Things to do in Fota
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Top places to visit
1. Blarney Castle
Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.
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2. University College Cork
Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
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3. English Market
Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
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4. Fota Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.
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5. Blarney Stone
Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.
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Popular places to visit
Fota Wildlife Park
4.5/5(16 reviews)
Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.
Fota House Arboretum and Gardens
Learn about the local history of Fota when you take a trip to Fota House Arboretum and Gardens. Amble around this relaxing area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Belvelly Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Statty Bridge at Belvelly Golf Course. Stroll along the riverfront in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.
- Fota House Arboretum and Gardens
- Blarney Castle
- University College Cork
- English Market
- Port of Ringaskiddy
- Blarney Stone
- Cork Opera House
- Pairc Ui Chaoimh
- Musgrave Park
- Cork University Hospital
- Mahon Point Shopping Centre
- Cork City Gaol
- Jameson Experience
- Blackrock Castle
- St. Patrick's Bridge
- Titanic Experience Cobh
- Ballymaloe House Cookery School
- Cork City Hall
- Blarney Woolen Mills
- Mercy University Hospital
- Fitzgerald Park
- Cobh Cathedral
- Turners Cross
- Charles Fort
- Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
- St. Anne's Shandon Church
- Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium
- St. Colman's Cathedral
- Perks Entertainment Center
- Crawford Art Gallery
- Kinsale Regional Museum and Courthouse
- Victoria Hospital South Infirmary
- James Fort
- Merchants Quay Shopping Centre
- Kinsale Golf Club
- Pairc Ui Rinn
- Military Museum Collins Barracks
- Hotels near Pairc Ui Chaoimh
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- Hotels near Charles Fort
- Hotels near Titanic Experience Cobh
- Hotels near Fota House Arboretum and Gardens
- Hotels near Belvelly Golf Course
- Hotels near English Market
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- Hotels near Cork City Gaol
- Hotels near Jameson Experience
- Hotels near Blackrock Castle
- Hotels near Cobh Cathedral
- Hotels near Fitzgerald Park
- Hotels near Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
- Hotels near Bells of Shandon
- Hotels near St. Anne's Shandon Church
- Hotels near St. Colman's Cathedral
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