The medieval Ashford castle in Cong, is one of those structures that are made for intercepting the diagonals of the sun and transforming them into pure serenity. In a park overlooking the boundless Lough Corrib, the mighty outlines of the fortress towers cut through the sky, casting their huge shadows on the lawn. The castle, built in 1228, has for many years now been a hotel and in its long history has been host to many historical figures.
With over 70 islands scattered about the lake -from tiny (50 m²) to substantial (2.5 acres)- the lake is a favourite among landscape painters with such a variety of vistas and reflections in the ever-changing light.
Lough Mask is a large limestone lake just north of Lough Corrib, which empties into the Corrib River and ultimately out into Galway Bay. With its picture-postcard scenery, Lough Mask’s jagged rocky shores, surrounded by gentle sloping hills, draw people from near and far, particularly anglers.
A journey through the southern part of the County, from Castlebar to Cong and along Lough Mask.
The picturesque village of Tourmakeady sits on the
west side of the lake, nestled between the water and the Partry Mountains, with beautiful
views of the rugged shoreline of Lough Mask.
The Tourmakeady Forest Walk is a
manageable 6km walk through the Millennium Forest alongside the Glensaul River and
culminates in a secluded cove with the beautiful Tourmakeady Waterfall.
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