Catarr210
Wonderful paths that run along a beautiful stream. A restroom is inside the park. Plenty of picnic tables throughout as well.
AlfieHall
Handy parking, accessible walking trails and stunning scenery that is remarkable even within a picturesque region. Delicious food available at the hotel near the entrance.
Madeit2Ireland
The correct name is Gougane Barra Forest Park. It is a beautiful area with many trails lacing through streams and waterfalls in a valley cradled by mountains. It is the kind of forest you might have imagined you would find in Ireland, velvet moss covered floor and moss climbing up the tall trees - at the right time of year, so much green it is hard to believe it is real. Listen to the birds sing and the water flowing. It is a peaceful, magical and lovely,lovely place to just BE.
sarahoo2015
Gougane Barra is quite simply beautiful. It has it all. A beautiful historic church, set on a lake in front of a mountain, which has waterfalls on it, and a forrest walk to one side. What more could you want for a day out?
moraira
If you are anywhere near Gougane Barra, then do take the trouble to visit it. It lives up to all that has been written about it, You could cut the atmosphere with a knifeThe chapel on the lake has a timeless serenity to it, the whole place is steeped in history, and by and large incursions from our century have been kept out. Yes I know there is a large hotel sitting there, but it is not too much in your face.So drive up, park the car, and walk for however far you want your legs to carry you.
Jmartin1976
An absolute hidden gem.One of the most beautiful places I have ever been, well worth a visit any time of the year. Each season brings it own unique beauty.
EveCork
I went to Gougane Barra for the first time last Sunday. The lake was frozen which made for even better pictures. What a magical place, the scenery is truly beautiful. There are many different walk ways to do ranging from 1hr-3hrs. It's a great place for families, bring a picnic as there are loads of places to eat. We were so lucky with the weather, not a drop of rain. Do bring rain gear just in case. I hope others enjoy it as much as we did.
Hholiday2013
We first visited Gougane Park a few years ago and went for a second time as part of a weekend break in Macroom.The drive up there has some beautiful scenery and Gougane Barra itself is just magical.Due to the storm of last year a lot of trees had to be cut down, but the forest area is still great for walks and picnics.You can drive all the way up there with your car (at a 5 Euro charge) but you can also park your car at the beginning of the park (near the church) and walk the rest.
ritamm2013
We have visited Gougane Barra throughout the last 20 years. This is a glorious "get away from it all" place. We hiked, picnicked, sauntered and even prayed (in the oratory) here. We went to weddings and experienced its uniqueness over many years. You can explore the many trails in the forest park or picnic by the babbling stream, sit by the very unusually dark waters of the lake. It is worth the drive and is a must do if you are in this region. it was closed for some time. I assume it has now reopened.
661AmandaH661
One of the most beautiful places I have been to so far in Ireland, but unfortunately MANY of the trees were cut down, leaving stumps everywhere. I still found it stunning, but imagine it was much nicer before the cuttings. I had a great time hiking up the hill path, got to see a mountain sheep and some snow! Excellent views, highly recommended.
davesH3056LT
had been here a few times as a child and thought maybe my memory had rose tinted glasses thinking about it but visited again last year and it was postcard Ireland, actually even nicer than most postcards. The lake is like glass, there are swans floating across the lake, a rough collie sniffing the few tourists that were there and then a small wedding was taking place in St Finbarrs oratory and a huge old Cadillac was bringing the bride to the chapel. This is an amazing place and the pictures speak for themselves it's a must visit and is actually all the better for the lack of promotion it receives. If you are in Cork this should be number 1 on your list of places to visit.
lesliem910
This must be the most undersold and least advertised gem in the County of Cork! Signage on the main roads indicate it is a forest and picnic amenity , it was established in the 6th century as a Monastic settlement ,they sure as hell got that Right! Have walked around this lake many times,the serenity and peace is palpable ,it's no wonder it remains to this day a place of pilgrimage ,the church on the edge of the lake,and the resident swans all add to its appeal.Many couples choose this place to get married in,because of its outstanding natural beauty! Hotel on its edge is also a place to repair to for tea,s or refreshments ,u will not be Disappointed ! Regards Leslie
troutcork
beautiful peaceful area with a lake full of trout .Top class hotel on lake shore with a renowned restaurant. Also a cafe with all home made produce overlooking the lake and mountains.
michaelsG8956TY
If you visit Cork and Kerry, this place is a must. Scenery, historic monuments, forest walks and if you are energetic, real mountain walks. We made a high level circuit of the valley and lake, challenging but amazing. A year ago we made a circular exploration of the forest and rivers and watched the party arrive for a wedding in the exquisite chapel on the island.The hotel bar and tea room are gems. They really should not be missed for atmosphere and a real Cork experience.
ExpatKL88
Love this place, have visited many many times while holidaying in the area...area is of outstanding beauty and the setting with the church standing alongside the lake and surrounded by the high escarpments is truly enchanting and almost mystical.Rooted in Irish history associated with St Finbarr establishing a monastery on an island in the lake in the sixth century... I managed a visit while it was raining and there were hardly any other visitors which made the whole experience even better...peace & tranquility!