Gougane Barra Hotel

In one of the most peaceful and beautiful locations in Ireland, this delightfully old-fashioned family-run hotel is set in a Forest Park overlooking Gougane Barra Lake (famous for its monastic settlements).

The Cronin'Lucey family has run the hotel since 1937, offering simple, comfortable and cosy accommodation as a restful base for walking holidays - rooms are comfortable and have recently been given a gentle upgrade but not over-modernised; all look out onto the lake or mountain, and there are quiet relaxing sitting rooms where guests like to read.

There has been very little real change over the years, and that’s just the way people like it but, since Neil Lucey and his wife Katy took over management of the hotel from Neil’s parents in 2005, their energy has brought a fresh approach.

Walking holidays remain an important part of the business. Guests have been coming to stay at Gougane Barra Hotel for generations and are welcomed like old friends. There is an interesting mix of tourists, hikers, local guests and returning guests which really adds to the atmosphere. The hotel bar is cosy and full of quirky antiques and is a great place to hide with a book and a good glass of wine.

And, while the spirit of the place will thankfully remain unchanged, the many improvements made recently include a stronger emphasis on food, and visitors are encouraged to drop in for informal meals - Katy’s delicious bar menus include specialities like Beef & local Stag Stout Stew with Mash and, of course, the superb house chowder which she brought from her father’s kitchen in Lahinch, where her parents ran Mr Eamon’s famous restaurant for many years - and her lovely rich walnut and treacle bread.

It’s a good place to bear in mind for afternoon tea too, a cup of tea with a freshly baked sultana or pear and almond scone, local folláin raspberry jam  and whipped cream goes down a treat when you’re out and about. This is a magical place - as ever, the monks chose well.

Restaurant

The formal meals are served in the lakeside dining room, which has also been classically upgraded to match Katy’s great ingredients-led cooking.

Smart linen-clad tables are welcoming, with gleaming glasses and fresh flowers, and menus are thoughtfully constructed to suit the varying needs of guests who can opt for a full 3-course dinner or two courses of their choice at a lower price (some dishes carry a supplement). 

Dishes offered are also well chosen to include upbeat versions of old favourites (watermelon, cantaloupe and galia with Boulaban seasonal sorbet) alongside slightly more adventurous choices. alongside slightly more adventurous choices like Katy's Wild Fancy Fish which depends on the fish delivered from Unionhall on the day, it could be Turbot with Scallops & samphire or John Dory, Langoustines & greens from the garden. The names of dishes don't give too much away however - it's the fantastic West Cork

ingredients and Katy's way with them (perfect cooking and appealing, unfussy presentation - she calls it 'cooking with love') that lift a meal here right up into the memorable class. And the view helps too, of course, along with very friendly and professional service with Neil entertaining the diners with his affable approach.

An interesting and informative drinks list includes includes many West Cork goodies - more than 25 gins, West Cork whiskeys, Minke Vodka from Clonakilty, Valentia Vermouth - along with a personally curated cocktail menu, well-chosen house wines, a good choice of wines by the glass, and lots of craft beers.

An outstanding Junior Menu is also offered - with organic salmon, Cork chicken goujons, Twomey's bangers & mash, and Murphy's ice cream likely to be among the treats.

Breakfast is also served in the restaurant and, with windows all along one side of the room and overlooking the lake, it's a very pleasant setting for an enjoyable experience. Like the rest of the food at this delightful place, quality is the by-word here - Flahavan's porridge, breakfast meats from Twomey's craft butchers and free range eggs all get a mention on an appealing breakfast menu that also offers a Veggie Brekky and teas and coffee from Cork. 

All round, this is  a lovely place - and well worth a visit for Katy’s cooking alone.