A glaciated valley of sitka spruce and heather ringing a lake where St Finbarr founded a monastery in the 6th century. The infant River Lee rises among the surrounding peaks.
They range from the 0.5 km multi-access Slí an Ghaorthaidh nature loop to the strenuous 2 km Slí na Sléibhe, which climbs high for the best views. Slí na Laoi (1.3 km) follows the infant River Lee along the valley floor.
The looped motor trail winds through the forest with views of the deep valley and its walled sides, and lets you park in the heart of the park. It is recommended for visitors with mobility issues.
On the approach to the park, a little causeway leads to the island where St Finbarr founded his monastery; the present oratory dates to 1905, with stained-glass windows and stations of the cross.
The 318 km Cork City–Beara–Gougane Barra cycle route finishes here. Gougane Barra Hotel, by the park entrance, rents Cannondale or Giant bikes for €15 per person per day.
The lake is the source of the River Lee. The season runs from 17 March to 12 October; hotel guests get complimentary permits, rowing boats and life jackets.
Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, and a guided forest-bathing walk, 'Let the Forest Find You', uses the woods for slow, mindful time among the trees.
The valley shelters deer, badgers, foxes, stoats and pine marten, while ravens, peregrine falcons and white-tailed sea eagles patrol the crags. Rare plants such as fox's cabbage and sundews grow on the slopes.
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