Gougane Barra

Nestled in the Derrynesaggart Mountains is the romantic lake of Gougane Barra, the source of the river lee. It is one mile long and about ¼ mile broad, bounded on all sides, except the east by precipitous mountains. Down the precipices wind numerous streams, which, after heavy rains, become foaming cataracts, “with a roaring noise like thunder”.See JJ Callanan.

The whole scene is the most striking in Ireland. In the 7th Century, St Finbarr, a native of the locality, founded a monastery prior to establishing a monastery “ where the waters of the Lee meet the tide”, in Cork.

In the middle of Gougane Barra lake is an island approached by a causeway, at the entrance to which is St Finbarr’s well and an ancient cemetery held in great veneration. On the island is a cluster of buildings, a small Church, and, adjoining it, the ruins of the conventual buildings. Eight small circular cells surround the court and in these cells are plaster casts of the Stations of the cross ; in the centre of the court is a wooden cross raised on a platform. An annual pattern and pilgrimage to St Finbarr is held here every September.




Further up the valley is The National Forest Park, opened to the public in 1964 and has 254 hectares of forest and woodland to explore. The Park has drive through facilities and numerous pathways for all types of walkers. Gúgan Barra is part of the Muscraí (Muskerry) Gaeltacht, an area of West Cork where Irish is still to the fore. Coláiste na Mumhan (Irish College) was founded in Gougane Barra in 1904 to teach the Irish language to 'Timirí' (Irish language enthusiasts). The Coláiste then moved to Beal Áthan Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary) and has celebrated summer schools since then. Daonscoil na Mumhan have an annual weekend in October every year in the hotel, where Irish is the spoken language and different topics of interest relating to the Irish language are discussed.