GC3PCZR Gougane Barra (Multi-cache) in Munster, Ireland created by ilucic&armmo

GC3PCZR ▼

A cache by ilucic&armmo Message this owner

Hidden : 6/24/2012

Difficulty:

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Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra is an area of outstanding natural beauty, situated in one of the most scenic and romantic glens in West Cork.
On entering Gougane Barra you are met with the majestic beauty of the hills which tower over Gougane Barra Lake and then the well known St Finbarr's Oratory or Small Church out in the Lake on the little island all on its own. It was here that St Finbarr spent time, before making his way to Cork. The Oratory has some lovely stained glass windows. Pilgrims still visit this holy site and the 25th of September is the feast of St Finbarr with a mass being held on the Sunday closest to this date. During the Penal times people made their way to Gougane Barra for Mass and hence the many Mass Rocks around the West Cork area.

History: The name Guágan Barra derives from St. Finbarr (first bishop of Cork later) , who according to tradition, built his monastery on the island here in the 6th century. Guágan was at one time part of the territories of the O'Leary's who lost possession of the land in the plantation that followed the Cromwellian wars. Subsequently it passed to the Townsend family and ultimately the farming tenants under the Land Acts in the early part of this century. The ruins on the island are not part of St. Finbar's original settlement but were erected around 1700 by Rev. Denis O'Mahony who, following the footsteps of St. Finbar, retired to a life of asceticism here. Because of its isolation, in the days of the Penal Laws people travelled from areas far beyond the bounds of the valley to hear Mass in Guágan Barra. One of the most famous 'Mass Path' was that which led from the Borlin Valley to the west via Gowlane Stream and down into Com Rua by way of the savage cleft of Poll.

The scenery in this area is breath taking and it offers the visitor a little time out in this peaceful valley. Cork's River Lee has its source in Gougane Barra's Lake, where it flows through Ballingeary and onwards towards Cork City.

It must be the most photographed Church in this part of Ireland and many a happy wedding have enjoyed this wonderful setting for their photographs. Truly magical, peaceful in a stunning location.

The park is located in the townland of Coomroe or Com Rua which means a red Coum or hollow. It is easy to see where the name comes from for on entering the valley one is overawed by the sheer walls of Old Red Sandstone rock which rise some 370 meters from the valley bottom. Acquired for afforestation in 1938, it was gradually planted over the next 4 years.

Guagán Barra was developed as a forest park in the early 60’s and was officially opened in 1966. It is unique in having a looped motor trail of almost 5 km with spectacular views of the deep valley and its walled sides. Walking in Guagán is an energetic undertaking but one can be assured that it is a rewarding experience. There are 6 different trails to whet the appetite of the walking enthusiast. These are of varying distances and degrees of difficulty. Each one has its own story to tell and show off the spectacular panoramas of mountain, valley, stream and lake.

Slí Loai - the Lee Walk, follows the course of the infant Lee from the lower car park to the head of the great coum - a distance of about 1.5km. From the lower car park there is a choice of several other walks, including the ever-popular Nature Trail which is quite short - under 1km. For the more energetic there is a very fine walk called Slí Easa - the Waterfalls Walk which commands magnificent views of the whole glen and the great mountain wall that encloses it. Other walking trails in Gougane Barra include the Mountain Walk and the Little Red Valley Walk.

The park and surrounding countryside boasts a rich diversity of plant, animal and bird life. Ling heather and Moor grasses are abundant on the slopes while rock faces are sometimes covered with Mosses, Lichens and primitive plants. A rare plant called Fox’s Cabbage is to be found on rock faces near to mountain streams. This plant is one of the Hiberno-Lusitanian group whose distribution in Ireland is confined to small areas in the south west.

Guagán is a place for all seasons. See it in the spring when the red tint of the larch lights up the grey autumnal landscape, or when winter hangs its icy stalactites from the cliffs below Maolach, or when evening sky casts its long shadows over the mountains. Above all experience it in the rain when “In deep valley’d Desmond a thousand wild fountains come down to that lake from their home in the mountains”.
These lines are taken from a poem on Guagán by J.J. Calanan who died in Lisbon in 1829.

PLEASE NOTE: Coillte have installed an electronic pay barrier at the entrance to Guagán Barra Forest Park. The entrance fee is €5 (coins only).

Location: Guágan Barra Forest Park is located 5km west of Ballingeary on R584 to Bantry, at the Pass of Keimaneigh.

The cache

This exciting 3-stage multi will take you around most beautiful places in Gougane Barra Forest Park. You will need more than an hour to complete the cache (bit of walking involved) but it should be really enjoyable experience.

Stage 1

Coordinates posted are for stage 1 ( There is parking available next to it); and there you will find answers to these questions:
1. How many prayer cells can you see in the ruins of this building? The answer will give you A
2. There is bell attached to the wall of this building (outside wall). What are the numbers engraved on the bell? The answer is BCDE

3. Have good look at the little Oratory (St. Finbarr’s church) next to the building ruins (where you are at the moment). There is horseshoe ornament used to decorate the main entrance door; how many of these can you count? Answer is F

The coordinates for stage 2 are:
N°51 (E-B)and(A+B). (E+D)and(D*D)and (C) W°009 (D+C)and(A-F). (C) and(B*D)and(F-D)

Stage 2

To get to the area where stage 2 is located you will have to drive to the parking place what is located in the forest park (next to the public toilets; see map attached) PLEASE NOTE: Coillte have installed an electronic pay barrier at the entrance to Guagán Barra Forest Park. The entrance fee is €5 (coins only). Or you can leave your car at STAGE 1 parking spot and walk . ( There is limited spaces available just before you come to the barrier too, but it can get a bit crowded at the weekends).

Use Waterfalls Walk ( Sli Easa) to get to the right area!!! (See map attached).

Stage 3

You will find directions at stage 2!!!!

Have fun!!!

Information sources: Coillte and Cork guide websites

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

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