Gougane Barra or Guagán Barra, meaning "the rock of Barra is a picturesque place has so much to offer (except signal from the national park, lovely walks and of course St Finbarrs church.
Walking in the area
Walking in Gougane Barra is so enjoyable with trails starting at the front door, from linear marked routes, unmarked open mountain walks to quiet country roads.
The Beara-Breifne Way
The Beara-Breifne Way follows the fourteen day march of Donal O’Sullivan Beara and one thousand supporters in the winter of 1603. The Way, the longest in Ireland, runs almost the length of the country and takes the walker along the coast of the Beara Peninsula, across six mountain ranges, along the banks of the River Shannon and through the regions of Roscommon and Leitrim. It is possible to do this walk in sections.
Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí
Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí is a section of the Beara-Breifne Way that takes you through the Múscraí Gaeltacht which stretches from Gúgán Barra to the shoulders of Mullach na Ois, taking in Béal Athán Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary) and Baile Mhúirne (Ballyvourney) on its way. Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí links the Beara Way and St Finbarr’s Pilgrim way at Kealkill, crosses the Muskerry Gaeltacht, and joins the Duhallow way at Millstreet. (Total distance 50km) or in many shorter local sections.
St. Finbarr’s Pilgrim Way
Stretching from the Top of the Rock, Drimoleague, to Gougane Barra, at a distance of 37km, this ancient pilgrim two day walk follows in the footsteps of St.Finbarr who visited Drimoleague in the 6th century. The walk passes through Kealkill, taking in part of the Carriganass walks on the way.
A little history
The Múscraí Gaeltacht is located in the barony of Múscraí in West Cork. The area is the only Irish speaking place in County Cork and has a rich history of traditional Irish music and dance. Within the Gaeltacht is the famous church of Gougane Barra built by St. Finbarr. The valleys of the Gaeltacht are surrounded by the Sheehy Mountains and the Caha Mountains to the west and is often compared to the Lake District in England. The area is rich with archaeological sites doted through the valleys, some over 4,000 years old. The Gaeltacht offers a unique experience for visitors to explore Irish culture and heritage in song, myth, story and music
The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbarr, who is said to have built a monastery on an island in the lake nearby during the 6th century. The present ruins date from around 1700 when a priest called Denis O'Mahony retreated to the island. During the times of the Penal Laws, Gougane Barra's remoteness meant that it became a popular place for the celebration of the Roman Catholic Mass. The nineteenth century oratory which stands near the original monastery is famous for its picturesque location and richly decorated interior and is a popular place for weddings.