Review
Cong Food Village is a community based initiative that brings together the food offerings in and around the beautiful village of Cong, Co. Mayo. It’s a celebration of all Cong has to offer as a top food destination.
It’s a movement with a true community heart run by a voluntary committee of people who are passionate about food. Growing it, making it, cooking it, sharing it and eating it!
Cong sits between the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. Just 40 minutes from Galway and on the edge of Connemara. If you’re planning a trip West this year, make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Here is a introduction to Cong and the members of the Food Village initiative, but there is no alternative to walking around the picturesque village for yourself; we can just hope to whet your appetite,
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Sitting within the magnificent 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, County Mayo, overlooks magical Lough Corrib. Originally built in 1865, it’s now part of the award winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection offering mellow country house hospitality, exuding classic refinement with modern appeal.
Enjoy fine dining in Wilde's Restaurant, a rejuvenating beauty treatment, an exceptional range of estate activities and warm smiles at every turn. A host of thoughtful touches will ensure your stay is one to remember. (Read our full review here.)
Wilde's at The Lodge
Under the inspired direction of Jonathan Keane, recently described as “one of the country’s most exciting chefs” and with many award nominations to his name, it has become a popular destination not just for local foodies but visitors from afar.
Jonathan creates a variety of delicious dishes that showcase the unique flavours and textures of the finest local produce, from succulent Irish beef and lamb to fish and seafood fresh from the waters of Galway Bay and the Connemara coastline. . (Read our full review here.)
T: 094 95 45400
Ryans Hotel
Ryan’s hotel is located in the centre of the quaint village of Cong and can offer you 12 en-suite bedrooms. They have a selection of Twin, Double and Triple rooms all with tea/coffee making facilities, Wireless internet access TV and Laundry facilities.
Ryan’s offers you access to many tourist activities including fishing with 2 lakes on the doorstep for both wild brown trout and wild salmon fishing, meandering walks in the surrounding woods or just relax and unwind in the Fennel Seed Restaurant and Crowe’s Nest Pub. As they say themselves;
“We believe in small, we believe in local and we believe in personal. We take this array of fresh ingredients and add a little pride and passion to expertly prepare mouth-watering treats by inspiring chefs in a style that is both rooted in tradition and very 21st century. We like to think of it as food with a sense of place. Dishes like wild Atlantic mussels from the killary harbour in Leenane , steamed in a garlic and cream sauce and served with homemade brown bread and accompanied by a glass of local craft beer "Connacht pale ale". A craft beer with a delicate blend of aromatic hops and a solid malt profile which are combined to create a well rounded citrus and spicy flavoured pale ale. Just ask any of our bar staff they just love to talk about anything local”
T +353 (0)94 9546004
Lydon’s Lodge, established since 1975.
Since 1975 Lydon’s Lodge has evolved from being ahead of its time as a victualler/craft butcher shop, to a fishing lodge and bed & breakfast renowned for its high tea dining experience with fisherme, to it’s present form as Lydon’s Lodge Hotel.
A family run business located in the historic village of Cong. Lydon’s Lodge combines a warm welcome with old world charm. They providing a home from home experience and strive to share the best of the West with you.
The Restaurant & Bar at Lydon’s Lodge.
Lydon’s pride themselves on sourcing the very best of local seasonal produce. Herbs and freshly cut flowers come from their own garden and meat and fish are sourced locally wherever possible. Residents get to enjoy their freshly caught catch of wild salmon and brown trout cooked for them in the kichen by Carmel, who is renowned for her home-made jams, Guinness brown bread and marmalades.
Cocktails, craft beers & cider, organic wine, Irish whiskey, fine spirites and Guinness can all be enjoyed at the bar. The Restaurant & Bar @ Lydon’s Lodge is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike as an excellent place to enjoy fine food and a glass of your favourite tipple!
If you are staying you will find 11 spacious en-suite bedrooms consisting of kind-size, double, triple and singles, all equipped with modern conveniences. It’s another perfect place to relax and unwind and discover the beauty of Connemara.
Pat Cohan's Bar and Teach Bia
Anyone who has ever seen The Quiet Man will be familiar with Pat Cohan’s Bar. It’s an iconic slice of movie history, and it’s funny as you walk towards it, and memories of the movie spring into you mind.
The team are passionate about their surroundings; both of the historic building and what that represents, but also for the richness and lushness of the food produce available literally on their door step.
“Comfort, warmth, flavours and a sense of homeliness are what we take greatest pride in creating. We will always aim to ensure our guests leave with great memories of their time at Pat Cohan’s.
With daily visits to our neighbour, the local butcher for the best cuts and flavours available alongside vegetables grown locally on small farms through family generations. Crafts Beer & Ales produced within our immediate area, it is safe to say we not only know our suppliers but that we see them regularly, ensuring that from farm to fork we are providing our guests with the best of the best. Truly a taste of what Irish food is really all about.
We will always be known for the large part it played in the iconic movie ‘The Quiet Man’, one of the best known movies of its generation. During your visit you will see we love all things old and quirky; together with our movie memorabilia you will feel like you have taken a step back in time into the 1920’s, where a great pint and a smile await you.
A Gastro Pub with a difference, we hope you leave wanting to return.”
Tel: 094 9545620
Email: info@patcohanbar.ie
Web: www.patcohanbar.ie
The Hungry Monk Café
The Hungry Monk is a labour of love for a husband and wife team Aisling and Jonathan, owners of the Hungry Monk. It was always Aisling’s dream to have her own restaurant and she studied culinary arts in nearby Galway before working abroad. She worked in a Kosher Bakery in Boston and also travelled to Japan for a year to work in a kitchen there.
Jonathan’s background started front of house, working in restaurants in Spain, Chicago and Tokyo. He returned to study culinary arts in Galway and worked as a chef in Ireland prior to taking over the Hungry Monk. The Hungry Monk is the culmination of this passionate foodie couple.
Here they are on their vision and passion;
“The restaurant sits right on the border of Galway and Mayo and it is there where we source most of our produce. Locally smoked salmon from the nearby village of Corn a Mona, Beef and Pork from Kelly’s of Newport, Coffee roasted in Westport, bottled water from the nearby hills of Tourmaceady, shellfish from Killary Harbour and fish such as Hake and Mackerel from Galway Bay.
By sourcing locally, we can ensure quality, support local producers and showcase to the very finest produce our region has to offer. Our food is simply prepared and presented as we like the let the produce do the talking.
Our menus are small and uncomplicated as we can focus on keep the food as fresh and tasty as possible. Lastly, our cafe is small and simple and we pride ourselves on giving a welcome and good old fashioned Irish hospitality to all our guests.”
T: 094 954 842
Puddleducks
Another very warm and welcoming environment is Fiona McMahon's gorgeous Puddleducks Cafe, which opened in 2014. Located on a prominent corner in the village, it’s the place of choice for locals and visitors alike for breakfast, a light lunch of just a coffee and one of their delicious cakes. We were there on a Sunday, when the breakfast runs until 1pm, and it was rammed with the after mass crowd having a break from cooking. On other days it runs until 12, so either way you get a lie-in.
Here’s Fiona on what makes Puddleducks special;
“We’re a family run business producing simple, high quality, home cooked foods. We bake fresh every day and are proud that all our treats are handmade using the finest ingredients; it’s all about the taste here at Puddleducks.
Phone: (094) 954-5745
