The Royal Augustinian Abbey at Cong. Founded in 623AD by St. Feichin. In 1120 AD, Turlough Mor O Connor, High King of Connacht and of Ireland, chose this site as an abbey for the Order of St. Augustine.

The abbey was suppressed during the reign of Henry VIII of England in 1542 and fell into ruin. The ruins continue to display wonderful craftsmanship including Gothic windows, Romanesque doors and windows, clustered pillars, arches, standing columns and the cloister grounds. The Royal Abbey is an excellent example of early Irish architecture and is one of Cong's most beautifully striking treasures.

The Abbey served many purposes including a hiding place for the O’Connor family, a hospital for the sick, shelter for the poor and starving as well as being a place of learning for thousands of scholars. Click on the link above to learn more.