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Gougane Barra In Cork: One Of The Most Magical (And Often Missed) Places In Ireland

Gougane Barra In Cork: One Of The Most Magical (And Often Missed) Places In Ireland

There are few places in Ireland that are as fairytale-like as the magnificent Gougane Barra in Cork.

If you’re not familiar with it, Gougane Barra is an area of immense wild scenery and natural beauty that you’ll find tucked away on 137 acres at the edge of the Sheehy Mountains.

This little slice of paradise is steeped in rich history and is home to a number of different things to do and places to have a nosey around.

In the guide below, you’ll find out everything you need to know about Gougane Barra, from walks in the forest to the history of area and more.

Some quick need-to-knows about Gougane Barra in Cork

where to go in Ireland

Photo by Brian Fox (this is his website and you’ll find him on IG here)

A visit to the magnificent Gougane Barra Forest Park hands-down, in my opinion, tops the list of the many brilliant places to visit and things to do in Cork.

While a visit here is fairly straight-forward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your trip that bit more enjoyable. 

1. Location

You’ll find the brilliant Gougane Barra in Cork, in the South West of Ireland, not far from the Beara Peninsula and a stone’s throw (54-minute drive) from Kenmare in Kerry.

2. It all started with St. Finbarr 

If you’re not familiar with St. Finbarr, he’s the Patron Saint of Cork. It’s said that when he first arrived at Gougane Barra he was so blown away by its beauty that he decided to build a Monastery on its grounds.

3. Parking (coins needed)

There’s a €5 entry fee for the car park. Now, when I was here last, this could only be paid in coins and, judging by the official website, this is still the case. So make sure to have some handy.

A brief history of Gougane Barra

areial view of gougane barra church

Photo by TyronRoss (shutterstock)

There’s a fine bit of history and a lovely bit of Irish folklore attached to the history of Gougane Barra and its link to St. Finbarr.

Below, you’ll find a quick insight into the legend attached to the area and after, you’ll find info on the walks and the scenic drive.

The arrival of St. Finbarr

If you’re not familiar with St. Finbarr, he’s the Patron Saint of Cork. It’s said that when he first arrived at Gougane Barra he was so blown away that he decided to build a Monastery on its grounds.

The ruins of his Monastery can still be viewed today on the island that’s adjacent to the Church. You can also find the Cathedral build in his name (St Finn Barr’s Cathedral) in Cork City.

Some lovely legends

There are a number of legends associated with the Saint. One tells the story of how he was led by an angel from the source of the mighty River Lee at Gougane Barra to the mouth of the river, where he founded his monastery.

It’s said that the city of Cork grew from here. Another legend explains how St. Finbarr banished a great serpent named Lú from the Gougane Barra Lake. Apparently Lú created the River Lee as it escaped his wrath.

The Gougane Barra Church

The Gougane Barra Church dates back to the 19th century. You’ll find it near the ruins of the Monastery, where it looks like something plucked straight from a Walt Disney movie.

As I type, I can’t help but think of the first time that I had a ramble around here. It was on a solo 5-day road trip in February 2017.

It was frosty and there was a sheet of mist hanging in the air over the lake. Gougane Barra is peaceful. Incredibly so. A ramble here banishes cobwebs and clears the head like nothing else.

As the Church comes into view, you can’t help but feel like you’ve just discovered a little bit of ‘hidden’ Ireland. A feeling that stays with you long after you leave.

Weddings at St. Finbarr’s Oratory 

Yep, you can in fact get married at the Gougane Barra Church. Now there’s a romantic aul setting to say the least.

The waiting list is said to be pretty lengthy, so if you fancy tying the knot here you’d want to start planning ASAP.

Gougane Barra walks

Gougane Barra hotel

Photo by silvester kalcik (shutterstock)

If you’ve never been to Gougane Barra then you’re in for a treat. This place is incredibly picturesque and there are a number of different walks that you can head off on.

There are 5 different trails at Gougane Barra –  here’s an overview of 4 of the most popular trails, each of which are up there with the best walks in Cork.

1. Slí an Ghaorthaidh (0.5km/30 minutes – Orange trail on map)

The first of our Gougane Barra Walks is a fairly handy looped nature trail that starts and finishes in the lower car park.

This trail follows a path that sits in the shadow of the beautiful Shehy Mountains and treats you beautiful forest scenery throughout. 

This trail should be doable for most if not all fitness levels and there are 10 stops along the way with points of interest.

2. Slí Dhoire na Coise (1.8km/45 minutes – Dark Blue trail on map)

Next up is another of the handier Gougane Barra Walks. The Slí Dhoire na Coise trail is a looped walk that’s slightly more strenuous than the previous walk.

It should take you around 45 minutes and it starts and ends in the Lower car park. There’s more of an incline on this walk, which may make it unsuitable for those with poor mobility.

