‘Gougane Barra’ 2012 This is an oil-on-canvas paper and depicts one of the artist’s favourite places. Gougane Barra (Irish: Guagán Barra, meaning "the rock of Barra") is a settlement, situated in a beautiful peaceful spot, west of Macroom, on the road to Bantry in County Cork, Ireland. The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbarr, who is said to have built a monastery on an island in the lake nearby during the 6th century. The present ruins date from around 1700 when a priest called Denis O'Mahony retreated to the island. During the times of the Penal Laws, Gougane Barra's remoteness meant that it became a popular place for the celebration of the Roman Catholic Mass. The nineteenth century oratory which stands near the original monastery is famous for its picturesque location and richly decorated interior and is only a 45-minute drive from Macroom.

Added Jan 18, 2025