In thinking of Gougane Barra in County Cork, the image of the small church by the lough is what would typically come to mind. However, to fully admire the place one has to take in the surrounding countryside; waterfalls tumble down from the mountain slopes, streams make channels through the pines on the valley floor and sheep can be heard roaming the hills.
Go beyond the church and you will come across picnic tables set in amongst the pines and a number of different trails to explore.

This image is taken from just by the church looking up into the hills at the end of the valley. Many times I have been here and the wind has been whistling through, roughing the water, but on this occasion all was still and the water of the lough was a perfect mirror .
Master class again
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Thank you so much Scott, of the two I personally prefer this one. MM 🍀
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Love this..
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Timing is everything and when there wasn’t a ripple I had to grab the opportunity. Thanks for coming over and commenting, the makings of a great blogger 😃. MM 🍀
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Pretty nice shot, beautiful composition.
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Once more I thank you for your wonderfully kind words, 🍀
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Beautiful reflection, MM.
It’s not often one gets those picture-perfect days on the water.
I like where you’ve set the lake bank in the frame.
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Cheers Vicki, I did struggle to find the right place to get the picture and the right foreground but think I got there in the end. Many thanks for all your comments, they are so appreciated, MM 🍀
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Hi Mick…sorry, don’t get much time to visit your blog, but had to comment on this glorious photo. Not just that, though, the picture is made by the mist, that gives some separation to the background. An ideal location to experiment with HDR, maybe?
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You are possibly right there Smithie, but yet to venture into the HDR world and have so much going on right now. Will let you know when that whole adventure starts. MM 😎
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Stunning! 🙂
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Thank you so much Inga, glad you like it, MM 🍀
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It’s so inviting – I’d love to take a ramble there! Done so well, my eye gets really drawn into the scene.
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Brilliant, it was worth taking if can draw you in…🍀
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This is so stunning.I love looking at your work.
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So pleased that you get a kick out of it and like it, MM 🍀
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I assume the potato famine is over.
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If you need an endorsement let me know, 🍀
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I should apply before the book comes out. Otherwise, I might be on INTERPOL. Appreciate the offer.
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That’s it. I’m applying for citizenship.
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The stillness of the water creates a spectacular reflective scene….very peaceful and awe-inspiring. This could work well for WP’s new theme this week “Grand!”
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Such an incredible photo of what appears to be a truly beautiful place. Very nice. 🙂
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Thank you Dom, not only for such superlative comments but for the follow as well. On Sunday I am posting a picture of Gougane Barra Church, from where this photo was taken. 😃
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unique! Photos of the nature are my passion.
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Thank you so much,I simply take photographs off what I like and see beauty in – not surprisingly nature is a big factor, Thank you for taking the time to comment, MM 🍀
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Beautiful!
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👍
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Stunning MM!
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Cheers Laura, may you yourself have a stunning weekend, 😎
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Ty and you too! 😀
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Absolutely lovely, and challenging, too. Great job with the water and effects.
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Thank you so much for such positive words, enjoy the weekend. MM 🎄
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This is MAGNIFICENT, MM! Wonderful photo.
Love, Dina
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Thank you so much Dina, hope you weren’t in East Anglia the last 24 Hours, MM
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No, I’m in Bonn right, only half as stormy as in Norfolk. It hit HH and the North of Germany fiercely, though.
It’s snowing right now! 🙂
Big hug
Dina
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💚Stay warm, MM
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Perfect picture of a perfect place. I have been there many times on the various trails, love it 🙂
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Cheers Cath, you know what a great place it is then 🎄
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MM, Beautiful! Watercolour almost finished. Next couple of days due to post. Share with you first for permission and photography credit? R.
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Am happy for you to top ahead and post with suitable credit, just let me know when you are posting to make sure I do not miss it. Many thanks, MM 💚
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Will give a shout-out! MM, thank you so much. This has been a fun collaboration. Now to write a suitable text….
Also, reading with interest your “bust-a-move” on new career. University graduate school professor’s wise words to a small group of [us] art students: “You make your own opportunities.” Carry on…….
Jots
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Cheers Jots, I agree about making your own luck….💚
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Such a beautiful sight first thing in the morning! Stunning!
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Thank you so much Colemining, you have a good weekend, 🍀
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Splendiferous! It rivals the one on your header!
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Thank you dale, have a great weekend. MM 🍀
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Lovely photo Mick!
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Cheers Anna. much appreciated. 🍀
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Beautiful with the reflections.
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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A perfect example of Norman MacCaig’s lines from Small Lochs….standing huge mountains on their watery heads. Very nicely done.
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Thank you so much Robin – I will now look up Norman MacCaig, apologies for the ignorance. 😳
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Seamus Heaney always admired his work – “It is an education in the marvellous possibilities of lyric poetry”. If would highly recommend his short collection “The Many Days” – http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00c4cdy
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Thank you Robin, much appreciated – hope the bike is staying under wraps in this treacherous weather. 👍
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For sure Mick, the bike and me 🙂
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👍☔️👍
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The way you photograph water is fantastic, love it!
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To be fair I think nature was working its wonder…but thank you for the generous comment and enjoy the weekend Susan, MM 🍀
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It’s not just that photo. You must live in a very photogenic part of the world then!
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Spectacular photography !!!, I love it.
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Muchas gracias Senor Senall. One of those moments you just have to capture. Have a good weekend Charley, MM 🍀
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Beautiful view and nice photo!
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Thank you Chun, appreciated. Enjoy the weekend. 🍀
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