Irish Monastic Sites Irish Monasteries Monastic Sites in Cork.

Please Choose An Ecclesiastical Site Gouganebarra Lake Red Abbey

	Red Abbey.
	Red Abbey was an Augustene priory built in the 14th century, all that remains today is a square tower, it isn't clear how it came to be known as Red Abbey as it is built from grey limestone. It was used by the Duke of Marlborough 1690 during the siege of Cork. He had his cannons placed in the Abbey garden and he watched from the Abbey tower as the guns demolished the city walls. Tourist Information Aras Failte Grand Parade Cork Co Cork Tel +353 (0)21 425 5100 E Mail Web Site

	Gouganebarra Lake
	This lake is the source of the river Lee, it sits in a glacial valley and is renowned for its beauty and tranquility. The name means St Finbarr's Cleft. In the 6th or 7th century St Finbarr who is the patron saint of Cork, set up a hermitage on an island in the lake. He later moved down river and built a monastery at Cork. Nothing remains of the original hermitage. There are ruins on the island but they were built by Father Denis Mahoney in the 18th century. Close to the island is Gouganebarra Forest Park it extends to 1000 acres and is ideal for picnics or walks. This was the first forest park to be set up in Ireland. Tourist Information Aras Failte Grand Parade Cork Co Cork Tel +353 (0)21 425 5100 E Mail Web Site