Seeing as I was raised in Cork I believe I’m the best person to tell you all about the top things to do in Cork with kids. I have two daughters and we try to spend every weekend ‘going on an adventure’ as they like to call it. It keeps them entertained and my travel bug at bay!
Anyway, Cork is one of the most family-friendly cities in Ireland and there’s loads to do here for kids. Fota Wildlife Park, the second biggest zoo in the country is not too far from the CBD and Leahy’s Farm near Midleton is another great animal-themed day out. While in the city itself there’s plenty to occupy the kids – think, Cork City Gaol, the Shandon Bells and the Marina Market.
In this blog, you’ll read about the most popular things to do in Cork with kids as well as some hidden gem places that only locals know about! This guide is all you need for exploring Cork as a family!
Related Read: How to spend one day in Cork!
BEST Things to Do in Cork With Children
1. Fota Wildlife Park
Just 20 minutes from Cork City is the second largest zoo in Ireland (behind Dublin Zoo). Spread across 100 acres, Fota Wildlife Park is home to cheetahs, rhinos, lions, various types of monkeys, kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, lemurs, and more. There’s also a large Tropical House which houses tortoises, sloths, fish, butterflies, etc.
On the grounds of Fota, there are two playgrounds and a variety of places to eat. We love the food truck-type area near the tiger enclosure as it offers good coffee and pizza or doughnuts. You can also hop on board an open-air train that takes you around the park, a return journey costs just €2, or one-way is €1. You can hop on the train near the entrance or at the Oasis Cafe.
I recommend allowing around 2.5-3 hours here. I should also note the park is stroller-friendly. Tickets to Fota Wildlife Park cost €18.90 for an adult and €13.10 for children if you book online in advance. It’s slightly more if you pay at the ticket booth on the day.
Or if you live in or near Cork it’s well worth buying the annual conservation pass which costs €215 and allows the pass holder and two adults and two kids to enter as many times as you wish throughout the year.
2. Ballinadee Bus
A rescue farm, unique accommodation (you sleep in a double-decker bus), and Cafe rolled into one. This is one of our favorite free places to visit in Cork with kids. It’s located in the tiny town of Ballinadee, around 10 minutes from Bandon. And at Ballinadee Bus you’ll find a rescue farm with alpacas, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and more. As well as a children’s play area and coffee truck with excellent, strong coffee and delicious baked goods.
It’s free to visit the rescue farm but a donation box is set up at the entrance to the farm and any donation is appreciated as it goes toward the upkeep of the animals.
You can also spend the night here in one of the two converted double-decker buses on site. When you stay the night here you have access to a hot tub and outdoor bar. I have to say, it looks like one of the most unique places to stay in Ireland!
3. Leahy’s Farm
Around 15 minutes from Midleton you’ll find one of our favorite open farms in Cork – Leahy’s Farm. It’s huge with not just animals like alpacas, pigs, and goats to see here but there’s also a maze, a brilliant playground, go-karts (without a motor), and a very fun barrel train which takes you through the forest in a barrel led by a quad bike – you gotta see it for yourself! Plus, there’s an on-site museum where you can see into the daily life of a farmer in the past and two indoor play areas.
There’s also an indoor petting area, where at select times throughout the day you can hold and rub animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and snakes.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck as here at Leahy’s Farm they make their own ice-cream and chocolate. Yep, and it’s delicious. You can taste it for yourself at their on-site ice-cream and chocolate factory – where you can also get meals and snacks.
Entry to Leahy’s Farm is €12.95 per person. Under 2’s are free.
4. Glenview Gardens & Hobbit House
One of the most unique things to do in West Cork with kids is to pay a visit to the 3-acre Glenview Gardens & Hobbit House outside of Bandon. Here, you can wander through ten different gardens such as the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and Sunken Garden.
Kids will love looking for fairy houses in the fairy woods, spotting the different wood-carved animals dotted throughout the gardens, and exploring the on-site Hobbit House. There are also a few animals to see here like pygmy goats and various types of birds.
My advice – pack a picnic and enjoy it in one of the many open grassy areas throughout the gardens.
Adult tickets are €7 and kids are €3. It’s open between Wednesday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
5. Spike Island
Right in the middle of Cork Harbour is the notorious Spike Island – a former monastery, military fortress, and prison. Older kids will love hearing the stories of the convicts who once called this island home, the guided tour is so fascinating and we learned so much about the history of Spike Island – like, did you know that during the Victorian era, Spike Island was the biggest convict depot in the world!
Your ticket to Spike Island includes a 40-minute guided tour of the fort area, after which you are free to roam the island. Some of our favorite sites on the island included the punishment block, the tunnel, the convict cemetery, and the artillery gun block.
You can even do an after-dark tour here which is suitable for those aged 16 and over only. During the 3-hour visit, you’ll experience candlelit corridors, spooky tunnels, and prison cells.
Spike Island is reached by ferry from Kennedy Pier, Cobh. The ferry journey takes approximately 15 minutes each way. Your ticket includes the return ferry, a guided tour, and access to all areas on the island. It costs €26.95 per adult and €13.95 for children.
