Gougane Barra
Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra

Shehy Mountains, Ballingeary, Cork

The basics

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.

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Things to know before you go

  • 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.

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How to get there

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.

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When to get there

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.

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A tiny world of big contrast

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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Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQs)
Die unten aufgeführten Antworten basieren auf Antworten, die der Touranbieter kürzlich auf Fragen von Kunden gegeben hat.
F:
Welche anderen Sehenswürdigkeiten liegen am nächsten bei der Sehenswürdigkeit Gougane Barra?
A:
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