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Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Ireland  /  Province of Munster  /  County Cork  /  Ballingeary  /  Gougane Barra  /  Gougane Barra National Forest Park

Gougane Barra National Forest Park, Gougane Barra

4.9
Must see · National Park · Nature / Park
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Get in touch with nature at Gougane Barra National Forest Park, a stretch of forest filled with paths, alpine trees, wildlife, and a lake. An island in the lake holds a small monastery dating back to the 6th century, when priest Denis O'Mahoney erected it. Much later, a 19th-century oratory was added nearby. The forest is packed with 20 different species of trees, including Sitka spruce, Japanese larch, Scots pine, and lodgepole pine. Take in the natural beauty with a stroll and a picnic, or head to the on-site restaurant. For Gougane Barra National Forest Park and beyond, use our Gougane Barra trip planner to get the most from your Gougane Barra vacation.
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Gougane Barra National Forest Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
302 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • Very special spiritual place. You don’t need to be religious to experience the solitude and uniqueness of this place. I’m not religious but I know it’s a special place in natures design of our... 
    Very special spiritual place. You don’t need to be religious to experience the solitude and uniqueness of this place. I’m not religious but I know it’s a special place in natures design of our...  more »
  • Beautiful property and a warm west cork welcome. Very quite perfect to unwind and reflect. Fabulous walks and stunning views would highly recommend 
    Beautiful property and a warm west cork welcome. Very quite perfect to unwind and reflect. Fabulous walks and stunning views would highly recommend  more »
  • One of the best hidden gems in Ireland. From the beautiful setting to the incredible food Gougane Barra is a 5 star experience. The dining in particular is second to none - amazing! The staff... 
    One of the best hidden gems in Ireland. From the beautiful setting to the incredible food Gougane Barra is a 5 star experience. The dining in particular is second to none - amazing! The staff...  more »
Google
  • Such a beautiful park area to explore. I had mobility issues on the day so we paid €5 (coins only) to enter the park in the car. There are toilets and places to park up. There are lots of walking trails to suit different levels and would be a very good place to bring young children with bicycles or similar to do the circular route around. I can imagine you could spend the whole day here with a picnic.
  • What a spectacular spot. It helped that we got the most perfect day. Arrived early and got take away breakfast from the hotel beside the lake to eat in the sun. There's a cafe also but it opens a little later. A little further on from the lake are the public toilets which are immaculately kept. And a carpark for the forrest which is €5 set fee. Loads of trails to follow with well marked paths and amazing views. The lake is not really suitable for swimming. Dogs love to cool off in there though!
  • What an amazing place. It doesn't matter if you travel here in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, there is something new and marvellous to see. You can see the source of the River Lee and the amazing scenery and sheep around this special place. Each time I come here, I see something different. All walks have different accessibility and abilities, so there should be a walk to suit all.
  • Fantastic scenery views and great day out there with your family. Plenty picnic tables and toilets facilities. Lops directions are often for a good hiking. You can also drive through the park all way to the top and have a picnic,for €5 per car correct change. Walking through is free of course, very clean and nice falls all around.A local Church ⛪for weddings and the local pub as a great menu with sandwiches, coffee, cakes etc..a hotel also if you wish to stay overnight 😀
  • It's beautiful. Ready for any weather... So many walks with different difficulties..for 5€ you can drive inside the park.

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