Cong  (Lough Corrib Loop Walk)

Location (Ard na Caoithe Car Park)

The start of the Lough Corrib Walk is located 3.5 km south of Cong village on a 3^rd class road off Cong/Corr na Mona road.

Directions

From Ballinrobe town take R334 to the Neale village.  From here, take R345 to Cong Village.  Outside Cong there is a Y junction.  Take the left road towards Corr na Mona for approximately 3km.  Turn left off this road and you will see signage for Ardnageeha.

Walk at a Glance

Trail Name:                Lough Corrib Loop Walk

Trailhead:                   Ard na Gaoithe Car Park

Length:                        3.4 kms

Estimated Time:         1.75 hrs

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Terrain:                      Forest Paths

Minimum Gear:          Walking Shoes & Raingear

Map Reference:         OS Discovery Series Sheet 38           

Trail Description

Starting at the car park, walk along the elevated path overlooking Lough Corrib. Continue along the forest road until you meet a junction. Turn left after approx 600m. This path will take you through mixed woodland for approx 750m. At this point, you meet a junction near the car park. Cross the road and continue for approx 500m. At this point, turn right off the gravel road and continue uphill along an old forest track through young forest crops. From a vantage point at the top of the hill, you can view Lough Corrib and its many small islands. The backdrop will comprise of a panoramic view of the Mamturk mountains in the distance. Descending the hill along the grassy path for approx 600m, turn left through an opening in the wood which takes you onto the forest road. Turn left along the road and back to the car park.

Cong Forest Nature Trail

Location

The trailhead /start is located at the Church Car Park in Cong Village.

Directions

From Ballinrobe town take R334 to the Neale village.  From here, take the R345 to arrive at Cong Village. 

Walk at a Glance

Trail Name:                Cong Nature Trail

Trailhead:                   Church Car Park

Length:                        3.8 kms

Estimated Time:         3 hrs

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Terrain:                      Forest Paths

Minimum Gear:          Walking Shoes & Raingear

Map Reference:         OS Discovery Series Sheet 38           

Trail Description

Starting at the car park, enter site at Cong Abbey grounds opposite the gate lodge, and continue through the yew grove. Cross the Cong River into the forest. Turn left along path for approx 200m. Turn right and follow the nature trail markers.  At the finger sign for “teach aille”, turn right and down into the cave site. There are steps beside the cave that you can follow to higher ground above the cave. Continue along the designated trail until you reach a junction. At this point, turn left under a viaduct (Cong / Cornamona road). Proceed along the forest road until you meet an old disused house on your left.

Turn right here which brings you to “Pigeon Hole cave”. Proceed along the dirt track which leads back to Cong. This will take you under a small viaduct and along the banks of the Cong river and back to the “Abbey Bridge” where you first entered the forest. You have now arrived back at “Cong Abbey” and the car park.

Click here to Download Brochure

Cong Walk