Cong

Sorry for the lack of creative title on this one. :o)

The last stop on our day trip was the village on Cong. Most Americans know it as the site where much of the John Wayne film "The Quiet Man" was filmed. However, there are tons more things to do and see there than just the uber touristy Quiet Man stuff. So, after a quick re-fuel stop of coffee and tea for the grown ups and water for the kids (no babyccinos here lol) we were off to see the Abbey. (anyone else hear a song from the Wizard of Oz now??) Anyway...

By the time we got there we were all getting a bit tired and munchy, so we didn't spend a ton of time, but we had a blast walking around the abbey gardens enjoying the sunshine that came along while we were there. I'd really love to go back and spend some more time, as I don't think we saw nearly all of it.

The river (I believe its the Cong River, but don't quote me on that)

Lothlorien anyone??

(that's for all the Tolkein fans) :o)

This great stone bridge that led across the river to some great walking paths

Seth and the girls exploring the woods

"It's just my size!!"

This was one of the coolest things about the abbey. This little shack is exactly what it looks like - right out in the river. There's a little walkway that connects it to the mainland. The monks wanted to be able to fish w/out having to be subject to the elements, so they built this "fishing shack", complete with an opening in the floor to fish through!

Two roads diverged in a wood...

"Say, Dad, you think we could get some snacks up here or what?"

Our drive home took us by Ashford Castle. It's absoloutely gorgeous and is still used as a hotel today - a quite posh hotel! Several celebreties have had their weddings here.

Seeing this majestic castle with the bold colors of the Irish flag waving proudly seemed a fitting close to a day full of so much culture and history.