Gougane Barra is a scenic valley and heritage site in the Shehy Mountains.
Maybe it’s because I like nothing more than an evening fly-fishing in a beautiful setting that I have a love affair with hotels by lakes hidden away in the mountains and The Gougane Barra hotel ticks all those boxes for me. Run By Brian and Katy this family run hotel has been serving the people of Cork with great locally sourced food for too many years to count.
As a wise man once said there is nothing better that to be than eating a great meal in a great location. Set in a valley of the Shehy mountains of west cork it really is picture postcard perfect as you approach Gougane barra it’s almost like the mountain is pulling back the curtain as you drive to show you the lake and the orarory on a small island near the edge of the lake.
The island is accessed by a small causeway and has the remains of a 6th century monastic settlement and the more modern St. Finbarr’s oratory on it. For those who like nothing more than a walk through the hills then Gougane Barra has exactly what you want, the oldest National Park in Ireland is Gougane Barra forest park The lake at Gougane Barra is where the River Lee rises and for serious walkers is also the starting point of one of the best walks St. Finbarr’s way which follows the Lee valley all the way to the City St. Finbarr founded Cork City.