Hidden within the rugged beauty near Cong stands the lesser-known Guinness Tower—a striking 19th-century folly with a story tied to one of Ireland’s most famous families.
Built in 1864 by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, the tower sits on the grounds of Ashford Castle, which he transformed into a grand country retreat.
Unlike a defensive structure, the tower was purely ornamental—a Victorian folly—designed to enhance the estate’s landscape and offer sweeping views over Lough Corrib and the surrounding countryside.