Around the World in Analogue: Gougane Barra, Ireland

Marked by stunning landscapes and a deeply spiritual atmosphere, Gougane Barra in County Cork, Ireland is definitely a must-experience for anyone visiting the country. Its long history was ignited by Saint Finnbarr who is said to have established a monastery in the location in the sixth century.

Currently, a 19th century oratory close to the ruins of a hermitage serves as one of the main attractions of Gougane Barra, alongside a tranquil lake and a forest park.

In this edition of Around the World in Analogue, we take a look at the spectacular sights of Gougane Barra, get a glimpse of community member Olga's (@olgusz) history as a film photographer and read about her meaningful trip to the heritage site.

Name: Olga
LomoHome: @olgusz
Social Media: Instagram: olgaszrek
Camera: Canon EOS 300 V
Film: Lomography Color Negative 35 mm ISO 800
Location: Gougane Barra, Ireland

I already loved taking pictures as a kid, first with my analogue camera and later on with my digital one. After I finished high school I went to a photo school in Stuttgart (Freie Fotoschule Stuttgart) where I learned how to develop black and white film and make color prints, etc.

I could spent hours in the darkroom, watching my pictures appear on paper. I enjoyed this time so much and it lit up my love for shooting on film.

My boyfriend is from Ireland (Cork) and was telling me about the place. He had been there as a child/young adult and showed me pictures, so I really wanted to visit it. We went to Gougane Barra the last time we visited his family. His parents drove us there by car and on the way there we saw a beautiful rainbow.

Unfortunately it was raining so much in Gougane Barra, so I just had a little time to walk around the place to take pictures, but looking back I kind of like the rainy atmosphere, making the place even more mystical.

It just had a very mystical vibe with the lake surrounded by the colorful mountains and the little church on the small "island". It's definitely a very special place I would like to visit again someday.

I would recommend to use a film with ISO 400 or 800 to be prepared for little light because of the unpredictable Irish weather.

Many thanks to Olga for sharing her photos and stories with us! To keep in touch, visit her LomoHome or follow her on Instagram.

Want to take us Around the World in Analogue? Drop a line to aj.bajo@lomography.com with the subject Around the World in Analogue and share your unforgettable travels with the rest of the community! Read the guidelines here.

written by sylvann on 2023-06-13 #culture #places #around-the-world #travel #ireland #around-the-world-in-analogue #gougane-barra #olgusz