RTA Tour of Discovery


Romanesque doorway
On the 12th of June just before storm Hector hit the
western seaboard we made a , delightful trip from Cong to the renowned island of Inchagaill – the island of the ‘devout foreigner’ on Lough Corrib. In ancient times this was home to four families who farmed 80 acres of land in the centre of the island with 50 acres of high trees as shelter all around. The last family to stay on the island were Kinneavys who were boat builders and the last inhabitant was Thomas Nevin. Both of their stone houses have been restored recently as well as the ancient paths and walls rebuilt.
This was truly an adventure of discovery for our 32 members (who travelled by boat to the island) discovering -
  • A Byzantine cross carved out on the wall as well as a Celtic cross.
    Byzantine Cross
  • The tomb of Muirgeas O Nioc 12th century archbishop of Tuam.
    Deirdre, delighted to have found the headstones of her two aunts. 
  • Teampall na Naomh built by the Augustinian monks of Cong Abbey circa 1180 AD with its Romanesque archway depicting ten heads of the ten saints of Lough Corrib – Brendan, Feichín, Fursey, Briga etc.
  • 5th century St Patrick’s Church
  • Ogham stone
    The ancient Ogham stone of Lugna. The inscription on this 5th century stone has captured the attention of the most renowned archaeologists believing it to be the oldest Christian inscription in Europe apart from one found in the Catacombs in Rome. This remarkable stone still stands proud in its original position after enduring storms of centuries. It has the shape of a boat’s rudder, tying with the theory that Lugna was not only St Patrick’s nephew but also his navigator. He died on the island while building Teampall Padraic. The stone was originally a Druid’s pagan stone but St Patrick christianised it by carving crosses on it.
  • Loop Walk
    The island was donated to the State 1922 by Lord Iveagh of the Guinness family. A stone teahouse from this period over looks the lake. The family who lived in Ashford Castle enjoyed afternoon tea here during the summer months.
  • There are hundreds buried on this island from the surrounding areas of Cong, Oughterard, Cornamona. Graves are unmarked while others have headstones or simple stones to mark their resting place.
  • Tea House
    A delightful loop walk takes you around the island. Boat trips from Cong and Oughterad visit the island on a daily basis and it is well worth a visit.
We finished our tour with a 4course lunch in Cong followed by a walk in the village led by Peggy Campbell who took us to the Augustinian Abbey, the Monk’s Fishing House, Cong church with a magnificent Harry Clarke window and John Wayne’s and Maureen O Hara’s sculpture.
We had a most enjoyable day and got safely home before storm Hector pounded the countryside.
Mary June 2018

1968 Carysfort Graduates' Reunion


Reunion of Carysfort Graduates 1968.
Tuesday September 4th at 13.00.
4 course lunch (35 euro) at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin.
Contact: Kathleen Ryan 0868142612.

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