Gougane Barra Hotel - Ballingeary

3-star lakeside hotel with an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence overlooking Gougane Barra Lake and St Finbarr's Oratory

Location & Surroundings

Gougane Barra Hotel Ballingeary sits on the shores of Gougane Barra Lake, within view of St Finbarr's Oratory and surrounded by the Caha Mountains. The property is adjacent to Gougane Barra Forest Park, Ireland's first forest park, offering marked trails for hiking and walking. Nearby attractions include the Beara Way hiking trail, Kenmare Golf Club (42 km), and Glengarriff Golf Club (27 km).

Dining

The on-site restaurant holds an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence and uses locally sourced produce, much of it from the hotel's own herb garden. Owner-chef Katy Lucey prepares seasonal menus that change regularly, and guests can purchase her award-winning "Cooking with Katy" cookbook. The restaurant also offers special diet menus, kids' meals, and a selection of wine and champagne.

Rooms

Rooms include Lake View Double Rooms with direct views of the lake and St Finbarr's Oratory, family rooms for up to four guests, and single rooms. Each room has a private bathroom with walk-in shower, tea and coffee maker, and free toiletries. The property offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails, and all rooms are non-smoking with heating.

Activities

Guests can rent bicycles from the hotel to explore the surrounding countryside, including the Beara Way and Gougane Barra Forest Park. Fishing is available on Gougane Barra Lake, and hiking trails of varying difficulty start directly from the property. The hotel also provides packed lunches for day trips and has a shared lounge with board games and puzzles.

Family & Weddings

The hotel offers family rooms, kids' meals, and board games, making it suitable for families with children. It also specializes in intimate wedding packages for small guest lists, with the lakeside setting and St Finbarr's Oratory providing a scenic backdrop. Facilities for disabled guests, express check-in/check-out, and luggage storage are available.

• Location: Lakeside setting next to Gougane Barra Forest Park and St Finbarr's Oratory
• Dining: AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, locally sourced seasonal menu by owner-chef Katy Lucey
• Rooms: Lake-view double rooms, family rooms, and single rooms with private bathrooms
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, cycling, and bicycle rental from the hotel
• Family: Kids' meals, board games, family rooms, and wedding venue packages for small guest lists
• Service: Generational family-run hospitality with accessibility options and luggage storage