Treat the whole family to a day they’ll never forget at Fota Wildlife Park. The park covers 100 acres on a lovely island in Cobh Harbour and is home to almost 30 mammal species and 50 bird species. Some animals even roam freely, so keep an eye out for friendly lemurs and wallabies. Visitors especially enjoy spending time with the giraffes, red pandas, gibbons, and tapirs.
If you’re looking for a place to stay during your family trip to Munster’s top tourist attractions, Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City is our Cork city centre hotel located only a short 20-minute drive from the park. It’s the perfect home base for your family vacation in Cork!
Maldron Hotel’s Fota Family Package
Don’t miss out on our Fota Package which includes a stay in our hotel and tickets to Fota Wildlife Park. The package includes:
- A large, spacious family room available for 2 adults and 3 Kids.
- Complimentary access to our fantastic leisure centre which includes a 20m pool and a separate kiddies pool to keep your little ones entertained.
- A kiddies activity pack in the room.
You can also avail of our Click on Maldron offering which can save you an additional €10 on your room for every night you stay with us.
How To Get To Fota Wildlife Park from Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City
Fota Wildlife Park is located in East Cork, only 15 minutes from Cork City centre by car or by train.
By Car:
From the N25 Cork to Waterford road, take the exit for Cobh (R624) and follow the signs for Fota Wildlife Park. The car park costs €3 to leave your car there while your family explores the grounds.
By Rail:
Kent Train Station is located 1.2km from Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City. At Kent Station you will then access the Cork-Cobh line, and Fota Wildlife Park has its own train stop where visitors can access the park.
Fota Wildlife Park Opening Times
Fota Wildlife Park is open 362 days of the year from 9:30am – 5:00pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. It is essential to book your tickets in advance and you can book your tickets here.
FAQs About Fota Wildlife Park
How long of a walk is Fota Wildlife Park?
The park has 4.5km of internal roads. On average, visitors take around 2.5 to 3 hours to leisurely explore the park on foot. If you want to admire the scenery, take a picnic, or spot wildlife, we encourage you to take your time and enjoy everything the park has to offer!
Do you need a car for Fota Wildlife Park?
Accessing the park is not restricted to car owners. If you are driving, you can park your car at their designated parking area. However, Irish Rail has an alternative for those without cars, as they operate a train service that conveniently stops at the park.
Is Fota a zoo?
Parks are called parks and not zoos for a reason! That’s because they prioritise giving their animals the freedom to roam around rather than confining them to cages. This results in the exotic animals having more opportunities to interact with humans, making for a more engaging experience.
How much is Fota Wildlife Park?
- For adults: At the gate, it is €19.90 but if you buy online the ticket is €18.00.
- Seniors (65+): €14.90 at the gate and €13.55 online.
- For children under 16: The cost of a ticket is €13.70 at the gate, while online a ticket is €12.50.
- For students: At the gate, a ticket is €14.90. While online is €13.55.
- Toddlers are free.