Bealick & Com Rua, Gougane Barra, Ballingeary, Co. Cork, Éire

Unlike bustling Killarney, Gougane Barra is far quieter spot, a bit off the beaten track but more than worth seeking it out. The name is derived from Finbarr's hollow and Cork's patron saint first came here to start a monastery, the remains of which still exist on the island playing host to the modern day oratory. It is the sort of place that, even when frequented by a goodly number of people, never gets its peace shattered and always seems to offer a haven for escaping the hurly burly of modern living for a quiet stretch of contemplation.