Horseback Riding by Serene Lakes in an Irish Village with Thatched Cottages

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Horseback Riding by Serene Lakes in an Irish Village with Thatched Cottages

A Hollywood production comes to a small village in Ireland. This is the setting and main plot for Marie Jones’ award-winning 1996 play, “Stones in His Pockets”. The play is written for two men who switch between multiple different characters. One of those characters, Mickey, is one of the last surviving extras from “The Quiet Man.” This legendary movie was filmed almost exclusively in Cong, a town straddling the border of County Mayo and County Galway. Despite being a fictional character, Mickey, as an extra in this classic movie, would have been walking among the thatched cottages and serene lakes of Cong. And so can you! 



Set along the shores of beautiful Lough Corrib, Cong is about as scenic as possible in western Ireland. Shining green fields combine with streams, castles, abbeys, and thatched cottages to create a picturesque village that defines the rural Irish character. It’s a fantastic place to come if you’re a movie lover, are looking for a quiet, but luxurious getaway, and want to experience pure Irish countryside on horseback.

Only 50 minutes north of Galway and 1.5 hours north of Shannon International Airport, Cong is an excellent place to visit whether you make it a side trip on your drive up the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way, or are planning on staying there for the length of your journey. Either way, it’s a wonderful town that will fill you with its charms the moment you arrive.



Scenic horseback rides through Ashford Castle

Female rider in an Irish field

Whether you’re looking to have an equestrian holiday or just fancy riding a horse for an afternoon, there might be no better place in all of Ireland than Ashford Castle in Cong. Originally built in the 12th century for the High King of Ireland, Ashford Castle has transformed into a grand estate and hotel, offering unique luxury experiences for guests from all over the world. The guest list includes famous names including “Quiet Man” stars Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne, King George V of England, and legendary writer Oscar Wilde.

While the castle itself is a wonderful place to visit if you love history and luxury, one of the best things Ashford offers is horseback riding. The Ashford Equestrian Centre was founded in 1986 and offers guests and visitors alike the chance to experience the grounds on horseback. You could take lessons or guided tours along the 350-acre estate and adjoining 3,000 acres of forest. Walk, trot, or canter your way through woods, past the shores of Lough Corrib, and learn about the property’s amazing history.

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Larger horses are available for bigger kids, teenagers, and adult riders, while smaller ponies are available for younger riders to tag along on the adventure. The property offers rides by the hour at a reasonable price. So, even if you’re not staying at the castle, there are ways you can enjoy your visit.

Exploring Cong, Ireland

Cong, Ireland abbey and village

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.