6. Fitzgerald’s Park
A 20-minute walk from the Cork CBD is the 18-acre Fitzgerald’s Park – home to a colorful rose garden, tree-lined pathways, and the famed ‘shakey bridge’. Because of its location on the city limits, this park is also known as one of the best free things to do in Cork City!
This park is a firm favorite with locals who come here to go for a walk, picnic, or let their children blow off some steam in the large playground here. The main entrance is via the Mardyke, but you can also access the park from Sunday’s Well, where you will cross over the ‘shakey bridge’ also known as Daly’s Bridge. However, this has recently been refurbished, so you will feel less wobbly walking across it.
You can walk a nice flat pathway through the park, which follows along the River Lee and offers some gorgeous views of the large homes that line Sunday’s Well.
There’s an excellent Cafe here – The Natural Foods Bakery which serves artisan bread sandwiches, fresh soup, cakes and pastries. It’s open every day from 9 am – 6 pm.
7. Cork City Gaol
Another worthwhile attraction for kids in Cork City is Cork City Gaol, a former 19th-century prison. And its castle-like outwardly appearance couldn’t look more different to the cells inside. Kids will love wandering the spooky corridors, seeing the inside of the prison cells some of which have life-like wax prisoners. You can read all about the history of the prison via the many information boards dotted throughout the prison.
Fun fact – former prisoner Countess Markievicz called it “the most comfortable jail” she had ever been in!
The kids are sure to have a lot of fun dressing up in costumes from the 19th Century to make them feel part of the history of the place. The hologram and punishment quiz are also firm favorites with children!
There’s a guided tour at 2 pm every day, and this costs from €11 while the self-guided tours cost just €9.
You can book your tickets for Cork City Gaol here!
8. Blarney Castle
Kissing the Blarney Stone is without a doubt one of THE most popular things to do in Cork. The famed stone which offers those who kiss it ‘the gift of the gab’ is part of the gorgeous Blarney Castle and Gardens, which is just 15 minutes from Cork City.
And I know – it sounds a little weird – lying down on your back and leaning backward to kiss a magical stone that millions have kissed before you! But I’m sure it’s something that older kids will love. No need for them (or you) to worry as there is an iron railing for you to hold onto as you lean back and a staff member on-hand to hold your legs, if needed.
If kissing the stone is a little out of their comfort zone, then, thankfully, there are plenty of other cool attractions here to fill your time.
The most family-friendly attractions at Blarney Castle
- The Dungeon – You’ll find this below the lookout tower on the way to kiss the stone
- Fern Garden – A visitor-favorite, the tall ferns were brought over from New Zealand!
- Poison Garden – Is to educate visitors on the poisonous plants found in Ireland, safe to say, don’t touch anything here
- Herbaceous Border – At 100 meters long, this colorful herbaceous border is one of the most popular spots at the castle for a selfie
- The Wishing Steps – A firm-favorite with children, you must walk up and down these steps with your eyes closed and make a wish. Legend says that your wish will come true within a year
- Blarney Castle House – This mansion dates back to 1864, and the owner of Blarney Castle – Charles St John Colthurst, resides here for most of the year.
- The Witches Kitchen – It is believed that this is the spot where the first cave dwellers in Ireland lived. If you get to this spot first thing in the morning you may find a fire that was lit by a witch the night before!
Entrance to the castle is €22 per adult, €17 for students and seniors, and €10 for children aged between 5 – 15. Children aged 5 and under are free. Alternatively, you can buy a family pass (two adults and two children) for €55.
9. Clonakilty Model Railway Village
West Cork Model Railway Village is a fantastic option for families looking for something a little different. An outdoor fully scaled handmade model of the old West Cork Railway featuring model buildings of the town as it looked in the 1940’s. Entrance to the Model Village costs from €7.65 per adult.
There is also an indoor soft play area and an outdoor playground. Or why not take a trip on the Road Train – what better way to see the town of Clonakilty than on a quick 30-minute train ride?
10. Charles Fort
Just outside the colorful town of Kinsale lies the historic Charles Fort. A 17th-century star-shaped fort, associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history.
There is a small visitor’s center here, with audio and visual exhibits for a self-guided experience. Or you can arrange a guided tour which lasts about one hour. The entrance to Charles Fort costs €2.50 per person.
Are your kids fascinated by ghost stories? Then tell them to watch out for the ghost of the White Lady. According to local legend, a local soldier had to go on patrol of Charles Fort on his wedding night. He arrived at the fort drunk after his wedding celebrations and fell asleep on watch. He was shot for abandoning his post, and his grief-stricken bride threw herself from Charles Forts’ walls when she was informed of his death. She is said to still haunt Charles Fort to this day.
11. Have a beach day!
Cork is well-known for having the best beaches in Ireland. But it’s West Cork especially that is home to the prettiest beaches. From the surfing beach of Garrettstown to the extraordinarily long Inchdoney beach, there’s certainly a beach in West Cork for everyone.
- Barleycove beach – often named by the media as the ‘most beautiful beach in Ireland.’ Located a 20-minute drive from the town of Schull and backed by numerous sand dunes – Barleycove is certainly a spectacular beach.
