valleys and gentle fishfull
lakes and rivers in this almost
hidden Ireland of West Cork. A
few miles south of Renanaree
and Kilnamartyra, through
undulating forest hills and
back towards the banks of
Cork's own River Lee, the
Gaeltacht village of Béal Átha
an Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary)
beckons. Ballingeary's Irish
Language College, Coláiste na
and best-known in Ireland. The
village is a perfect base for
exploring the rugged beauty of
the Doire na Sagart
(Derrynasagart) mountains
and the haunting peace and
solace of nearby Gugán Barra
(Gougane Barra) lake and
forest park. Here, too, there is
a "Clapper" Bridge, an age-old
crossing of huge flat stones
spanning the River Lee.