Gougane Barra Hotel
On the shore of Gougane Barra Lake in a breathtaking mountain valley among the Cork and Kerry Mountains, Gougane Barra Hotel is a family-run, three star acommodation with 26 rooms, a restaurant that specializes in home cooking, and a cozy pub.
Originally a 19th century fishing lodge, Gougane Barra Hotel has been in the hands of the Cronin and Lucey family for generations. It is now run by Neil Lucey and his wife Katie, who continue the lineage of friendly hospitality, while adding new doses of professionalism, innovation and creativity. Exciting new ideas are flowing from this valley that's the source of the River Lee, just 40 miles above Cork City. Like creating an open air theatre venue behind the hotel that went on to host a run of sold-old performances of "The Taylor and Antsy," whose famous screenplay was based on local characters. Neil and Katie are gracious hosts, with Neil running the front of the house and Katie lending her culinary talents to the kitchen, which serves creative home-style dinners nightly, as well as tasty breakfasts.
Gougane Barra is a gem of a hotel. The rooms are fairly basic-- singles, doubles, twins and triples, appointed to three star standards-- All rooms are en-suite, have phone, television and tea-service. The place has a certain rustic charm to it. The small pub pours a decent pint. And the cozy lounge contains plenty of reading materials and relaxing chairs to lounge in.
Its the setting of Gougane Barra that steals the show. Lie in bed, gaze across the lake, and take in one of the finest views in Ireland. At night after a fine meal, step outside to behold a sky full of stars, and the utter sense of quietude that envelopes you. In the morning, wander a few meters onto the small island, where stands the loveliest of little chapels that's one of the most popular wedding venues in Ireland. Walk among the relics of St Finbarr hermitage, an important early Christian site, and imagine a monk's stoical life. Or strap on your walking shoes and wander up the valley and into the Forest Reserve, where a host of walking routes rise from the valley floor and fan out across the daunting ridges and mountain peaks. Or paddle one of the hotel's two boats onto the lake to try your hand at catching the native Brown Trout that thrive in this pristine habitat.
