Gougane Barra
Shehy Mountains, Ballingeary, Cork
Ninety minutes from Kenmare and Cork, Gougane Barra National Forest Park is a popular day trip for time in Ireland’s nature—and history. Beyond the 339 acres of balding mountains, lush valleys, and the River Lee, visitors will find 300-year-old monastic ruins and a 19th-century church on a small island in a lake, one of the most photographed churches in the country.
Gougane Barra has been a place of historical significance—and solace—for 1,500 years. St. Finnbar, patron saint of Cork, founded a monastery here in the 6th century; another hermitage was built around 1700; and then, finally, today’s St. Finnbar’s Oratory, a popular site for weddings and a bit of a pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics—and photographers.
Beyond scouting out the park’s religious history, visitors will find views of the Sheehy Mountains, densely forested trails fit for hiking, a picnic-ready lake, and the headwaters of the River Lee. There’s also a family-run hotel on-site for overnight exploits into Mother Nature.
Six designated walking trails in the park vary from easy to strenuous.
If you enjoy biking, know that one spur of the Cork City–Gougane Barra–Beara Cycle Route ends in Gougane Barra.
A short, 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) scenic drive can give you beautiful views of the central valley and the rising cliffs.
Most visitors will drive to Gougane Barra from Cork City or Kenmare (about 90 minutes from both). From either of those cities, there’s a signposted entrance to Gougane Barra on R584. Bring at least €5 in coins for parking. Otherwise, a private driver or tour can get you to this idyllic little spot.
Summer is Gougane Barra’s most popular season—and its most crowded. That being said, spring brings wildflowers and deep shades of green; fall brings oranges and reds and longer golden hours; and winter offers a stark, quiet, uncommon beauty. If you enjoy photography, grab sunrise or sunset for the best light, regardless of season.
Though this forest park isn’t vast, Gougane Barra offers a lot of landscape diversity. Take the walking trails: wander the 3-mile (1.8-kilometer) Sli Dhoire na Coise for a riverside walk to the lake, trek up the strenuous 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) Sli na Sleibhe for exquisite aerial views from the mountaintops, or opt for a trail in between.
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