Gougane Barra

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Church at Gougane Barra - built on island near monastery/well site at end of 19th century

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

The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbarr, who is said to have built a monastery on an island in the lake nearby during the 6th century. Guagán Barra = Barra'a retreat enclosed by mountains.The present ruins date from around 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.

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.

[edit] Reference

Gougane Barra at the Cork Guide Web site

[edit] See also

• List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
• Saint Finbarr
• Gougane Barra Travel Guide

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