PAVING THE WAY The stone footbridge that crosses the Cong River marks the start of two stunningly beautiful, history-laden walking trails.
It’s not just crosses – there’s loops too
Walking
Tom Carolan
Pigeon Hole Loop, Cong
Distance 4k (shorter 2k loop also)
Trail surface Forest tracks.
Level of difficulty Easy.
What to bring Good walking shoes, rain gear, camera.
Dogs Allowed if kept on a lead.
Two great walking trails have recently been launched in Cong, famous for its 12th-century cross. These trails offer walkers a chance to explore one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty that you will find anywhere in the West of Ireland. The woods are extensive and cover the area of land that separates Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. You could spend days exploring all the area has to offer, but the Pigeon Hole loop that I describe here will give you a flavour of this wonderful place.
Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness bought the local Ashford estate in the 1850s and began to indulge in his passion for exotic trees and plants. We are now benefiting from his indulgence as the woodland has a great variety of these impressive trees such as, Sequoia, Monterey pine, Redwoods and Douglas fir, as well as natives such as Oak and Yew.
The walking trails start outside Cong Abbey and opposite the tourist office, the map information board at the trailhead will set you on your way. Follow the red arrows for the 4k long Pigeon Hole Loop, or the blue arrows for the 2k Nature Loop.
The start of the loop brings you alongside the Cong River and through the grounds of Cong Abbey. Watch out for the Monks’ Fishing House at the stone footbridge that crosses the river. This bridge brings you into the woodland track that forms the main part of the loop, also look out for the sculpted head of Rory O’Connor on the arch at the end of the bridge – O’Connor was Ireland’s last high King and lived out his final years in the abbey.
When you cross the river, follow the red arrows for the Pigeon Hole Loop. This loop contains a number of significant interest points including the Priests’ Cave, Teach Aille and the Guinness Tower. Pick up the information booklet in the tourist office for more detailed information on these sights.
This loop is at a gentle gradient and contains no significant hills. It can be a little wet underfoot during a rainy spell, so good footwear is needed.
Pigeon Hole is the outstanding geological feature on the walk; you can descend its 61 steps to the cave floor and listen to the water as it trickles through the limestone into Lough Corrib from the higher level Lough Mask.
The many different features along the walk, coupled with the outstanding woodland, make this a great day out. There is also much to see in around the village, and some nice coffee shops and pubs to visit after your walk.
This article is the tenth in the Living section Walk of the Month series, which describes a different Mayo walk at the start of each month.
Tom Carolan works for South West Mayo Development Company. His job involves the design, construction and promotion of recreational trails. He can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.
