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Zoos & aquariums

Fota Wildlife Park

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Fota Wildlife Park

Overview

Fota Wildlife Park is a non-profit conservation park on Fota Island near Cork, opened in 1983. Unlike traditional zoos, it focuses on open habitats where animals live in large enclosures or roam freely in shared spaces. Travellers visit to see species like giraffes, cheetahs, and lemurs in an unconfined landscape.

Getting There

Direct commuter trains run from Cork Kent Station to Fota railway station, stopping right beside the entrance in roughly 15 minutes. Driving from central Cork via the N25 takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Time to Spend

Allow 3 to 4 hours to walk the circuits and explore the different habitats without rushing.

When to Visit

Morning arrival is best before peak visitor numbers build up. The park gets crowded on sunny summer weekends and during school breaks. Since the trails are outdoors, carry waterproof layers for wet weather.

What to Combine It With

  • Belvelly Castle (0.6km): A 15th-century tower house just off the island.
  • Little Island (2.9km): A district situated along the rail line toward Cork.
  • Lough Mahon (3.9km): A wide tidal inlet with coastal harbour scenery.
  • Blackrock Castle (6.4km): A historic fortification and observatory near the city.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Fota Wildlife Park

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Fota Wildlife Park Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Belvelly Castle

Views & landmarks

Belvelly Castle

A 14th–15th century tower house near the village of Belvelly in Cork. It overlooks the bridge connecting Fota Island and Great Island, offering a scenic, old-world view.

0.6 km away
Little Island

Nature

Little Island

Little Island lies east of Cork city, bordering Lough Mahon within Cork Harbour. Across the water sits Fota Island, making it easy to visit both together.

2.9 km away
Lough Mahon

Nature

Lough Mahon

Lough Mahon is a tidal lake in Cork Harbour's northwest, covering about 12 square kilometers. It's a peaceful spot to relax and take in the calm waterside scenery.

3.9 km away
Blackrock Castle

Castles & palaces

Blackrock Castle

Blackrock Castle is a fortress 2 km from Cork city center along the River Lee, built in the 16th century to defend the harbor. Today it houses an observatory, visitor center, and restaurant, making it a great place to explore.

6.4 km away
Dundanion Castle

Views & landmarks

Dundanion Castle

Dundanion Castle is a ruined Tudor-style tower house standing on the grounds of the later-built Dundanion House in Blackrock, Cork. Walking along its weathered walls, you can sense the atmosphere of centuries past.

7.5 km away
The Elysian

Views & landmarks

The Elysian

The Elysian is the tallest building in Cork and was Ireland's tallest when it was completed in 2008. It stands out as a landmark defining the city's downtown skyline.

10.5 km away