Cong Abbey are renowned for showcasing some of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture and masonry in Ireland.

Cong is also famous as the filming location of the Hollywood classic “The Quiet Man”, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The movie was filmed largely in and around the village in 1952, and its legacy is still very much alive today. In the heart of Cong, you’ll find the Quiet Man Museum, housed in a charming replica thatched cottage. The ground floor has been recreated as an exact replica of the “White O’ Mornin’” cottage from the film, complete with furnishings, artefacts, and costumes that faithfully mirror those seen on screen.
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Early April is a wonderful time to visit Cong — the village is peaceful, the scenery is fresh with spring colour, and the usual crowds of summer tourists have yet to arrive, allowing you to enjoy its charm at a slower, more intimate pace.

It was lunchtime, and we had worked up quite an appetite. We stopped into the Hungry Monk Café, a charming spot that was surprisingly busy for an April afternoon. It didn’t take long to understand why — the food was colourful, tasty, and reasonably priced, and the service was both quick and friendly.

It was the perfect way to wrap up our few hours in Cong, a village we know we’ll return to. Next time, we’ll likely stay a couple of days to explore more of the surrounding area and venture deeper into Connemara, a region we love for its breathtaking scenery and natural beauty.