(1)The Quiet Man
The Quiet Man
The Quiet Man Bridge is one of the iconic film locations in Connemara. Explore the Connemara Film Trail
Ireland’s most iconic classic has everything – romance, family, a fight, a horse race, village life, and always scenery. It tells the story of a homesick former boxer in New York who wants to revisit his Irish family roots and falls in love with a headstrong Irish redhead.
The Film -Date: 1952
Starring: John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Directed by Hollywood legend John Ford whose father came from Spiddal and his mother’s family may have come from Kilronan, the largest village on the Aran Islands. In a career spanning over 50 years, he made over 150 films and made the use of background landscape to set the mood of a film his signature. The Quiet Man was Ford’s highest-grossing film at the box office as well as picking up a couple of Oscars.
Association:
Both Johns are best known for their cowboy films.
Starring: John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara
Quotation:
‘It was warm. funny and a truly authentic experience. It was visually one of the best films I have ever seen.‘ Martin Scorcese
Trivia:
Ford insisted that the extras wore Connemara tweeds made by a tailor in Galway.
Links
Much of the film was shot in the heritage town of Cong, including The Quiet Man Museum with its shop and tours, and Pat Cohen’s Bar. Ashford Castle, the former Guinness family holiday home, also featured; now a luxury hotel, it occasionally shows the film to guests. The famous horse race that John Wayne’s character won took place on Lettergesh beach near Letterfrack in Connemara, which also featured in the film of the legend of Tristran and Isolde.
Location:
The Quiet Man Bridge is just off the main N59 road near Oughterard. You will spot it by the cars and buses parked by the side of the narrow road to the bridge. There are interpretation and picnic tables. Other locations are Lettergesh Beach and Cong.
