Fota Wildlife Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Fota Wildlife Park?
Couples can stroll the 2 km habitat loop hand-in-hand, ride the 35 m wheel, picnic lakeside and attend keeper talks; weekday crowds are light enough that shared moments still feel private.
Positives:
- Free feeding sessions: Daily animal feeds and talks run from 11:00–17:15 at no extra charge.
- Picnic spots: Bring your own food and use tables beside the lake for a lakeside lunch.
- Easy transport: Regular bus 215 from Cork city stops two minutes from the park entrance.
Challenges:
- Limited dining: Only two cafés on site; bring snacks if you prefer more variety.
- Variable schedules: Feeding times can change seasonally—always recheck the board on arrival.
- Muddy trails: Paths can get slippery after rain; waterproof shoes are recommended.
What is Fota Wildlife Park?
- A 28-hectare open-range wildlife conservation park set within a restored Georgian estate in Cork, Ireland
- Home to a diverse assembly of endangered and exotic species housed in naturalistic habitats
- Encompasses woodlands, grasslands and ornamental gardens showcasing numerous plant species
What is so special about Fota Wildlife Park for couple trip?
- Walk a 2 km open-range trail among free-roaming wildlife.
- Catch the cheetah run and penguin feeding for memorable encounters.
- Ride the 35 m panoramic wheel for sweeping park views.
- Book a private ranger tour to feed giraffes and learn animal stories.
- Enjoy picnic spots and quiet off-peak walks for a relaxed visit.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to walk the 2 km safari trail, attend key feeding sessions, and ride the panoramic wheel at a relaxed pace.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Fota Wildlife Park
Self-guided safari walk:
Follow the 2 km open-range trail to see giraffes, bison, wallabies and lemurs roaming freely.
Tip: Start at opening time to avoid crowds and take flats for the 4.5 km of paths.
Cheetah Run & Penguin feeding:
Watch the keepers run the cheetah at 12:00 and feed the penguins at 11:00.
Tip: Check the daily schedule at the entrance board and arrive 10 minutes early for the best view.
Panoramic Wheel ride:
Ascend 35 m above the Savannah for 3–4 rotations with park views.
Tip: Buy tickets at the booth before noon to catch the afternoon light.
VIP behind-the-scenes tour:
Join a two-hour private ranger experience to feed and learn about giraffes.
Tip: Book online at least two weeks ahead and choose a midweek slot for lower rates.
When is the best time to visit Fota Wildlife Park (Cork, Ireland)?
Visit June–August for daily keeper talks on lions, tigers and eagles. In off-peak months enjoy quieter paths and better photo light early or late in the day.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Fota Wildlife Park (Cork)
Melanie Tam
Since we were staying for a few days in Cork for my baby's first family vacation, we were looking for some family-friendly things to do, and my husband found Fota Wildlife Park. We bought tickets online (I believe you can save a few Euro per ticket). Kids 3 and under are free. We opted for the 9:30 to 11:30 time slot and got there at around 11. I'm not sure how strict they are with it, but it wasn...
Sharon larkin
Great day out at Fota, plenty of animals to see and good food. Helpful staff. I particularly liked how some animals could wander wherever they wanted. The only downside for us was you couldn't prebook a wheelchair. A member of our family needed one and we felt like we were taking a chance by not being able to prebook. We went early so were lucky enough to get one.
Sureka Subburaj
I had a wonderful visit to Fota Wildlife Park! The setting is beautiful and natural, with lots of space for the animals to roam and for visitors to explore. It feels more relaxed and open than a typical zoo, and I loved seeing the animals up close without too many barriers. The park is well-kept, and very family-friendly. Kids absolutely loved it !
Mick Collins
Lovely place to visit. It's a lovely walk but quite long to go around the whole way. They have a road train that goes all around the park. The animals are the big stars. Most exhibits could be seen and all looked healthy and well looked after. Ferris wheel, food vendors, cafe, toilets and gift shop all very good. Feed times for the animals add some fun.
Kevin Heung
I bought the tickets in advance and their is a 10% discount at the moment. I brough my family there and there was no waiting time. Just went through the gates and we're provided with recommended signs pointing the route so you won't get lost. We didn't get a map and went through with it. There were lots of animals and insects to see throughout the whole park. We did see some wild animals but be ca...
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission for 2 adults | EUR 39 |
| Tour train rides (2 × €1) | EUR 2 |
| Panoramic Wheel (2 × €5) | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 51 |
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 Wildlife Park
- Arrive early: Get to the park by 10:30 to secure front-row spots at feeding shows.
- Download the map: Save the PDF map offline to plan your route without data roaming.
- Combine with Fota Gardens: Next door, the arboretum offers a quiet stroll through historic landscapes.
Map of Fota Wildlife Park
Address: Fota Wildlife Park, Fota, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 CD93, Ireland
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About Fota Wildlife Park
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 21 481 2678See available options
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