Local Attractions in Cork

Fitzgerald Park

Located off the Mardyke close to the city centre, this 18-acre public park offers lovely tree line walks for visitors and locals and is home to Corks public museum. The park during the summer is a sea of colour from the beautiful flowers and rose gardens.  It also is adorned with many sculptures and is home to Dermot Gavin’s Sky Garden, which won a gold medal in the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show back in 2011. If you walk towards the end of the park, there is a terrific playground with three slides, five swings, climbing wall which includes a castle and ship structure. The park offers a lovely relaxing atmosphere for the whole family and picnic tables, so you can take five and enjoy a family picnic.

Fota Arboretum and Walled Gardens

Located towards Cobh these delightful gardens are a must-visit for nature lovers and host to many exotic plants and trees, including palm walk and Victorian fernery. Fota Arboretum and Walled Gardens is a stunning recreation area for families to enjoy nature at its best.

Ballyhass AquaPark

Located in Cecilstown, Mallow is Ballyhass Aquapark offering water activities for the family from wakeboarding, kayaking, swimming and raft building. For those who would like to stay on dry land, you can enjoy archery, wilderness skills, and challenges. In addition to water and land activities, those who have a head for heights can try ziplining, cliff climbing and a high ropes course. These are all interesting ways to get a bit of healthy competition going between family members and ensuring a great fun-packed day out.

Doneraile Wildlife Park

Located in Doneraile, this Wildlife Park consists of 160 hectares of extensive woodland, wetland, deer herds, formal gardens, Kerry cattle and impressive flora and fauna. The fine restored Georgian Mansion Doneraile Court overlooks the park.

Zipit Forest Adventures

Zipit is located in Farrans Forest Park. It is guaranteed to provide hours of adventure and fun for the whole family from young (suitable for children over 7) to old thrill-seekers. Enjoy a great day out zipping down the many zip lines, climbing high into the treetops with 5 different circuits to challenge you.

Leahys Open Farm

Located outside the town of Middleton, Leahy’s Open Farm offers a great day out for all the family. Young guests can get up close to farm animals such as Daisy the Cow, Dancer the Deer, hens, ducks and many more farm animals. For those who want to get very active, there is the Digger Park where young guests can work a real mini JCB, the climbing towers, adventure trail, crazy golf and a mystery maze. Train rides are also available to take a spin on and offer loads of fun for all age groups.

Ballycotton Cliff Walk

Located at the end of Ballycotton village. Enjoy this very popular 7KM walk with the family, nothing like the sea air to blow the cobwebs away. Please note that this walk is not suitable for buggies and good shoes are recommended. It is a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks to keep the family going during the walk. The cliff walk gives the walker stunning views of both the ocean and meadows on one side.

Forest Bathing West Cork

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Forest bathing is translated verbatim from Japanese ‘Shinrin-yoku’. Japanese researchers have established a growing body of scientific literature on the diverse health benefits of forest walking. Spending time in nature is great for both our mental health and our immune system. So this year let’s reconnect with nature and check out Forest Bathing West Cork. Each guide offers a unique experience, according to individual expertise and knowledge. Guides can tailor the experience to suit the client’s knowledge & experience. For further details see the website.

Ardú Street Art Tour

Looking to inject some colour into your day, why not get out in the fresh air and get those steps up, by checking out the super colourful Ardú Street Art trail this summer. Street art is the ideal medium for the times we live in. Cork City Council, Creative Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are delighted to present Ardú to the public, where you can interpret the murals outdoors. Ardú Walking Tour is free, a guided walking tour or self-guided audio tour of the 7 vibrant & colourful murals around our fantastic city by seven of Ireland’s most respected and renowned street artists.

Clonakilty Distillery

Clonakilty Distillery is located in the scenic town of Clonakilty, on the Wild Atlantic Way, 50 minutes’ drive from Cork City. It is family owned and run by the Scully family, who have farmed the land in this area for over 320 years. The farm grows heritage barley to make whiskey and milking their cows to make gin. The Distillery showcases the best in Irish produce from farm to glass. Choose from a guided experience by taking part in a Distillery Tours or learn all things Gin at the  Minke Gin School, all sessions offer a multi-sensory experience into the creation of Irish Whiskey and Irish Gin.  Visitors also get to taste their award-winning spirits in their Speakeasy Bar, all guided by one of their exceptionally knowledgeable Visitor Experience team. Advance booking is always advised.