Another abbey?! Since our arrival, we have stumbled upon the remains of abbeys and monasteries scattered on cliffs and rocky desolate islands. The ruins resist their slow reclamation by the earth. In their silent, stoic decay they stand tall, speaking volumes in the lost echo of their tolling bells. Notice me. Ask why I was here...
During the darkest of Europe's dark ages, Monks kept the flicker of literacy and literature alive by fleeing as far as they could - the western coast of Ireland. They preserved and reproduced the world's great manuscripts and kept their faith alive. They, too, were under constant attack by warring factions, as evidenced by the remnants of arrow slots high on the abbey walls. The monastery at Cong was founded in the 7th century; destroyed by fire in the 12th; rebuilt around 1135, and destroyed by the Normans in 1203. These are the remains.
Cong has survived and reinvented itself over the centuries. Today, it is a wealthy community, with tiny, upscale shops, excellent restaurants, and not a single ATM. The locals are friendly and take time for "a chat" over coffee or hot chocolate, helping us with directions, and encouraging our questions.
Cong even has a privately owned castle, The Ashford Castle. No tours are allowed, unless you are sleeping there, or have a "falconry" appointment.
We took a long walk after dinner as night fell, along the river that encircles Cong.
Cong surprised me with its warm welcome and quite unexpected serenity. Our next adventure awaits!