Gouganebarra Church (in Ruins)

Site occupies oval island (c. 60m E-W; c. 70m N-S), joined to S shore of Gouganebarra Lake by causeway (L c. 20m) which incorporates holy well (CO080-012002-). At NW corner of island is square enclosure (21m N-S; 20.6m E-W),with central open court (L 13.4m); immediately E of enclosure are fragmentary ruins covering area c. 24m E-W and c. 16.5m N-S; in SE corner of island is neo-Romanesque chapel, erected c. 1890. The former two features are remains of hermitage established here in late 17th century by Carmelite priest Denis O'Mahony (Smith 1750, vol. 1, 192-3; Croker 1824, 275-84; Windele 1844, 288-94; MacCarthy 1935, 85-9). Square enclosure stands on stone-faced platform (H c. 1.5m; extends c. 3m out from enclosure on all sides). Enclosing wall (Wth c. 4.2m; H c. 2.6m) has level sod-covered top with traces of parapet wall (Wth c. 0.85m; H c. 0.9m) along outside edge. Central court entered through roofless passage (Wth c. 2.3m) in centre of S wall. At centre of court low stepped pyramid, supporting tall wooden cross (see photograph JCHAS 1892, p. 195). Each sidewall of court contains two arched recesses (Wth c. 2m; D c. 2.8m; H c.1.5m); each recess has shallow shelf on back wall. Enclosure repaired c.1890, at same time plaques marking stations of the cross erected on inside walls. Immediately E of enclosure are remains of long narrow structure (c. 14m N-S; c. 5m E-W) missing most of its N and W walls; door ope in centre of S wall (identified as remains of chapel on plan in JCHAS 1892, 194, after Windele ibid., 290-1). E wall (H c. 1m) reused as part of second structure to E (c. 10.6m N-S, c. 4.7m E-W; possible gable outline on S wall. Further structures to E reduced to low sod-covered mounds. On mainland, opposite entrance to causeway, arched chamber which contains remains of Fr Denis O'Mahony; on slightly higher ground behind tomb, small graveyard containing 19th- and 20th-century burials (CO0080-01202-). Site associated with St Finbar (see MacCarthy ibid.) but no remains earlier than 17th century identified at site. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Linked to Saint Finbarr of Gouganebarra, the site is traditionally associated with early Christian monastic activity in southwest Ireland. The holy well on the causeway was believed to have curative properties, particularly for skin ailments and general healing, and was a focus of pilgrimage and local devotion.