At the extreme western end of the parish of Inchigeelagh, in a deep secluded valley is Gougane Barra (Guagán Barra = Finbarr's retreat). Originally part of the Clan O'Leary's, lands taken by Cromwellian troops and passed to foreign landlords, Gougane is a beautiful and interesting place to visit at any time of year, with forested mountain slopes, swift, clear streams and a large trout lake. It was here that St.Finbarr (Cork's Patron Saint) spent time in retreat before proceeding to Cork City.

The Forest Park
After the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922, the Land Commission exchanged the land of farmers in the valley for more productive land in East Cork.Subsequently around 142 hectares of land passed to the Forest Service, and were partly planted in 1938-40. Non-native coniferous species were used as was, and still is, the general practice in Ireland. Around 1966 the area was designated a Forest Park and a 'Motor Trail' constructed around the valley bottom. Public walking trails were also developed with steps and benches. Now, 70 years after the initial planting, wild trees are begining to re-establish and add to the interest and beauty. A short desciption of the walking trails is available here

The Lake
The lake, whose old name is Loch Irse, is feed by several streams originating in the surrounding mountains and in turn feeds the infant River Lee, the great river which flows into Cork Harbour. It is home to wild brown trout for which fishing licenses and boat hire are available at the hotel.

Fauna & Flora
Amongst the common mammals in the park are otter, stoat, badger,brown rat,fox and rabbit. Less common are field mouse, pigmy shrew and the pine marten. Birds include, raven, coal tit, wren, robin, wood pigeon, blackbird, chiffchaff, willow warbler, pied and grey wagtail, rock dove, cuckoo, thrush and starlings. Around the lake you may see red buntings, cormorants and herons, moorhens and mute swans.
The most noticeable feature of the vegetation is the abundance of mosses, together with many acid-lovers, such as heathers and ling. The relatively uncommon St.Patrick's Cabbage may be seen here together with butterworts and sundews.

Saint Finbarr
The seventh centaury St. Finbarr was possibly born near Bandon, and originally named Lochan, he is said to have studied in Kilmacahil, County Kilkenny where he was renamed Fionnbharra (Fairheaded in Irish) for the colour of his hair. Finbarr is widely believed to have lived at an island hermitage at Gougane Barra, before founding a monastic settlement and centre of learning at An Corcach Mór ('The great marsh' and origin of the name Cork). This settlement was to eventually grow to become the city of Cork.
Varying accounts of Finbarr's life suggest he travelled to Rome, and preached at Barra in Scotland. Finbarr died at Cloyne in Cork and was buried in Gill Abbey - a site occupied by the present day Church of Ireland Saint Finbarre's Cathedral. Catholics and Protestants both recognise St. Finbarr. His feast day is 25 September. A pilgrimage and service are held at Gougane on "Gougane Sunday", the sunday on or after 25th. September.
Legends of Finbarr include one of him expelling a large water monster from Gougane Lake.
No trace has been found of Finbarr's occupation, but a hermitage was built in the 1700`s by a Carmelite priest, Father Denis Mahony. It appears to have consisted of a small chapel, now in considerable ruin and a group of nine cells around a central cross. This latter group, although badly ruined, were restored in the twentieth centaury. Fr.Mahony's tomb may be seen alongside the road, below the graveyard. Because of its isolation, in the days of the Penal Laws people travelled from areas far beyond the bounds of the valley to hear Mass in Guágan Barra. One of the most famous 'Mass Paths' was that which led from the Borlin Valley to the west via Gowlane Stream and down into Com Rua by way of the savage cleft of Poll.
Situated on a tiny island called Holy Island and linked to the shore by a causeway is St. Finbarrs Oratory which has some fine stained glass windows. It was built in 1902, using imported stone. Its style and setting make it a popular place for weddings.