Wordless Wednesday : Reflecting on Nature

Gougane Barra in West Cork

Peace and Tranquility by the Lake

Peaceful lake Gougane

Gougane Barra Forest Park, in West Cork, is the source of the River Lee, which is 90 km in length, and flows through the valleys of mid Cork to Cork city and onwards to Cork Harbour where it joins the sea.

Gougane Barra is also where St. Finbarr, the founder of Cork, established a monastery in the 6th century.  He had a hermitage on a small island in the lake, the remains of which can still be seen, and the little church that still stands is a very popular place for weddings.

Gougane Barra church

There are lots of walks in the park itself, to suit all classes of walkers, and even on a misty day, it’s a peaceful place,as you can see from the gallery below.

Part of the old monastic cells.

Old Mass stone