This art work is on Ireland church at Gougane Barra.  Located at the banks of Kenmare Bay, this church is one of the most famous Catholic churches in Ireland. The church and its surroundings are famous for its natural beauty. This tiny church sits on the side of a lake with lush forests and is surrounded by hillsides.  The present structure dates back to 1700, when a priest, Denis O’Mahony, retreated to the island. It was then that Gougane Barra’s remoteness became a popular place for the celebration of the Roman Catholic Mass.

The church looks as beautiful close up as it does from the road. It’s a tiny church with only four small pews on either side, but it’s a beautiful place with stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. The beauty of the church has made it such a popular wedding destination. Despite being entirely open to the public, it is, in fact, a very special and holy place with great significance to the people of Cork County.