ATTRACTIONS – cultural and historic

“The Quiet Man” Cottage Museum and gift shop

In 1951 John Ford's greatest movie "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara and Barry Fitzgerald was made. It was set in the beautiful west of Ireland with filming being centred in the village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border. "Quiet Man Cottage Museum" is a must for any Quiet Man enthusiasts, or even those wishing to visit a typical Irish cottage of the 1920's. Be sure to get the Guided Tour of The Quiet Man film locations to complete the experience and take part in the reenactment dressing in the clothes from the time and acting out the famous final scene where John Wayne throws Maureen O’Hara on the bed!

The Museum of Country Life in Castlebar is a popular attraction and it’s free to visit and gives visitors a taste of Ireland at the time – representing the traditional way of life in Ireland since 1850.  If you pre-book with the museum, you may also be able to ask for a craft demonstration including basket making, straw work, spinning, weaving and butter making.

The area is also rich in archaeology and history with St Patrick's Church Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle nearby along with stone circles and high crosses. The village centre features the medieval Cong Abbey and the ruins of the 12th Century Monks Fishing House. The ruins of an Augustinian Abbey stand close to Ashford castle. The abbey was founded in 1128 probably on the site of a 7th century settlement of St Fechin. Here Roderick O'Connor, the last high king of Ireland, died in 1198 after spending the last 15 years of his life in monastic seclusion.

Ballintubber Abbey is about 15 miles (24 km) away and is where our own Irish James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, got married.  As you can imagine, this beautiful abbey is an important sacred Irish historical site. It was founded in 1216 by Cathal Crovderg O'Connor, so will celebrate its 800 year anniversary in 2016.  The grounds are worth exploring to get an idea of the ruins of the full abbey and there are tours available to bring to life the monks’ role in the Abbey.

Use your Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following attractions in the area:

1. The Michael Davitt Museum

The Award-Winning Michael Davitt Museum is now housed in the magnificently restored pre-penal church in the village of Straide, County Mayo. An integral figure in Irish history, learn more about the life and contribution of Michael Davitt in this museum based in the church in which he was christened in 1846.  You can also visit his grave as Michael Davitt is buried in the grounds of the 13th Century Straide Abbey, located beside the Museum.

The Michael Davitt Museum contains an extensive collection of documents, photos, Land Acts, letters, postcards, posters and other items connected with Davitt's life. There is also the excellent audio-visual which enhances the exhibition and knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to give you a guided tour which encompasses Davitt's grave and also Straide Abbey, if desired.

2. Céide Fields

Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs.

The stone walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife.

The Visitor Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for architecture. It is located beside some of the most spectacular cliffs and rock formations in Ireland and a viewing platform is positioned on the edge of the 110m high cliff.

All guests get reduced prices for the following:

•    Lake boat hire to see the beautiful Lough Corrib

•    Want to sit back and enjoy the views? Corrib Cruises are for you!

•    Discount at a local restaurant and a local bar – check the information board for deals!

•    For families and groups, there’s discounts on Pony Trekking

•    For aspiring Rory McIllroys, there’s Cong Mini Golf

ACTIVITIES

Hiking/Walking: If you stay in Cong you can experience the healing power of the natural, unspoilt West of Ireland countryside. Relax and unwind in the Mayo Wilderness, climb mountains, walk hills or just sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings! Cong Hostel will organise walking tours for groups, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your well deserved holiday!

Fishing/Boating/Water Sports: Did you know that Lough Corrib is Europe's premier destination for fly fishing?

Our Cong Hostel is located on Lough Corrib which is Europe's premier wild brown trout fishery. Stunning Lough Corrib is a vast lake of 42,000 acres containing many islands. It is probably the finest game fishing location in Ireland with anglers flocking from all over the world to fish on this great lake and especially during the famous mayfly fishing in early summer. It is really breathtaking! Ask at reception for use of fishing rods!

Also just 3 miles (under 5km) away is Lough Mask, which is where the world fly-fishing competition is held every year in August.

Salmon, Trout, Pike and Perch can be fished from Cong River – one of the shortest rivers in the world which seems to defy physics with part of it flowing two different ways! Has to be seen to be believed!

As mentioned above, guests can get discounts on boat hire or cruises on Lough Corrib.

Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, pot-holing, boating, crusing, walking, pony trekking, cycling, mountain climbing and forest walks or any outdoor pursuit for that matter, you are spoilt for choice in Cong.

Nightlife and Eating out: There’s plenty of live music in the pubs around Cong depending on the night – be sure to ask at reception.

There’s a wide choice of cuisine types but we recommend the fresh fish as it will have only just be caught and couldn’t be any fresher!

•    Discounts available at a local restaurant and a local bar – check the information board for deals!