Cong is a small town between Lough Corrib (largest Lough in Ireland) and Lough Mask (second largest). For a little place it has a lot to see; beautiful views, a pretty river, a big castle (now a very expensive hotel), a ruined Abbey, a dry canal (which was built to connect the two Lough), lots of caves and the odd sinkhole in the limestone. As if that wasn’t enough it was the primary filming location for The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and although there are a few places sporting that name, it isn’t over touristy or cheesy.
Despite extensive searching, there was no sign of the king….The gates to the Ashfield Estate and castle/hotel.Ashfield Castle and the river.Lots of well signed trails through the woods.Part of the ruined AbbeyThe Pigeon Hole ; a sinkhole cave in the limestone.Alan’s new friendEnjoying some attention The Cong River has a salmon hatchery.A view down to Lough Corrib from the Ashfield Estate. The Cong RiverThe Monks fishing house; evidently they didn’t see the attraction of fly-fishing. They just dangled a net into the water beneath the building and hoped a fish swam in!Now a Quiet Man museum, this cottage was one of the film sets for the movie.John Wayne sweeping Maureen O’Hara off her feet.Some interesting bit about the life cycle of the salmon.
