Cong Abbey, Cong, Ireland - SpottingHistory

The ruins of Cong Abbey, a former Augustinian abbey, date mainly to the 13th century and showcase some of Ireland’s finest medieval ecclesiastical architecture.

A church was first built here in the 7th century, reportedly by Saint Feichin. After a fire in 1114, Turlough Mor O’Connor, High King of Ireland, refounded the abbey, which was later destroyed in 1137 and rebuilt in 1138 as an Augustinian settlement. His son, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, Ireland's last High King, expanded it in 1198 and spent his final years there.

The O'Duffy family was closely linked to the abbey from 1097 to 1501. Archbishop Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh, who died there in 1150, is commemorated on the Cross of Cong. The abbey was reconstructed in 1307, dedicated to St. Mary, and suppressed after 1542. Its last nominal abbot, Patrick Prendergast, preserved the Cross of Cong before his death in 1829. Benjamin Guinness initiated its restoration in 1855.

Cong Abbey features exceptional early Gothic architecture, including a 13th-century church, cloister fragments, and finely sculpted doorways. A monks' fishing house, likely from the 15th or 16th century, sits over the River Cong, with a trapdoor for fresh fish and a rumored line to the monastery kitchen.

User Reviews

V H (7 months ago)
Lovely ruins to walk amongst the Augustinian abbey was built in the early 12th century, however it was a site of a church back to the 6th century, this is one of many attractions to see in Cong.

Samantha Mahoney (9 months ago)
This is one of my favourite places on earth. We always bring our tour groups to Cong and it seems to be a favourite for them too.

Crystal Tan (10 months ago)
This is such a must visit structure. When I saw the ruins of the abbey it made me think that I have seen something from history. The ruins shows thick stone walls, a lot of old tombstones, there was even one that showed 1549. The abbey has sprawling lawn in the back with a bridge that would take you across the river. On the river is a stone structure where the monks used to fish. You have to visit this abbey and make it part of your itinerary. This is a free self tour. No tickets needed.

Damien Mc Anespie (11 months ago)
Nice authentic ruins of the abbey in the centre of Cong, fascinating history and access to entire site - great for kids & adults

Andrea Addington (12 months ago)
Conf Abbey is a great spot to stop. Parking can be tricky but once you get situated you could spend a lot of time in that area. There are plenty of informational signs and the Abbey is fascinating. There are some great trails in the woods behind the Abbey and lots of spots to enjoy the surroundings. The river adds to the peaceful setting.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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