Cong, Cross and The Neale
in Mayo in the West of Ireland
Population from Census
- 150 (2006)
- 185 (2002)
- 149 (1996)
Cong - Cunga Feichin
The Gaelic name for Cong is very informative and revealing. Cung means a narrow strip of land and is situated on a narrow isthmus of cavernous limestone between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib.
A stroll through Cong and its hinterland is a microcosmic trip through the history of Ireland and its people. No trace today remains of Feichin's haven by the river but the tranquillity, clear water and abundant supply of fish that tempted Feichin to settle in Cong are still there to be savoured, enjoyed and appreciated nearly 1400 years later.
The majestic monastic remains that adorn Cong today are the relics of
a monastery built by the High King of Ireland, Turlach O'Connor in
1120 for the Augustinians. The monastery continued as a site of
worship and learning, until it was suppressed in the reign of King
Henry VIII. Stroll around the monastic cloisters and cast your mind
back to the psalm chanting monks following the ornate Cross of Cong
which is now in the National Museum. The Market Cross in the village
commemorates two former abbots of the monastery.
A walk along the dry canal rekindles memories of the dreaded famine of 1845-1848. The canal was a famine relief scheme that never quite fulfilled its promise in any sense of the word. Due to the limestone nature of the terrain, the water disappeared into the ground like water gurgling down the plug hole of a bath.
This era also saw the Oranmore and Brown family vacate Ashford House in 1852 and heralded the arrival of the famed Guinness brewing family to the area. Arthur Guinness (Lord Ardilaun) devoted much of his life and considerable wealth to the development of the castle, the walks, the forest and local historical artifacts.
Cross - An Crois
A great battle took place between the Firbolgs and the Tuatha de Danann (ancient tribes of Ireland) on the great plain of Moytura in Cross. They played the first ever hurling match on those plains. The Firbolgs outshone that day, but the battle was won by the Tuatha de Danann. Ballymagibbon Cairn was erected to celebrate the battle.
From
Christian times you can still see the ruins of St Fura's church at
Ballymagibbon (7th Century). An interesting relic of this old ruin is
now placed in the porch of Cross church. It is a carved stone having
in relief the figure of a child.
Having completed your rambles through Cross, relax with a copy of Sir William Wilde's Lough Corrib, or enjoy the works of his son Oscar, who roamed the area as a youth while holidaying in Moytura House.
The Neale - An Eill
Snuggled close to the isthmus of Cong is the small village of The Neale, with its historical and archaeological wealth virtually unknown.
Spread over the landscape are the ruins of the Norman castles
occupied by the McDonnell mercenaries. Adjacent to The Neale village
is the home of the first Englishman to settle in the country -
sheriff and map maker - John Browne. His descendant Lord Kilmaine,
was responsible for the building of the temple.
The Neale village also hosted the great uncrowned king of Ireland, Charles Stewart Parnell, and Michael Davitt during the Land League era. The system of organised ostracisation of over-bearing landlords and agents - later termed boycotting by Fr O'Malley (Parish priest in The Neale) - was first put into operation at Lough Mask House where Captain Boycott attempted to raise the rents. Journalists from all over Europe and America converged on the tiny village to witness the non-violent resistance which in later years was the hallmark of Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Visiting Cong? To book a Cong hotel online visit Mayo Hotels for a secure online booking facility.
