Gougane Barra Hotel, Ballingeary ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Gougane Barra, Ballingeary, Ireland, .

Next to Gouganebarra Lake

Perfect

9.4

/10

4.8

Loved by Gougane Barra Hotel guests

Peaceful setting
Beautiful views
Friendly service
Delicious meals
Comfortable rooms
Attentive staff

"The lake view on the corner room on the first floor was astonishing, such were the views, even when taking a walk around the lake."

Uwe from Germany

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"Neil and Katy run their small family Hotel, in a manner that depicts what Irish Hospitality is all about."

Liam K from Ireland

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"It is a beautiful family owned and run hotel with friendly staff and an outstanding restaurant."

sean

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Location

Gougane Barra Hotel is located on the edge of Gougane Barra Lake, right next to St Finbarr's Oratory, a site rich with historical significance dating back to the sixth century. Surrounded by the Derrynasaggart Mountains, this fifth-generation family-run hotel offers a tranquil and picturesque retreat in a glaciated valley in County Cork, Ireland. The hotel opens seasonally from late March to early November, catering to those who wish to explore the unspoilt beauty of the region.

Rooms

Gougane Barra Hotel comprises 25 en suite bedrooms, including family rooms and wheelchair-accessible options, all boasting views of the lake or the upper valley and mountains. The room categories range from Classic Singles to Superior Lake View rooms, accommodating solo travelers, couples, and families. Each room is designed for comfort, with non-smoking policies in place to enhance the experience.

Dining

Dining at Gougane Barra Hotel takes place in an award-winning restaurant recognized with an AA Rosette for culinary excellence since 2006. The hotel focuses on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, including fresh herbs from its organic garden and grass-fed beef from the local butcher. Guests can enjoy a set dinner menu featuring multiple courses for €38, showcasing homemade recipes passed through generations.

Special Events

The hotel serves as an exquisite venue for various special occasions, including weddings and family gatherings, accommodating up to 55 guests in an intimate setting. With scenic views and access to St Finbarr's Oratory, events can be tailored with personal touches, including food and décor sourced locally. Comprehensive planning assistance is offered to ensure every detail aligns with guests' wishes.

Amenities

Free parking is available at Gougane Barra Hotel, along with wheelchair access to facilitate all guests. Additionally, the hotel provides a private meeting room suitable for smaller groups of up to 15 people, making it a viable option for intimate gatherings or business discussions. Daily activities can be arranged, reflecting the local culture and surroundings.

Highlights

Location: Situated on the edge of Gougane Barra Lake

Rooms: 25 en suite bedrooms with mountain views

Dining: AA Rosette restaurant with locally sourced menu

Special Events: Venue for up to 55 guests

Amenities: Wheelchair-accessible and private meeting room

“This family-run lakeside hotel impresses with its dedication to providing a genuinely personal experience. I'm particularly drawn to the award-winning dining, which celebrates local ingredients and Chef Katy Lucey's talent. Its stunning location and warm hospitality, alongside its close proximity to Gougane Barra Forest Park, creates an idyllic retreat.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningFoodie Heaven

Dinner was a real treat. The chef's cookbook is now in my kitchen, so I can recreate some magic at home.

Chloe Moore from Canada

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Room FeaturesLake View!

Waking up to that lake view was amazing. I spent hours just looking out the window. So calm and relaxing.

David Smith from United Kingdom

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Sports & FitnessForest Adventures

The trails suit all fitness levels. Trekking in the forest park was a great experience.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

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Guest ParkingEasy Access

Parking was easy and convenient. Plus, they had a shed where I could safely store my bicycle.

Ingrid Karlsson from Sweden

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Select your room type

Gougane Barra Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Lake View Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

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Facilities

Gougane Barra Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Cycling
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Gougane Barra Hotel provides a remarkable culinary escape with an emphasis on local produce and authentic flavors. Guests can indulge in thoughtfully prepared dishes inspired by the rich agricultural heritage of the region, making every meal a delightful experience.

Gougane Barra Hotel Ballingeary Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Contemporary Irish

Ambiance

Nestled in a scenic setting, Restaurant #1 offers a warm and inviting interior that beckons guests to relax and enjoy their dining experience.

Key Offerings

The set menu features a delightful selection of four starters, four main courses, and four desserts for a fixed price of €38. Tea or coffee completes the meal, ensuring a fully satisfying dining experience.

Reservation

Reservations recommended.

