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Ireland

Mayo

Ashford Castle – Cong Abbey loop from Ashford Castle

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Ireland

Mayo

Ashford Castle – Cong Abbey loop from Ashford Castle

Moderate

3.7

(3)

riders

Ashford Castle – Cong Abbey loop from Ashford Castle

02:07

34.7km

240m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 353 m for 74 m

After 1.75 km for 105 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

426 m

Ashford Demesne (East)

Forest

918 m

Ashford Castle

Highlight • Castle

Ashford Castle, a stunning medieval castle on the shores of Lough Corrib near the town of Cong in County Mayo, is one of Ireland's most magnificent and historic buildings. Originally built in the 13th century by a noble Anglo-Norman family, the castle has a long and fascinating history spanning several centuries.

In the 19th century, Ashford Castle was purchased and both restored and expanded by Benjamin Guinness, a member of the famous brewing family. His son, Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, was responsible for creating the extensive gardens and forests, which are now decorated with exotic plants from all over the world. Since 1939, the castle has served as one of Ireland's most exclusive 5-star hotels, attracting guests from all over the world, including numerous celebrities and royalty.

Visiting Ashford Castle is not only a trip back in time, but also an opportunity to experience the luxurious amenities and exceptional service of one of the world's leading hotels. The magnificent gardens and picturesque lake provide ample opportunities for walking and exploring in some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery.

Access to the grounds of Ashford Castle is normally reserved for hotel guests, but there are routes to allow viewing, such as the footbridge at Monk's Fishing House behind the abbey, which offers free entry. However, visitors should inform themselves in advance about the current access conditions and possible restrictions.

Translated by Google •

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1.79 km

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Cong

Highlight • Religious Site

Very modern building next to the old abbey with great stained glass windows.
Not to be confused with the Church of Ireland church of the same name a little further on.

Translated by Google •

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1.80 km

Cong Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

Cong Abbey is a beautiful, ancient 13th-century ruined monastery. Here you feel transported back a few centuries and can imagine how the monks lived in the Middle Ages. Benjamin Guinness was probably the last person to restore the complex in the mid-19th century – since then nature (and tourists) have been reclaiming it.

Entry is free. Parking is available directly at the Abbey.

megalithicireland.com/Cong%20Abbey,%20Mayo.html

Translated by Google •

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25.7 km

View of Lough Corrib

Highlight • Viewpoint

If you're travelling south and descending towards the lough you're in for a real treat. If you're climbing up, be sure to take a moment to admire the view of Lough Corrib and the islands that pepper the surface of the lake.

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32.2 km

The Quiet Man Statue (John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara), Cong

Highlight • Monument

Made in 1951, “The Quiet Man” was directed by John Ford and starred John Wayne as Sean Thornton returning to settle down in Ireland after emigrating to the US. Maureen O’Hara played Mary Kate Danaher, the girl he marries. Much of the popular movie was filmed in Cong and Connemara. Cong has attracted many visitors and fans of the film and has an annual Quiet Man festival to celebrate the town’s connection with the film.

(irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/statue-of-maureen-ohara-and-john-wayne-in-the-quiet-man-to-be-unveiled-226117441-237780801)

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