Many tourists stop and take a picture of signs directing you towards Cong, perhaps imagining a giant gorilla on the rampage. That would, admittedly, be something, but even without such an attraction Cong can still claim to be Ireland's most famous village. Even if you have never been here before, chances are you have seen some of it because it was the setting for John Ford's The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. There are guided tours of the film's locations of course, but Cong is a lovely town that has a lot more to offer besides. The 12th Century Cross of Cong (now in the National Museum of Ireland) had its first home here, and Cong Abbey is well worth a visit as one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the country. Ashford Castle is also worth seeing, as are the Pigeon Hole Cave and the monastic ruins on nearby Inchagoill Island, but you can also have a memorable time just driving around the gorgeous lakes of the area. But do find time to visit the Quiet Man Cottage Museum and make The Duke proud.
Pictures: Cong Tourism