Gougane Barra
A small island in a mountain-ringed lake, with St Finbarr's Oratory on it, one of Ireland's most photogenic wedding venues.
Gougane Barra is a glacial lake valley at the source of the River Lee. Legend says St Finbarr, patron saint of Cork, lived here as a hermit in the 6th century. The stone St Finbarr's Oratory, built on an island in the lake in the late 19th century, is reflected in the mountain waters and is one of Ireland's most familiar postcard images. Behind it, a forest park has several trails, and you can follow the valley up to a waterfall. Admission is free, though there is a small parking fee at the forest park. It is about 55 km from Clonakilty and can be combined with a visit to Bantry.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Bantry House & Garden
- Garinish Island (Ilnacullin)
- Skibbereen Heritage Centre
- Castletownshend
- Glandore
- Lough Hyne
- Drombeg Stone Circle
- Baltimore & The Beacon