Excursion Gougane barra forest park tour at Bantry

Depart the pier and drive to the Gougane Barra National Park, which features magnificent mountain scenery and brooding cliffs rising above the dark waters of the lake. In the lake is a tiny island, connected to the mainland by an artificial causeway; this was the hermitage of St. Finbarr, patron saint of Cork. Although nothing remains today of the hermitage, there is an 18-century church (beautiful St. Finbarr’s Oratory) where an annual pilgrimage is made each September.

This magnificent Forest Park covers over 137 splendid hectares (339 acres) and you can choose from five different walking trails. With its beautiful pine forests and craggy hilltops it is compared to both the Canadian Rockies and Yosemite Valley, but on a much smaller scale.

Note

Please note that walking in Gougane Barra National Park is at guests' discretion. We will offer a continuous shuttle bus service from the pier to the Gougane Barra National Park through out the day. The time schedule will be provided to the guests onboard. Our Expedition Team will be there to provide guidance and also lead various walks/hikes for those guests who are interested.