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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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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

House Sign: The Old Arundel Farmhouse

Letter-Cutting Courses

Learn traditional letter-carving skills under the tuition of an experienced stonecarver on West Cork’s Sheep’s Head peninsula. Victor Daly leads regular letter-cutting and stone-carving courses at his workshop just outside the village of Ahakista on the Sheep’s Head peninsula in West Cork. His 1-day letter-cutting courses are held throughout the year. Please get in touch […]

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Blairscove Accommodation

Blairscove House

Surrounded by 4.5 acres of lawns and gardens, in West Cork, Blairscove House and restaurant is the ideal place to spend a few relaxing days Since 1972, Blairscove has remained in the hands of the same family; and Philippe and Sabine De Mey, the present owners, continue to provide top quality dining and accommodation. The […]

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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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