54411IRE
Cong visit
Knock visit
· There are no entrances on this day.
· Lunch in Cong. There are several pubs, restaurants and cafes.
· This is a relaxed day so structure the visits according to your group’s interest and religious devotion.
Cong – Visit
There is coach parking in the square by the supermarket in the centre of the village. From there all the attractions are within easy walking distance. There are several pubs, restaurants and coffee shops in the village.
Facilities and Places of Interest
Tourist Info: Tel: 094 954 6542. www.congtourism.com
Boat Trips on Lough Corrib: 091 557 798/ info@corribcruises.com
Ashford Castle
South of the town. Tel: 094 954 6003 – Summer 8am-6pm, Winter 10am-6pm. The present castle, now a hotel, was built in the Victorian style for a member of the Guinness family but incorporates part of a 13th century castle. The setting is splendid, between the river and Lough Corrib. Call in advance to check admission prices.
Quiet Man Heritage Centre
Tel: 094 954 6089. ‘The Quiet Man’ starring John Wayne was set in Cong and in 1951 was the first Hollywood film made on location in Ireland. Small charge.
Cong Abbey
Tel: 094 954 6542 Usually open from dawn till dusk. The remains of an Augustinian abbey, ruined since the Dissolution of 1542.
Knock – visit
There are two coach parks, North and South, both giving easy to walking access to the small village and large pilgrimage complex. Also shops, restaurants, a tourist office and Bank of Ireland (rarely open) with ATM.
The small original village church, where Mary, Joseph and St. John appeared to villagers against the south gable in 1879, is preserved but in 1976 a much larger basilica was consecrated to cope with the growing numbers of pilgrims. The basilica has been refurbished. For serious pilgrims a guide is available from the information centre by the north car park. They may also wish to perform the Stations of the Cross. Others may prefer to spend time in the folk museum to the right of the basilica.
Facilities and Places of Interest
Pilgrimage Info 094 938 8100 www.knockshrine.ie
Folk Museum
May – Oct, daily, 10.00 – 18.00. Small charge.
This museum presents a picture of rural Irish life at the time of the Apparition. In August there are demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Guided tours are available by appointment.
If you arrive early in Sligo you may wish to drive along the shore of Lough Gill to Parke’s Castle. This whole area is very much W.B. Yeats Country.