CONG - Along the border of counties Mayo and Galway, is the sleepy village of Cong (founded around the 12th century). Its Gaelic name, “Cunga Feichin” (meaning “Saint Feichin’s Narrows”) indicates the village is an island isthmus between Lakes Corrib and Musk, and is known for its underground streams. In the early to mid-1800’s, this was the home of eye surgeon Sir William Wilde, father of novelist Oscar Wilde. Near the center of the village are the ruins of the 12th century Cong Abbey (built for the Augustinian friars) in which the last high King of Ireland, Rory O’Connor, spent his final days.
Today, the village is best known as the filming location for John Ford’s 1952 epic “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and Barry Fitzgerald. Much of the movie was filmed on the grounds of Ashford Castle (originally built by the Guinness family), now a luxury hotel.
DUNGUAIRE CASTLE - One of the most picturesque locations on Galway Bay is the 16th century tower house known as “Dunguaire Castle.” It’s name derives from the “Dun (ancient fort) of King Guaire” - the legendary King of Connacht. Built in 1520 by the O’hEidhin clan, it’s 75 foot tower and defensive walls are one of the most photographed castles in Ireland and provides an insight into the medieval lifestyle.
There are a number of legends about the castle; one of the most frequently quoted, states that if someone stands at the castle’s front gate and asks a question, they will have their answer by the end of that same day. From mid-April until mid-October, this castle plays host to medieval style banquets.
Dunguaire Castle was featured in the 1969 Disney movie, “Guns In The Heather,” as well as the 1979 film, “North Sea Hijack.”
POULNABRONE PORTAL TOMB - Located on one of the highest and most desolate points in County Clare is one of Ireland’s most famous Portal Tombs (of which there are 172 throughout the country) - Poulnabrone. Built by local farmers sometime during the Neolithic era (circa 4200BC to 2900 BC), the tomb consists of three vertical stones supporting a single horizontal capstone. Speculations about its original purpose abound; ranging from a territorial marker, to a symbol for a complex burial rite; to a center for religious rituals.
Archeological excavations of the site back in 1986 revealed the remains of several humans, dating to circa 3800 BC to 3200 BC. However, with no totally intact skeletons, archeologists believe the bodies had been stored elsewhere while they decomposed, and only the bones remained, prior to some sort of complex religious ritual for an elite group, especially since there is no evidence of any ongoing burials. There is some evidence that the site was used well into the Bronze Age, and perhaps even into the early medieval Celtic era.
Today, this National Historic Site sees around 200,000 visitors per year, making it the second most popular tourist attraction in Ireland (after the Cliffs of Moher).