Nominated by Joan Healy, who wrote: "Wake in the morning to the sound of birdsong, watch the trout jumping in the lake, walk the crags of the mountains before a sumptuous meal. Peaceful, tranquil Gougane Barra has a magnetic attraction."
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WHAT THE IRISH TIMES SAYS
The area is set in hundreds of acres of woodlands and natural lakes, and the small tiny church in the middle of the main lake. The pathways and roadways into the wooded areas are well maintained and smooth. It is extremely welcoming. You don't really go here to shop, but Killarney is probably the best shopping town nearby. Many people visit here for the supposed healing powers of the natural springs, and there is significant history attached to the activities in this area during the War of Independence. Things to do generally involve the outdoors, and if the weather is good, then it is a lovely spot.
It is accessible by car, but signage is a problem. You can easily get lost coming from Ballyvourney. It’s an old winding road, and traffic can be very slow on Sundays especially. There are regular bus services to Killarney and Macroom from both Cork city and elsewhere, but to get from Macroom to Gougane Barra is difficult. Once a week there’s a bus which will go to Gougane, but private operators do stop there as part of package tours. The Gougane Barra cycling route starts in Cork city, and is up to 130km long depending on which direction you take. It is very well signposted in the area around Ballyvourney and Gougane Barra and the roads generally are pretty good. Bicycles are available to hire. Once you arrive there, everything is walkable.
Prices are pretty average.
