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.
