Fota Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fota Wildlife Park which includes zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals
Fota Wildlife Park showing zoo animals, a pond and bird life
Fota Wildlife Park showing land animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people
Fota Wildlife Park showing a pond, bird life and zoo animals
Fota Wildlife Park featuring bird life, zoo animals and a park

A small island in Cork Harbour, Fota Island is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park, as well as the historic Fota House and ornamental gardens.

Formerly the home of the Smith-Barry family, who arrived as part of the Norman invasion from Wales, the island’s main house was designed and built by the eccentric Vetruvius Morrison in the 1820s. The Regency mansion has more than 70 rooms and a highly acclaimed ornamental gardens full of exotic plants and extensive rose collection.

Although the house fell into disrepair, it was purchased by the Irish government and restored in the early 2000s, with responsibility for its upkeep now in the hands of the Irish Heritage Trust.

The wildlife park opened here in 1983 with the aim of preserving global wildlife in a joint venture between University College Cork and the Zoological Society of Ireland. With more than 70 species of exotic animals in open surroundings, including giraffes, ostriches and zebras, it’s a great family day out.

Lying just to the north of Great Island in the naturally occurring and beautiful Cork Harbour area, Fota Island is not technically an island and is connected to the mainland by both road and rail links. Within easy reach of the city of County Cork, it’s a popular attraction with visitors to the city and a great place to come face to face with wildlife, experience history and there’s even an 18-hole golf course for a quick round too.

Fota Island Hotel & Spa

Fota Island Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Fota Island, Fota, Cork
The price is ₹25,729 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
₹25,729
₹29,202 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Fota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (827 reviews)
"It was everything that we expected! Excellent accommodation,lovely food,and pleasant and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Fota Island Hotel & Spa
The Dean Cork

The Dean Cork

4 out of 5
Horgan's Quay, Cork, County Cork
The price is ₹16,316 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹16,316
₹18,519 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (533 reviews)
"Loved the workout area, roof top bar and the lobby bar."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Dean Cork
Rochestown Park Hotel

Rochestown Park Hotel

4 out of 5
Rochestown Road, Douglas, Cork
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,233 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹14,233
₹16,155 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"We have stayed here before so it was a "no brainer",it is a fabulous hotel,great staff,food and rooms.We will definitely come back!!!! Only criticism is no slip mat in bath or shower ,they are perilously slippery and dangerous."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Rochestown Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Yugo Explore - Lee Point

Yugo Explore - Lee Point

3 out of 5
Brewery Quarter, South Main Street, Cork
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Lovded the hotel, very clean,, staff very polite n helpful"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Yugo Explore - Lee Point
Copley Court

Copley Court

2 out of 5
Copley St, Cork, CO
Stay at this aparthotel in Cork. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blarney Castle and Trinity Bridge are located nearby.
6.2/10 (16 reviews)
"Basic room but for the price zero complaints. Close to the centre of Cork too"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Copley Court
Cobh Cork Urban Retreats

Cobh Cork Urban Retreats

3.5 out of 5
41 Lower Midleton St, Cobh, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cobh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cobh Cathedral and Lusitania Memorial ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"The property is excellent. 5 Stars!!! The problem was that we went to the address given on the confirmation but nobody was there to talk to. Since we had no WiFi available we could not contact the phone number supplied and nobody sent a reply when we finally had a WiFi connection. Luckily for us, ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Cobh Cork Urban Retreats
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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