Historians, academics and locals descended on Cong last weekend to attend the very first conference ever held about the abbeys of Cong and Inishmaine.
Events started on Friday night with an introductory talk about Cong Abbey, followed by music and refreshments.
Saturday’s events were introduced by Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council. Visiting experts then gave a full day of talks about different aspects of the two abbeys. Conference participants were treated to guided walks around Cong Abbey on Saturday evening.
The weekend finished on Sunday with a visit and tour of Inishmaine Abbey.
Cong Moytura Heritage Society organised the conference and chairperson Marian McHugh was delighted with the outcome.
“The Cong Abbey Conference has been planned for a long time and we are very pleased that we have had a well-attended and successful weekend looking at two jewels of the heritage of south Mayo. Feedback since the conference has been incredibly positive.
“I would like to thank the speakers, the organising committee of the Cong Moytura Heritage Society and Lough Mask Heritage Group, all of our sponsors and all those who helped out to make this such a successful weekend.”
The conference was supported by Mayo County Council, Galway County Council, Creative Ireland, The Heritage Council, McGraths of Cong, The Irish History Bookshop, Tile Films, Time Travel and Seamus Glynn.
