Fota Wildlife Park is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour and is only 10KM from Cork City by rail or car.
Fota Wildlife Park is a unique place where you can come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from different parts of the world.
So, if it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring tailed lemur, which jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories.
Spike Island stands tall in Cork's natural harbour just 15 minutes ferry ride from the beautiful heritage town of Cobh in County Cork. The island has a dark and fascinating past.
Used as an Island prison, fortress, monastery and home, today visitors can meet captains and convicts and sinners and saints as you uncover 1300 years of Irish history. It has prison cells, deep tunnels, island walks and multiple museums, explore the 'Irish Alcatraz' via a guided tour or using the free map and app. Access to the island is by ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh, go to www.spikeislandcork.ie for sailings and opening times.
The islands recorded history goes back to the 7th century when St Mochuda founded a monastery on this magical island. Monks walked the island trails for 300 years until the Vikings sailed into Cork harbour, and for many centuries the island was used by smugglers, pirates and as an island home.
Visit the Midleton Distillery Experience, the place of whiskey making dreams. Take a guided tour around the distillery's heritage grounds and discover exactly what makes this world famous whiskey so special.
Explore the Midleton Distillery Experience in County Cork and come face to face with the largest pot still in the world. It has a capacity of holding an amazing 143,872 litres or 31,648 gallons of liquid. Discover the heart and soul of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery Experience. The home of seven iconic brands Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness and Knappogue Castle. The passion behind every drop lives here. Immerse yourself in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories.
See the micro distillery in action and experience the live maturation warehouse as you learn what goes into creating such an iconic drink. Children are welcome to join the fascinating tour but must be accompanied by adults.
MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory is an award winning science centre and active research observatory.
Admission includes access to the Ireland in Space exhibition, a Castle Tour, and a Star Show.
Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys.
Cork Public Museum is a city museum in Cork, Ireland. Housed in a mid-19th century building within Fitzgerald Park in the Mardyke area of the city, the museum's exhibits focus mainly on the history and archaeology of the Cork area.
One of Cobh's most iconic buildings, Saint Colman's Cathedral, is an excellent example of neo-Gothic architecture. See the incredibly intricate roof detail, stained glass windows and wood carvings on your visit.
St. Colman's Cathedral has been part of the Cobh skyline ever since its construction in 1911. Its stunning setting on the Cork coastline with views of Cork Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean make it one of Ireland's most scenic churches. Today, the cathedral continues to hold religious services and often hosts recitals featuring choirs from around the world.
The cathedral features a 100m-high spire and a tower that includes a 49-bell carillon, one of the largest in Europe. Listen out for the iconic bell gong on Sundays and special occasions. Photographers won't want to miss the opportunity to create their own version of the iconic Cobh photograph of St. Colman's Cathedral behind the famous colourful houses.
Visit medieval Blarney Castle in County Cork, one of Ireland’s most impressive castles. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone to get the gift of the gab, wander around unique rock formations and see the rare plants in the enchanting gardens.
Blarney Castle and Gardens, home of the famous Blarney Stone, is a great place for a day out in Cork.
Incredible gardens surround Blarney Castle, built in 1446 by the King of Munster. Explore themed gardens like the tropical Fern Garden and the Poison Garden with its deadly and dangerous plants from around the world, including the caged specimens of deadly nightshade, wolfsbane and poison ivy. Don’t forget to visit the Rock Close where you'll find an ancient druidic settlement and witch’s kitchen.
Experience the home of multi award winning Maharani Gin and Ireland’s only absinthe at Rebel City Distillery, Cork City’s first distillery in 50 years. They offer tours and tastings with a Spirits School Experience.
Rebel City Distillery is a craft distillery breathing new life into Cork City's historic docklands, and just a 15 minute walk from the city centre. Found in the old Ford car factory, a Cork landmark that has lain dormant for decades, the distillery draws on the innovations of the past to inspire the creations of the future.
Maharani Gin, their first release and a winner of 5 awards in its first year, is a fusion of two creative cultures, and celebrates their founders' roots. Husband and wife team Robert and Bhagya come from Cork and Kerala in India.
Hop on and hop off the bus to see the best of this vibrant city with the Cork City Tour. Take in the sights and visit popular spots like Shandon Bells, Cork City Gaol, the English Market and University College Cork.
Experience the Rebel County and enjoy the heart of it all with a Cork City Tour. Start off your bus journey at the Grand Parade and delight in the world-famous English Market. Hop off at the next stop for St. Patrick’s Street shopping district with its local and international brands as well as bustling restaurants and cafés.
Travel onwards to the Victorian Quarter and connect to local rail services at Kent Station. View Cork’s City Hall and continue towards Shandon and try your hand at ringing the bells when you stop at Shandon Cathedral. Take a trip back in time and visit the old Cork City Gaol which opened in 1824.