Dinner service; specific hours vary.

Gougane Barra Hotel Location

Gougane Barra, Ballingeary, Ireland, .

Map view

Gougane Barra, Ballingeary, Ireland, .

City landmarks

Landmark

Pass of Keimaneigh

3700 ft

Nearby

5km West of Ballingeary on R584 to Bantry

Gougane Barra National Forest Park

800 ft

Gougane Barra Church

800 ft

Church

St. Colman's Church

800 ft

Gouganebarra Lake

800 ft

Restaurants

Cronin's Bar

200 ft

Dareennacusha

Explore Ballingeary

Local Experiences Near Gougane Barra Hotel

Gougane Barra National Forest Park

3 minutes' walk

Lush landscapes and serene trails await at this national park, perfect for leisurely walks and nature appreciation.

Gouganebarra Lake

3 minutes' walk

Stunning views of the lake provide a picturesque backdrop, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.

Gougane Barra Church

3 minutes' walk

Historic church surrounded by breathtaking scenery, a popular site for weddings and photography.

St. Colman's Church

3 minutes' walk

A beautiful architectural gem by the lake, known for its visual charm and tranquil setting.

Hiking in Gougane Barra

3 minutes' walk

Scenic trails for hiking enthusiasts at Gougane Barra, suitable for all skill levels and offering stunning views.

Fishing at Gouganebarra Lake

3 minutes' walk

Relaxing fishing opportunities abound at the lake, with rental equipment available for guests.

Mountain Biking at the Pass of Keimaneigh

14 minutes' drive

Thrilling mountain biking trails challenge adventurers, with bike rentals and guided tours accessible nearby.

Mindfulness Retreats

5 minutes' drive

Local wellness centers offer yoga and meditation classes, perfect for relaxation seekers.

Cronin's Bar

5 minutes' walk

Traditional Irish pub known for hearty dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Vegetarian options available.

Local Live Music at Cronin's Bar

5 minutes' walk

Enjoy live local music in a lively atmosphere, perfect for all ages and a taste of Irish culture.

Family-friendly Outdoor Movie Nights

10 minutes' drive

Seasonal outdoor movie events for families, featuring classics and family films under the stars.

Getting around

City Centre

Ballingeary2 min · 400 ft

Airports

Kerry Airport (KIR)107 min · 44.2 mi

Cork Airport (ORK)107 min · 44.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:30

Check-out

from 07:00-12:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A buffet breakfast is served at affordable prices.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Irish

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Gougane Barra Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 165 verified reviews

9.5/10

Perfect

99%

Recommend

Breakfast

9.9/10

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Comfort

9.4/10

Facilities

9.2/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Location

9.8/10

Paid Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Staff

9.8/10

Value for money

9.0/10

Pros

Lake view

Helpful staff

Excellent breakfast

Cons

Flashing fire alarm

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Questions of the users

About Gougane Barra Hotel

Can I expect a picturesque view from the Standard Queen rooms?

15 November 2024

Standard Queen rooms provide partial views of the lake or mountains, while lake view rooms usually feature Queen or King size beds for a more scenic experience.

What are the timings for checking in and checking out?

22 October 2024

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is required by 12:00 PM.

Is the hotel still family-run like it was decades ago?

3 December 2024

Yes, Gougane Barra Hotel is still run by the same family. Neil, the current manager, is the son of Christy and Breda Cronin, who have been part of its legacy since the 1960s.

Are single or twin rooms available for booking?

18 January 2025

Yes, a variety of accommodations are offered, including single occupancy rooms as well as twin-bedded rooms.

Can guests rely on a taxi service for transportation to Glengarriff?

10 February 2025

Absolutely! A reliable taxi service is available through Patrick Creedon, who can assist with your touring needs as well.

What is the cancellation policy for bookings?

5 March 2025

Guests can cancel free of charge up to two days before arrival. Cancellations made within two days of the arrival date will incur a charge for the first night.

Is it possible to make a dinner reservation in advance?

18 March 2025

Yes, dinner can be reserved, typically with two sittings at 18:00 and 20:00. It's advisable to contact the front desk for reservations.

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

25 April 2025

Currently, the hotel does not have any pet-friendly accommodations, but this may change in the future.

How many rooms does the hotel have?

12 May 2025

The property features a total of 25 cozy rooms, each offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Is Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel?

29 May 2025

Yes, guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi access in all areas of the hotel, facilitated through a reliable network system.