Traveling from Macroom to Killarney one day, just on the borders of the two counties, I came across this beautiful little village named Gougane Barra. 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. Sure enough, after a brief trip through this Gaeltacht village, I stumbled upon something that looked right out of a fairy tale storybook. Of course, the auld camera was quickly hauled out to snap this super shot. For those not familiar with what a Gaeltacht area is, then quite literally, everything within it, relates to the Irish Culture and Language. All the residents speak in Irish and the name Guagán Barra, means “The Rock of Barra” The old Church dates back to the 1700’s when a Priest, Denis O’Mahony, retreated back to this island. In those days, Ireland had Penal Laws, so the area was secluded enough for Catholic Priests to hold Mass. These days, the picturesque place is used for Wedding Photography. It is an absolutely beautiful part of Ireland and our Nation is a place that has so many mysteries and legends. A truly romantic Island with memories everlasting.
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Author Brian Kermode 