Fota Wildlife Park is proud to welcome you to the Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC), co-funded by the Government of Ireland via the Office of Public Works, and completed in January 2024.
Pure Cork Event at Fota Wildlife Park - ECRC 2024
Auditorium and other features
Welcome to Fota Wildlife Park’s newest venture – a state-of-the-art Education, Conservation, and Research Centre designed to inspire, educate, and facilitate collaboration.
Nestled within the stunning surroundings of Fota Wildlife Park, and the base for the Education Department, the centre offers a unique venue for conferences, meetings, and events, a space where the corporate can intermingle with conservation, education and research in this newly opened facility, co-funded by the Government via the OPW.
The ECRC features a 265-seater auditorium that can be subdivided into two rooms if needed. The newly opened ECRC has several state-of-the-art classrooms or meeting rooms to accommodate groups of varying sizes. The total onsite educational or delegate capacity is 500 people.
Outside, there is a native plant and tree garden, many of these plants are under threat of extinction in Ireland. The open-air plaza with fixed canvas canopy will allow for outdoor seating for school lunches, dining or networking.
The ECRC also houses a large boardroom which can accommodate up to 50 people, making it suitable for corporate meetings and the large atrium acts as a suitable breakout area during conferences and other corporate events. The centre also offers changing facilities for people with additional needs.
The ECRC features a 265-seater auditorium that can be subdivided into two rooms if needed. The newly opened ECRC has several state-of-the-art classrooms or meeting rooms to accommodate groups of varying sizes. The total onsite educational or delegate capacity is 500 people.
Outside, there is a native plant and tree garden, many of these plants are under threat of extinction in Ireland. The open-air plaza with fixed canvas canopy will allow for outdoor seating for school lunches, dining or networking.
The ECRC also houses a large boardroom which can accommodate up to 50 people, making it suitable for corporate meetings and the large atrium acts as a suitable breakout area during conferences and other corporate events. The centre also offers changing facilities for people with additional needs.
Recycled Materials
Recycled and reusable products have been utilised throughout the building. The auditorium features timber parquet flooring made from recycled Midleton Distillery whiskey barrels. The outer walls of the entrance are clad with Robinia timber, which requires no painting or maintenance, has a lifespan of up to 80 years, and provides habitats for native birds and bats.
Renewable Energy
Extensive solar panelling adorns the roof, harnessing eco-friendly energy to power operations. With a passive thermal design, the building produces as much energy as it consumes.
Energy Efficiency
The complex features a heat recovery ventilation system and substantial insulation in the external walls, significantly reducing its energy demand.
Water Management
Rainwater harvesting systems ensure efficient water use. Two 10,000-litre rainwater storage tanks supply 80% of the centre's water needs.
Commitment to Recycling
As part of Fota Wildlife Park's dedication to sustainability, much of the pre-existing Education Centre’s footprint was maintained and upgraded during construction.
Recycled and reusable products have been utilised throughout the building. The auditorium features timber parquet flooring made from recycled Midleton Distillery whiskey barrels. The outer walls of the entrance are clad with Robinia timber, which requires no painting or maintenance, has a lifespan of up to 80 years, and provides habitats for native birds and bats.
Extensive solar panelling adorns the roof, harnessing eco-friendly energy to power operations. With a passive thermal design, the building produces as much energy as it consumes.
The complex features a heat recovery ventilation system and substantial insulation in the external walls, significantly reducing its energy demand.
Rainwater harvesting systems ensure efficient water use. Two 10,000-litre rainwater storage tanks supply 80% of the centre's water needs.
As part of Fota Wildlife Park's dedication to sustainability, much of the pre-existing Education Centre’s footprint was maintained and upgraded during construction.
Enquiries
Enquire today about availability at education@fotawildlife.ie