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Introducing Gougane Barra Forest Park
Gougane Barra (www.gouganebarra.com) is a truly magical part of inland County Cork. It’s almost Alpine in feel, with spectacular vistas of craggy mountain, silver stream and pine forest sweeping down to a mountain lake, the source of the River Lee. St Finbarre, the founder of Cork, established a monastery here in the 6th century. He had a hermitage on the island in Gougane Barra Lake (Lough an Ghugain), which is now approached by a short causeway. The small chapel on the island has fine stained-glass representations of obscur Celtic saints. A road runs through the park in a loop but you’re better off slowing down and walking the well-marked network of paths and nature trails through the forest.
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The area cries out for a hostel but the only place to air your hiking boots is the pricy Gougane Barra Hotel (026 47069; www.gouganebarrahotel.com ; s/d €75/140). There’s an on-site restaurant (serving a two-course dinner for €29), a café and a pub next door, and the hotel runs a summer theatre festival.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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