A new road is under construction through the Gougane Barra forest in West Cork.
In 1961 it was announced that the Gougane Barra forest would become a national park. The scenic valley of Gougane Barra (Guagán Barra) lies at the edge of the Shehy Mountains in County Cork. It is situated near Ballingeary in the Muskerry Gaeltacht. The River Lee has its source in the Shehy Mountains near Gougane Barra.
The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbarr (or Barra) patron saint of Cork, who founded his early Christian monastery in Gougane Barra in the 6th century. A 19th century oratory stands on a small island close to the original hermitage.
For Gougane Barra Forest Park to come to fruition, about two miles of rough forest road has to be made up. Gelignite is used for rock-blasting.
Gougane Barra National Forest Park opened to the public on 20 September 1966.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 July 1963. The footage shown here is mute.
