Page 88 - WDT MAGAZINE IRELAND ISSUE WINTER 2018

a photo taken by the impressive bronze sculpture of
Wayne and O’Hara. I could see why ardent “Quiet Man”
fans who visit Cong are playfully called “Quiet Man
Crazies” by the locals.
Before leaving, we walked over to the ruins of Cong
Abbey, first built in the 12th century. From the abbey
grounds, we strolled a footbridge across the Cong
river, pausing at the ancient Monk’s fishing house. The
small house is built on a platform of stones over a low
arch that creates a passage for water to flow under
the floor. The monks used a net through the trapdoor
to catch their fish while they stayed warm by the
fireplace. The serene setting was magical; it’s easy to
understand why the Irish believed in Fairies and Lepre-
chauns who rule these enchanted places.

The white washed, thatched roof
cottage that is the museum of “The
Quiet Man.” Right: The “Monk’s Fish-
ing House” Below: Ron & Mary do a
poor imitation of John Wayne and
Maureen O’Hara.

The Quiet Man Plot

88 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018