Cong Abbey

Cong Abbey featuring heritage architecture, building ruins and heritage elements
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Discover some of the finest examples of Ireland’s earliest architecture as you walk amid the ruins of this 12th-century Augustinian abbey.

Admire well-preserved ecclesiastical ruins while following in the footsteps of ancient monks at Cong Abbey. Established in 1120 as an abbey for the Order of St. Augustine, Cong Abbey sits on the site of a 7th-century monastery. At its peak, the abbey was home to a remarkable 3,000 cenobite monks. It was left to decay during the reign of Henry VIII and later brought back to its former splendor by Irish philanthropist Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness.

The abbey is celebrated for its showcase of early architecture. Stroll along the paths that weave around the cloisters, chapter house, church and lush gardens. Spot Gothic-style windows, Romanesque doorways and medieval arches. See arcades, colonnades, freestanding columns and intricately carved capitals.

Pause for a moment and think back to the time when thousands of monks roamed the abbey’s grounds. They came to study everything from engraving, masonry and woodcarving to history, poetry and music.

Stroll through the abbey’s graveyard, home to ancient burial chambers and tombstones. The relics of Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland, were interred here in 1198 before being moved to the Clonmacnoise monastery in County Offaly.

Don’t miss the fishing house, constructed on stilts to let water from the River Cong pass directly beneath it. Look for a trapdoor in the floor, which allowed the monks to fish comfortably

The abbey is open daily and entry is free. Find it in the heart of Cong, an atmospheric village famous as a filming location for the 1952 movie The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne.

After leaving Cong Abbey, visit the village’s other attractions. Walk along the picturesque woodland trails of Ashford Castle. See a statue of John Wayne and his co-star Maureen O’Hara and learn more about the movie at the Quiet Man Cottage Museum. Experience the welcoming hospitality of the village’s traditional cafés and pubs.

Top Trending Hotels Near Cong Abbey

Ryan's River Lodge B&B
Ryan's River Lodge B&B
3 out of 5
Riverview, Cong North, Co. Mayo, Cong, F31 WK30
The price is €101 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
€101
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly B&B in Cong. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Cong Abbey and Quiet Man Museum are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Martha and her husband are an amazing couple. Everything was spotless! Beautiful bedding and towels. Lovely breakfast and they gave us a less travelled route to take which resulted in beautiful scenery. Thank you for all your help."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2022

Ryan's River Lodge B&B
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
4 out of 5
The Quay, Cong, Mayo, 0
The price is €191 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€191
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Cong. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a golf course. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (245 reviews)
"Staff was exceptionally helpful, the food was great, property was beautiful. Loved the blue nightlight in the bathroom."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2023

The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
5 out of 5
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo, F31 CA48
The price is €825 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€825
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (388 reviews)
"So much fun to say I've stayed in a castle, eaten a fancy meal at a castle. The room was lovely, dinner at The George was wonderful. I really did feel like a princess. Thank you for taking such good care of me."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2023

Ashford Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Top Hotel Deals

Ryan's River Lodge B&B
Ryan's River Lodge B&B
3 out of 5
Riverview, Cong North, Co. Mayo, Cong, F31 WK30
Ryan's River Lodge B&B
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
4 out of 5
The Quay, Cong, Mayo, 0
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
5 out of 5
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo, F31 CA48
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Ryan's Hotel
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2 out of 5
Main Street, Cong, County Mayo
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Ashford Haven
Ashford Haven
3 out of 5
Lackafinna,Cong, Cong, County Mayo
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Luxury renovated old Irish cottage
Luxury renovated old Irish cottage
Clonbur, Cong, Galway
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Lough Mask Road Fishing Lodge
Lough Mask Road Fishing Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Cong
Lough Mask Road Fishing Lodge
Michaeleen's Manor
Michaeleen's Manor
4 out of 5
Lisloughrey Quay, SN, Cong, County Mayo, F31X278
Michaeleen's Manor
Blakehill House B&B
Blakehill House B&B
3 out of 5
Blakehill, CONG CONNEMARA, County Galway, F31XH92
Blakehill House B&B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.