On our recent trip to Ireland we visited a beautiful tranquil place in West Cork called Gougane Barra. We were greeted by sprawling mountains that towered over a breathtaking lake with a solitary chapel. The chapel or as it is formally called, St. Finbarr’s Oratory, was reflected in the calm waters of the majestic lake. An old Irish tale tells the story of how St. Finbarr was led by an angel from the source of the River Lee in the mountains of Gougane Barra to the river’s mouth in Cork City where he built his monastery, St. Finbarr’s cathedral.
Gougane Barra is also home to Ireland’s first National Park which is hidden back beyond the lake. Enchanting forest trees line the entrance to the park and there are a variety of trails that lead visitors to amazing views.
The forest is also home to some of Ireland’s local wildlife including badgers, foxes, and more. Birders can also spot robins, wrens, and array of others birds. You may even spot a heron!
One of the nice things about the trails is that you have a choice of either hiking or driving. We decided to drive along one of the scenic routes as the forest is quite large and we had our children with us. After visiting the forest we headed back to the lake.
It was so picturesque and peaceful that I took time to sit and enjoy the view. I grew up in Ireland but had never visited Gougane Barra. I wondered why I had never been to this beautiful place before now? Then I thought about it and realized that I am at a stage of my life now where I can appreciate a place like Gougane Barra. I believe that God puts you in the right place at the right time. This was just the right time… and I took a moment to enjoy it!
Looking Inward with Lily 
Such a peaceful place to be!
It is so peaceful and there is definitely a spiritual presence at Gougane Barra.
So lovely! What a great spot to stop during your trip. I did have to laugh, as I opened the blog – with the word Tranquil in it’s title, I was busy yelling at the TV cause the other team scored! I was less than tranquil when I opened it, but I feel much better and at peace after having read your post and looked at the beautiful pictures. Well, that and the fact that we had a good run back after the punt. š
LOL Kate. My husband and sons are yelling at the TV downstairs right now too! Sunday Football… good type of yelling or we’ll just call it energetic cheering š This was the first trip back home where we actually planned out places to go and we were blessed with wonderful weather. I’m glad you liked the pictures. It’s a truly beautiful place!
Absolutely Beautiful Linda. Thanks for sharing. Glad you experienced this x
Thanks Eileen! So glad we were able to go. Dave and the boys really liked it there too š
Truly a treasure!
Like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow š
Your pictures are so beautiful!
Thanks Brenda! Nature supplied the beauty… I just took the pictures š
So beautiful and so interesting! I like your thoughts.
Thanks Karin š
Lovely views! My ancestors came from Cork but even when visiting Ireland finally a few years ago I did little more than drive through Cork City. I was trying to cover too much ground and found more of a connection at Bantry Bay where it seems many of the ships left for northern America. I sure do hope to go back again some day and do it justice!
There is so much to see in the Cork area. I was born and raised there but it was only on a return visit from the U.S. that I visited Gougane Barra for the first time. I hope you get to see more of Cork on your next visit. Thanks for stopping my blog Sue š