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Ireland

Mayo

Cong Abbey – Ashford Castle loop from Ashford Castle

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Ireland

Mayo

Cong Abbey – Ashford Castle loop from Ashford Castle

Easy

4.8

(17)

hikers

Cong Abbey – Ashford Castle loop from Ashford Castle

01:51

7.10km

50m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

125 m

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

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1.09 km

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.

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2.12 km

Ashford Castle and River Walk

Highlight • Castle

Great garden area. The castle is now a hotel

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3.19 km

Pebble Beach at Lough Corrib

Highlight • Beach

A nice, small beach secluded from the hustle and bustle right on the shores of Lough Corrib. From here you can see some of the small islands that are wildly scattered in the lake. A small picnic area invites you to enjoy the wonderful view and let your mind wander.

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3.46 km

View of Lough Corrib

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice view over Lough Corrib.

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6.07 km

Guinness Tower

Highlight • Monument

In the woods around Ashford Castle you can also find the stone tower of the castle, built in 1864 - an imposing structure, which is reminiscent of earlier times and can also be viewed from the inside.

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6.51 km

Forest Path with Uprooted Tree

Highlight • Forest

6.83 km

Monks' Fishing House on the River Cong

Highlight • Historical Site

The house on the Cong River was once used by the monks for fishing. There is a hole in the bottom through which the net was lowered and where it got stuck. When enough fish were caught in the net, a bell tied to the net with a string rang and the cook came down from the monastery to the river to collect the fish. Pretty imaginative!

Incidentally, the small bridge behind the abbey also gives free access to the grounds of Ashford Castle.

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Tip by

7.10 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.46 km

1.72 km

980 m

929 m

Surfaces

2.30 km

2.04 km

1.14 km

870 m

571 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 6 May

13°C

5°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Cong Abbey – Ashford Castle loop from Ashford Castle

Cong Abbey

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle and River Walk

Pebble Beach at Lough Corrib

View of Lough Corrib

Guinness Tower

Forest Path with Uprooted Tree

Monks' Fishing House on the River Cong

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