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Royal Abbey of Cong, Cong

4.5

#2 of 8 in Historic Sites in Cong

Church Historic Site Must See

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Cong Abbey is a historic site located at Cong, on the borders of counties Galway and Mayo, in Ireland's province of Connacht. The ruins of the former Augustinian abbey mostly date to the 13th century and have been described as featuring some of finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland.
In the early 7th century, a church was built at this site, reportedly by Saint Feichin. A later building was destroyed by fire in 1114. Within the next twenty years or so, Turlough Mor O’Connor, the High King of Ireland, refounded the abbey. Raiders from Munster destroyed the buildings in 1137 but they were rebuilt by King Turlough.
In 1198, his son, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (Rory O'Connor), Ireland's last High King, constructed new buildings and also lived the last 15 years of his life at the abbey. He died here and was reportedly briefly buried in the abbey before being exhumed and re-interred at Clonmacnoise. The monastery adopted the Augustinian rule some years later.
Cong Abbey was also closely associated with the O'Duffy family at least from 1097 to 1501. The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 1150, Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh, Archbishop of Connacht, died at Cong aged 75. His name is inscribed upon the processional Cross of Cong.

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Royal Abbey of Cong Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

434 reviews

Google

4.5

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4.7

219 likes

• By ASLAussie

  We were intrigued by the name of this village because coming from Australia we associated it with Asia and our Vietnamese residents. Wandering through the cloisters of the Abbey we even came across.....  more »

• By Navigate801423

  just walking through here is magical - you wonder about thinking of all the souls who walked before you.  more »

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Google

• By Ben Woodward

  Very interesting ruins, in a lovely location. It would be nice to have a little bit more information around to discover the history of the place. Overall a good experience though

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• By Manuela Koch

  wonderful place to visit. It's so beautiful especially with the river and the monks fishing house. A not that much touristic place with a romantic touch surrounded by beautiful nature.

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