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7 Attractions in Cork for All The Family [2022]

7 Attractions in Cork for All The Family [2022]

It can be tricky to find activities that all the family will enjoy. As a hotelier, you want to ensure guests of all ages have a memorable time during their stay. In County Cork, we are spoiled for choice regarding tourist attractions, with options to suit every kind of family! In this blog, we give you seven suggestions for things your guests can do during their break away in Cork.

  1. Fota Wildlife Park
  2. Spike Island
  3. Blackrock Observatory
  4. Ballyhass Adventure Group
  5. Titanic Experience
  6. Cork Harbour Boat Hire
  7. Cork Playful Culture Trail

  1. Fota Wildlife Park

A trip to Fota Wildlife Park is the perfect safe, outdoor day out that all the family will enjoy. Fota is Ireland’s only Zoological Wildlife Park and is home to 135 species of animals, 75 of which face extinction in the wild. Some of our endangered species include Rothschild’s giraffe, Asiatic lions, Sumatran tiger, Indian rhino, and Northern cheetah. Our 100-acre park also includes many free-roaming animals your guests may cross paths with during their visit, including the Ring-tailed lemurs, Kangaroo, Bennett’s wallaby and Mara.

Fota Wildlife Park contains everything the whole family needs for a great day out. Regarding dining, we have two cafes; The Savannah Café at the Main Entrance, which serves sandwiches, lighter bites and a variety of hot and cold drinks, and the Oasis Café at the lake, which serves a variety of fast-food options. During the peak summer season, you can also find food and drink vendors at the Asian Sanctuary, such as Badger and Dodo Coffee and Volcano Pizza. There are also playgrounds, seating and toilet facilities located around the park.

We are situated in a prime location to enhance any hotel stay in Cork the surrounding region. We are only a 20-minute drive from Cork City centre and easily accessible from many of the national road routes. Fota has a dedicated rail stop with Irish Rail serviced by the Cork-Cobh line for your guests who leave the car in the city centre. The 15-minute train trip affords some beautiful views of the Cork Harbour Islands.

  1. Spike Island

 Only a 15-minute Ferry ride from Cobh, a visit to Spike Island provides a fascinating look into 1,300 years of Irish history. The island has been previously home to a 7th-century Monastery, a 24-acre Fortress, and the largest convict depot in the world during Victorian times. On the island, your guests can enjoy two scenic walking trails before a guided tour of the famous prison dubbed the “Irish Alcatraz”. A visit to the island is sure not to disappoint!

  1. Blackrock Castle Observatory

Blackrock Castle Observatory is a fantastic and educational visit for your guests during their stay in Cork. The 16th Century Castle is the oldest surviving structure still in use in Cork City. In 2007, it was re-opened as a space for science education. The castle is home to an award-winning “Cosmos at the Castle” exhibition, which teaches participants about recent scientific discoveries and what that means concerning life in outer space. Your guests will also find daily planetarium shows and guided tours at the castle. This one is sure to be of particular interest to any family members interested in science and space.

  1. Ballyhass Adventure Group 

For the more adventurous families, we recommend they check out the outdoor activities Ballyhass Adventure Group offers. Located across two sites, Mallow and Coachford, Ballyhass is one of Ireland’s leading outdoor experience providers. They offer over 20 different activities across land, height, and water, including kayaking, rock climbing, ziplining, rope courses and wakeboarding. The newest addition to their offering is an impressive inflatable waterpark spanning over 40 square metres. This wipeout-style course includes climbing walls, balance logs, trampolines, slides and more. An afternoon with Ballyhass is a fun way for all the family to get active and enjoy the great outdoors!

  1. Titanic Experience

The Titanic Experience is a must-see for all families when visiting Cobh. This museum will take your guests on a virtual journey back to 1912, learning all about the Titanic and life on board the ship. Upon entry, visitors are given a boarding pass of one of the Titanic’s real passengers, whose fate they will learn at the end of the tour in the Story Room. The museum is located at the original White Star Line Ticket Office, a building steeped in history as far back as the 19th Century and the departure point for thousands of White Star Line passengers.

  1. Cork Harbour Boat Hire

 A boating adventure with Cork Harbour Boat Hire is sure to be a day out that your guests will remember forever! Tours are led by a certified boat safety guide in an easy-to-drive boat, making this attraction suitable for families with all levels of boating experience. This gives your guests the chance to navigate the harbour themselves and take in views of some of the coastline’s landmarks, including Spike Island, St. Colman’s Cathedral and Cobh Promenade.

  1. Cork Playful Culture Trail

 Located in the heart of the City, the Cork Playful Culture Trail consists of 30 attractions across the City with fun and educational activities for kids. It is a collaboration between Cork City Council and a multitude of museums, galleries and other attractions. Participants can receive their free tote bag with the Playful Culture Trail Map, colouring pencils and a bookmark at any of these locations before they set on their way. Each trail stop has its activity pack for kids, where they must complete various games, including scavenger hunts, investigation work, crosswords and drawing. The Cork Playful Culture Trail is a wonderful way for your youngest guests to engage with Cork’s  culture and heritage in a fun and playful way!

Interested in becoming a hotel partner of Fota Wildlife Park?

Fota Wildlife Park has partnered with several hotels and is a great choice for creating an added value holiday package that guests of all ages enjoy. If your company is interested in becoming an accommodation partner of Fota Wildlife Park, feel free to get in touch via the form below.



    LATEST NEWS

    ANIMALS
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    New Addition to the Fota Wildlife Park Family: Agile Gibbon Welcomed to the World
    27TH MAR 2024

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    2024 Summer Opening Hours – From March 16th
    19TH MAR 2024

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    March 16th 2024 until October 2024 – SEE CURRENT TIMES...

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    12TH MAR 2024

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    NEWS
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    Mourning the Loss of Clayton Love Jr, Former Fota Wildlife Park Board Member. RIP.
    1ST MAR 2024

    Mourning the Loss of Clayton Love Jr, Former Fota Wildlife Park Board Member. RIP.

    Mourning the Loss of Clayton Love Jr, Former Fota Wildlife...