Fota Island Resort (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Fota Island Resort?
Children up to 12 can join supervised forest camps, splash in the shallow family pool, chase fairy doors and use the playground, giving parents many safe, structured options in one site.
Positives:
- All-inclusive pool and play: Indoor pool, playground and cinema room are free for resort guests.
- On-site and nearby fun: Mix resort activities with a short shuttle trip to Fota Wildlife Park.
- Tailored to ages: Activities cover ages 3–12; adventure courses suit kids 7+ while younger ones enjoy kayaking.
Challenges:
- Age limits on some activities: Forest survival and obstacle courses require a minimum age of 7.
- Trail length: The 3 km fairy trail may tire very young children; plan rest stops.
- Seasonal schedules: Kids camps run in summer only; check dates and availability.
What is Fota Island Resort?
- A luxury resort on Fota Island combining hotel accommodations and self-catering lodges within 780 acres of woodland and lakes
- Three championship golf courses set amid mature parkland, once regular hosts of the Irish Open
- A comprehensive spa and leisure complex featuring a full-service wellness centre, indoor pool and multiple dining venues
What is so special about Fota Island Resort for with kids?
- Indoor pool, playground and cinema are free for kids.
- Fairy Trail’s magic doors and quizzes delight ages 3–12.
- Adventure Centre offers forest games for older kids.
- Easy shuttle ride to Fota Wildlife Park for animal encounters.
- Summer camps add sports fun; spring trails bloom with wildflowers.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for adventure activities, pool sessions, fairy trail and a visit to the wildlife park without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Fota Island Resort
Family Swimming:
Swim in the indoor pool during family hours, with a shallow section for younger children.
Tip: Bring swim nappies if needed and check family swim times at reception.
Fairy Trail Walk:
Follow a 3 km woodland path dotted with fairy doors and storyboards.
Tip: Pick up the trail map and quiz sheet from concierge before you go.
Adventure Centre Challenges:
Join forest survival games and obstacle courses (ages 7+).
Tip: Pre-book online; children under 7 can try kayaking instead.
Playground & Cinema Room:
Let kids play on swings and slides, then enjoy the 7 pm children’s film screening.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to grab bean bags and snacks.
Fota Wildlife Park:
Take the short shuttle to see free-roaming lemurs, giraffes and wallabies.
Tip: Ask concierge for shuttle times and family ticket rates.
When is the best time to visit Fota Island Resort (Cork, Ireland)?
Summer (Jun–Aug): book soccer and tennis camps early. Autumn: pack waterproofs for woodland trails. Winter: rely on indoor pool and cinema. Spring: enjoy wildflowers along the fairy trail.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Fota Island Resort (Cork)
Denise McGuirk
Went for Afternoon tea with my sister for a birthday celebration. Not overly impressed, the bread on the sandwich had dried up, I presume from being made + left out. Scones and desserts were nice enough but staff were not attentive and had to continually flag them for more tea. It was done in the main restaurant so didn't feel like a treat at all. If you're going to claim a 4+ star rating have a ...
pharmusician
Absolutely amazing service! Everyone is genuinely kind and welcoming. The scones are hands down the best in Ireland. The place feels truly luxurious, the seats are incredibly comfortable, and the view is just breathtaking! A kind note for the manager: it is generally considered impolite to interrupt someone while they are playing the piano, especially when they have asked twice for permission to ...
John Kennedy
We loved our stay at Fota Island! We stayed 3 days, all of the staff were friendly and welcoming. The room and facilities were very clean. Breakfast in the morning was great, we did dine one night in the restaurant, it was 7/10. Slightly overpriced for the quality of food and service but everything else was excellent during our stay. The golf course was very nice as well as the wildlife area. High...
Liz T.D
Our 2 days in this Resort were truly amazing, the highest praise is due. From entering the hotel with a warm personal greeting to leaving it was a joy. The facilities, the Golf, the food both in the Club House and the Restaurant were excellent. A special mention for the staff and the customer service they provided was the best we've experienced, it made our trip really exceptional. This Resort is ...
Aimee
We really enjoyed our stay here. We visited for 3 nights and the beds were comfy, there was a fridge in the room and the bathroom was very spacious. The grounds are lovely and we went to the fairy trail and played in the playground with our little girl. It was easy to get Bottled water to make bottles which made life easier. Breakfast in the mornings was absolutely class We loved it! The breakfas...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adventure Centre course (4 × €30) | EUR 120 |
| Kayaking (4 × €20) | EUR 80 |
| Wildlife Park (2 adults, 2 kids) | EUR 56 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 256 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Fota Island Resort
- Pre-book paid activities: Reserve adventure centre sessions and wildlife park tickets at least two weeks in advance.
- Plan around swim times: Build your day around family pool hours to avoid crowds.
- Use resort shuttle: Catch the free shuttle for the wildlife park rather than driving.
Map of Fota Island Resort
Address: Fota Island, Foaty, Co. Cork, T45 HX62, Ireland
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About Fota Island Resort
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+353 21 488 3700See available options
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