Family Fun at Fota Wildlife Park
Great Fota Park Breaks
Fota Wildlife Park is just a 20 minute drive from The Address Cork or you can also take the train right to the entrance of the park. The Address Cork is the ideal hotel to stay in while visiting the Fota Wildlife Park.
History
Fota Wildlife Park is a joint project between the Zoological Society of Ireland and University College Cork (UCC), an idea originally conceived in the 1970s by former Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr. Terry Murphy. The Park was officially opened in 1983 by the then President of Ireland, the late Dr. Patrick Hillery, and has gone from strength to strength since – welcoming record visitor numbers in the years after a significant redevelopment of facilities in 2010 and 2011.
It has been listed as one of Ireland’s Top Ten visitor attractions (CSO 2010) and is the most popular tourist destination in Cork. Fota is a non-profit organisation, limited by guarantee, and is also a registered charity. It is completely self-financing, relying entirely on gate receipts and membership fees for its income, and any financial surpluses generated are reinvested in order improve infrastructure and promote the company’s core objectives of conservation, education and research.
Getting There
Arriving at the Park has never been easier and you can now reach it by either car or train. Fota is the only tourist attraction in Ireland that has its own dedicated Irish Rail train station and there is also excellent road access via the N25.
Parking is available adjacent to Fota Wildlife Park’s main entrance and costs €3, with funds raised helping to maintain the nearby Fota House & Gardens. While inside, our Fota Wildlife Park Jeep Safari and HB Fun Train bring visitors around the Park and wheelchairs are also available on loan.
Dining Options
Visitors to Fota have two options when it comes to eating on site. Our Savannah Café is located by the main entrance – within view of the Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Meerkat exhibit as well as the Park’s largest play area – and serves a variety of snacks, sandwiches and hot meals throughout the day. The Café also has a hot drinks menu and a selection of treats available for anyone looking to take a well-deserved rest. Seating is available both inside and outside the main service area.
The Oasis Café is situated at the opposite end of the Park (near the Irish Rail station) and has a range of hot food options including burgers, chips and nuggets. There is a large Picnic & Rest area nearby with plenty of benches and trees for shade when the sun shines.
The Serengeti Gift Store stocks water, soft drinks and ice-cream and there is a HB Swirls stand for anyone looking for something a little more special. Ice-cream is also available from a stand next to the Oasis Café. Apart from duck food, which can be purchased on the walk down to the lake area, we ask visitors not to feed any of their own food to the animals as it may make them ill or even cause their death.
Fota Wildlife Park tries to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable day when they visit, so if there’s anything extra we can do (heating baby food or special food requests), please ask a member of staff and we will do everything we can to help. Toilets, disabled toilets and baby-changing facilities are also available.
- Admission prices & Times – Click here
- Directions to Fota Wildlife Park – Click here
- For the Children – Click here
- 2 nights Luxury Accommodation in our large family rooms based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years
- Full Irish Breakfast each morning
- Dinner in McGettigans Cookhouse & Bar on one evening of your choice
- Family Pass to Fota Wildlife Park
- Family Picnic Lunch with a Selection of Sandwiches/Crisps/Fruit & Minerals
- Limited places available early booking advised
From €329 per family based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs