Gougane Barra Hotel

My sister and I had the great fortune of staying at Gougane Barra Hotel with our tour group. What a magical place! The location is absolutely stunning and peaceful. The owners take care to create a memorable experience for the guests from reception to the grounds and the pub. And the food - WOW - the food, some of the best we had in Ireland. Every detail is lovingly considered. Highly recommend!

Wow, what a serene, magical birthday treat! This Hotel has a thousandfold authentic 5-star location overlooking the Lake, Mountains, St Finbarr's Oratory, and the spellbinding Forest Park Walk. Be sure to visit the Oratory and light a few candles—a truly sacred experience. We spent hours trekking in the Forest Park, there are paths and trails to suit all endurance levels in Nature's Retreat. Neil and Katy run their small family Hotel, in a manner that depicts what Irish Hospitality is all about. Neil is hands-on front of house ensuring everything runs like clockwork, a welcoming non-intrusive presence at all times. Katy delicately prepares the most amazing food, full of natural flavour, all from the finest locally sourced produce with pretty little edible touches of decoration from the Herb Garden. To say, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience, dinner and breakfast is so much of an understatement. This is no ordinary food, this is Gougane Barra's Hotel Katy's prepared food. The owners are ably assisted by the most amazing staff. Amélíe, in particular, enhanced our evening meal with her warm attentiveness and humour. The Hotel has a most tranquil endearing ambience full of old-world charm throughout which is befitting of the natural beauty of its surroundings. Quaint bar, tasteful modern bedrooms with breathtaking views already described but I do not have the words to do it justice, calming dining room also overlooking the lake and mountains. Hygiene was to the highest standard, as my wife commented, spotless. Our visit certainly provided food for the soul and body, enjoying the beauty of a seemingly remote location whilst being pampered with modern comforts. My wife booked this visit for my birthday. On the evening of our return home, I immediately booked a return trip for her birthday in June. Thank you, Neil, Katy and the team. Féach thú i Meitheamh

The location is magical. Lake view with cliffs, adorable chapel, holy well, I was awe struck as it was my first day in Ireland. The hotel itself is a mixture of good, excellent and not so good. Food at restaurant is excellent although pricey, little pub/bar is adorable with good bartender, rooms are small with old doors with an actual old fashion key lock that is hard to use. Bathroom was modern and remodeled. The common sitting areas are a little creepy like your great grandmothers living room and of course the creepy dolls across from the front desk.