This trail is surrounded by high hills and it takes in everything from the River Lee, several little footbridges and the shore of the Lough.

3. Slí an Easa (1.8km/1.5 hours – Green trail on map)

Now we’re getting into the tougher Gougane Barra Walks. The Slí an Easa trail is strenuous and a good level of fitness is needed.

This trail stretches around 1.8km and should take you around 1.5 hours to complete. It’s also looped and it starts and finishes in the car park.

The Slí an Easa trail passes some gorgeous waterfalls and takes you to a viewing point that offers magnificewnt views of the Coomroe Valley. There’s another viewing point later in the walk that’ll treat you to a panoramic view of the valley.

4. Slí na Sléibhe (2.5km/2 hours – Red trail on map)

I’d argue that the Slí na Sléibhe trail is the best of the 4 Gougane Barra Walks. This is a tough trail that takes you right up into the mountains.

The Slí na Sléibhe trail is around 2.4 km in length and it follows a loop. Unlike the other Gougane Barra Walks, this trail begins and ends in the Upper car park.

The trail follows mountain paths and some minor roads, taking you over the River Lee and up onto open mountain.

Those that conquer this hike will be treated to views of Maolach, the stunning slopes of Carraigin and much more. The trail follows part of the very old Mass Path from the beautiful Borlin Valley right the way out to St. Finbarr’s Oratory.

Other things to do at Gougane Barra

gougane barra forest park

Photo by Silvester Kalcik (shutterstock)

There are plenty of other things to do at Gougane Barra, if you fancy stretching out your time here.

The scenic drive

There’s a short, 3km scenic drive at Gougane Barra which takes very little time (less than 10 minutes) to finish, if you drive it from start to finish. 

This is a looped route that’ll treat you to mighty views of the surrounding valley and its ancient walled sides.

Gougane Barra Hotel for food

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat after tackling one of the Gougane Barra Walks, the nearby Gougane Barr Hotel is a great shout.

Five generations of the same family (the Lucey’s) have run this gorgeous hotel since it was built in 1936 and you’ll find the hotel in a very idyllic setting, on the edge of Gougane Barra Lake, a stone’s throw from St. Finbarr’s Oratory.

If you fancy spending the night, you can check prices here Gougane Barra Hotel (this is an affiliate link – if you book a stay, we may make a tiny commission which we greatly appreciate).

Places to visit nearby

One of the beauties of Gougane Barra is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Gougane Barra (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Glengarriff and Bantry (30-minute drive)

Glengarriff nature reserve

Photo left: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH. Photo right: Pantee (Shutterstock)

The towns of Glengarriff and Bantry are a short, 30 minute spin from the park. In particular, Glengarrif Nature Reserve, Bantry House and Garnish Island are well worth a visit. Here are some guides to hop into:

2. The Beara Peninsula (35-minute drive)

beara peninsula ireland

Photos via Shutterstock

The magnificent Beara Peninsula is home to heaps of things to see and do. Best exploring via the Ring of Beara route, you’ll find everything from islands to mountains and much more here.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve had a shed-load of questions from people about everything from Gougane Barra walks to the weather, over the years.

Below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions. Have one that we haven’t tackled? Ask it in the comments section below!

What does Gougane Barra mean?

According to the Placenames Database of Ireland, Gougane, which comes from the word ‘guagán’, means ‘cleft, crevice (in rock)’ while Barra comes from St. Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork who founded an early Christian monastery in Gougane Barra in the 6th century.

Are there any easy Gougane Barra walks?

Yep, there are. There’s a walk here called the ‘Slí Dhoire na Coise Walk’. This is a roughly 1.8km ramble that’ll take you around 45 minutes to complete. The walk is nice and handy and takes you along the Lee to the lake and back.

How far is Gougane Barra from Cork City?

Gougane Barra is 59km from Cork City Centre. Although it’s not close, it’s well worth carving out some time to visit.

Are dogs allowed in Gougane Barra?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Gougane Barra, once they’re kept on a leash. Make sure you pick up after him/her is he/she does their… business… in the park.

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Gillian Beattie

Monday 17th of January 2022

Thank you, will add to my bucket list

Gerie

Monday 25th of May 2020

Looks absolutely fabulous. Thank you for the updates.

Can you get there without a car.

Thank you

Gerie .

Kevin

Thursday 12th of May 2022

@Gerie, the website states, open 24 hrs, and theres a car park and toilets. That should be enough info to make up your mind about staying overnight Regards Kevin.

Pat Sheridan

Monday 25th of May 2020

Hi, I am a photographer and have visited Gougane Barra a few times but never had the time to wait for the right light ie early morning and evening. I would love to be able to photograph the area in the right light. My query is...can I park my motorhome in the car park or perhaps within the forest road at a layby so as I can get the proper light??? Míle buíochas.

Pat

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