Gougane Barra (Guágan Barra in Irish) is a settlement in County Cork, Ireland.

The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbar , who is said to have built a monastery on an island in the lake nearby during the 6th century. The present ruins date from adound 1700 when a priest called Denis O'Mahony retreated to the island. During the times of the Penal Laws, Gougane Barra's remotemess meant that it became a popular place for the celebration of the Roman Catholic mass.

Because of its very idyllic surroundings, it is now a very sought after place for getting married.

Afforestation of the area around the settlement began in 1938 and Gougane Barra is now home to a 1.42 square kilometre Forest Park which is home to a number of mammal and bird species.

References

Gougane Barra at the Cork Guide Web site

See also

List of towns in the Republic of Ireland