Gougane Barra is a very special place, and until you make ‘the journey’ you won’t realise just how special it is. Its’ magical lakeside location, in a valley surrounded by mountains add to the "get away from it all" factor, which is very strong here. St. Finbarr founded a monastery on an island in the lake in the 6th century and as always, the monks chose well. A tiny Oratory sits on this island, it is one of the most romantic places to get married in Ireland.

We are lucky that the hotel sits on the edge of the lake and our family have been in Gougane Barra for 5 generations.
Our hotel is small, 26 bedrooms, seasonal, from April to October, and we have a small cosy bar serving food during the week, we have two sitting rooms where you are welcome to sit and chat or relax and enjoy the informal atmosphere here. Customers tend to return for generations, and new guests are always welcome. We enjoy what we do, from, looking after you when you come and stay, advising you on things to do in Cork, cooking good food or to chatting about the different whiskeys we have in our cosy bar.

The West Cork scenery is unspoilt, the valley is spectacular, we have bikes, fishing, rowing boats and walking trails to the back door and are on the edge of Coillte’s National Forest Park, all just waiting to be explored.
We can help you plan day trips, on the road less traveled, to the Ring of Kerry, the Beara Peninsula, Sheeps Head and Mizen Head to name but a few.
We can advise on the best farmer’s markets, kayaking and golf at Bantry Bay, put you in touch with our fishing instructor and cook your brown trout for breakfast.

Whatever your reason is to visit Gougane Barra, be it a family gathering for a special occasion or no reason at all, a romantic get away or a family walking holiday we can help you make it a memorable one.