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Gougane Barra

December 30, 2013 by Dunmanus

Gougane Barra

‘The church on the lake’ at Gougane Barra is one of Ireland’s hidden gems.

During your visit, you’ll explore the traces of the hermitage at Gougane Barra where St. Finbarr lived. The beautiful chapel built in his memory on a small island on the still lake, known as St. Finbarr’s Oratory, is one of the most magical places to get married in Ireland.

The oratory is set against the stunning backdrop of the lake and West Cork’s beautiful Caha mountains. It’s a wonderful spot to engage with Ireland’s fascinating past and gorgeous scenery, and a visit here offers the traveller a moment of peace that will enrich the soul.

While Gougane is a wonderful place for contemplation, it’s also a great place to explore on foot or bike because it marks the junction of two of Ireland’s major way-marked walking routes: the Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara-Breifne Way.

The award-winning Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara-Breifne Way meet here, and – even on a short visit – there are a number of short, off-road circular loops for groups to choose from.
 

There is no admission fee for Gougane Barra. A car parking fee is charged if you drive further into Gougane Barra Forest Park

Location:Bantry, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:
Admission Fee:Free
Website:http://gouganebarra.com
Tel. 00 353 (0)26 47069
Email:[email protected]
TripAdvisor Reviews:Yes
Google Maps:Yes
Wheelchair accessible?
Facebook:Yes
Twitter:@gouganebarra

Filed Under: Attractions, History, Things to do, Walking

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July 2025
West Cork Literary Festival 2024
Jul 11 - 18 2025

West Cork Literary Festival

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Masters of Tradition 2024
Aug 20 - 24 2025

Masters of Tradition: A Traditional Music Festival

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Bantry House B&B

The Sheep’s Head is a peninsula rich in history and you’ll find traces of its past all along the Sheep’s Head Way walking route.

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Featured Activity

West Cork Literary Festival 2022

West Cork Literary Festival 8 – 15 July 2022 The West Cork Literary Festival presents an extensive programme of readings, workshops, seminars, panel discussions and children’s events At the heart of the West Cork Literary Festival’s extensive programme is a schedule of five and three day workshops in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntrai. These workshops cover subjects […]

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Gallán Mor

Gallán Mór B&B

Gallán Mór, overlooking Dunmanus Bay on the Sheep’s Head peninsula, offers luxury B&B accommodation with style, distinction and warmth January 2016 – Gállan Mór ranked NO. 1 for the whole of County Cork on TripAdvisor Our four luxurious bedrooms, three with vaulted ceilings, offer sumptuous beds and stunning views. Our rooms overlook Dunmanus Bay and […]

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This project has been supported by Cork County Council & the LEADER programme under the Rural Development Programmes 2007-13 and 2017-2021.
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