The central attraction of Gougane Barra’s 138 hectares of forests, rivers and mountains is its tiny island on a lake. Source of the River Lee, site of St Finbarre’s sixth-century hermitage and now home to a pretty chapel, the romantic spot is set off by the Shehy Mountains all around. Not surprisingly, the area is popular with walkers who enjoy its nature trails, vista points and 10kms of hill walks. The park is open all the time except during tree harvesting.
