Cong Abbey

About

Cong Abbey was founded in the 12th century by Turlough Mor O’Connor, the High King of Ireland, on the site of a 7th century church. At its height, it’s estimated to have been home to a community of 3,000, and is where Rory O’Connor, Ireland’s last High King, spent the last 15 years of his life. The abbey was suppressed in the 16th century and fell into ruin. Today, the ruins of Cong Abbey are considered to feature some of the finest medieval masonry and architecture in the whole of Ireland - namely the cloister with its ornamental capitals, and the intricately carved church doorway. A short walk through the abbeys pleasant grounds leads to a 15th century monk’s fishing house standing on a platform over the River Cong. While ruined like the abbey, it’s still interesting to see the trapdoor that allowed the monks to fish in relative comfort.