- Inchydoney beach – a whopping seven miles in length, Inchdoney is especially popular with overseas visitors. This popularity is probably due to the stunning Inchydoney beach hotel, which overlooks the beach.
- Garrettstown beach – a popular surf beach, you can try your hand at surfing with G Town Surf School . Garrettstown is also very popular with local families, as it is one of the closest beaches to Cork city. Grab some food and refreshments from the food trucks along the beach or walk to Stranded Cafe for a sit-down lunch.
If you’re staying in East Cork – then I recommend and love Youghal Beach, Myrtleville, and Fountainstown beaches. But one of my favorite beaches in all of Cork is a hidden gem not far from the town of Carrigaline. It’s called Rocky Bay – and it features sea caves and a small tidal river. Both of which my girls loved playing in.
12. Farran Woods
Farran Woods is a small forest park located on the south shore of Inniscarra Lake and is just under a 15-minute drive from the large town of Ballincollig. All around the park, you’ll be treated to lovely views of the lake’s reservoir. If you’re lucky, you might spot a couple of rowers (maybe even some Olympians) training at the National Rowing Center, which is located on the outskirts of the park.
While if you’re keen to get some adrenalin pumping, then Zipit Forest Adventures, a ziplining experience that offers over 800 meters of ziplines, is a must-do! Take in the epic views as you whizz through the treetops on this awesome aerial trail!
The best time to visit Farran Woods is during the deer rutting (breeding) season in autumn and to see the baby fawns in the spring!
There’s also a large kids’ playground, toilet facilities, and an excellent coffee cart next to the car park!
If you want to tire the kids out, then why not have them walk the easy 1.1 km Enclosure Trail which will take most people about 25 minutes to complete? This trail follows around the perimeter of the deer enclosure, where you can see both red deer and fallow deer, and the duck pond.
13. Doneraile Wildlife Park
Doneraile Wildlife Park is located in the small town of Doneraile in North Cork. It’s huge at 166 hectares and is comprised of beautifully landscaped gardens, a walking trail, a Cafe, and of course, the park’s centerpiece – Doneraile Court! This large manor house dates as far back as the 1720s and was built by Arthur St. Leger, who was the first Viscount of Doneraile.
The kitchen wing of the period home is now the park’s tea rooms and serves up delicious coffee, snacks, and sweet treats! You can also view works of art from the famed Crawford Art Gallery in Cork City within Doneraile Court!
On the easy walking trail here, you’ll be treated to sightings of various wildlife, from squirrels, deer, otters, and herons! You should also spend time in the intricate gardens here, which look their best in spring/summer! The Parterre Garden is the focal point and boasts an intricate pattern of box-hedging, while other gardens to check out are the Pinery-Vinery, the American Garden, and the Walled Garden!
14. Tramore Valley Park
Spanning a huge area of around 160 acres, Tramore Valley Park is interestingly located on a former landfill site that was closed back in 2009!
There is a 2.5km walking loop here, and it’s named after Former World Champion Race Walker Robert Heffernan. The route boasts epic views of Cork City and is flat and easy, so it is popular with a wide variety of people, from families with strollers to cyclists. A section of the trail follows along a wetlands area which is lush and peaceful.
What’s cool, too, is that Tramore Valley Park is the location for Corks Only International Standard BMX Track. So, BMX fans are sure to love this option!
You’ll also find an outdoor gym and a rugby pitch here.
15. Blackrock Castle
The magnificent Blackrock Castle is the oldest surviving building in the entire county of Cork, having been built back in 1582. Throughout the years, the castle has served many different purposes, including as an Admiralty Court, a lighthouse, and a gun battery! It’s now home to an observatory that showcases fun scientific exhibitions and star viewings.
There’s a great Cafe on-site, within the walls of the castle so it’s very photogenic. You can visit the Cafe for free and take some photos of the exterior of the castle, but there is a fee to visit the exhibitions inside the castle. If you visit the Cafe first you can get 10% off the castle entrance fee!
16. Shandon Bells
Ringing the Shandon Bells is a fun activity for kids in Cork City. The third tallest building in the city offers you the opportunity to climb to the top for a fantastic 360-degree view of Cork. And as I said, the chance to try your hand at ringing the church bells on your way to the top.
There are 8 ropes for the 8 bells and you can choose to play the bells to the tune of a song. Don’t worry you will be given instructions. The bells can be heard across the city though so no pressure!
You must climb 135 steps to reach the viewing balcony, so, this Cork activity is not recommended for very small kids.
It costs €5 for adults and children aged from 5-15 will be charged €2.
17. Marina Market & Splash Park (nearby)
A relatively new addition to Cork City, the Marina Market only opened its doors in September 2020. Since then it’s popularity has soared and it now attracts thousands of visitors weekly and is home to over 40 stalls.
It’s the largest indoor market in Cork and attracts a young crowd (families especially love it here!)
You can try food from all over the world here – from Argentinian steaks to Italian woodfired pizza and Mexican fare, the Marina Market offers one of the most diverse food offerings in Ireland. I can’t mention Marina Market and not mention Guji Coffee Bar the colorful shipping container out the front of the market which has notoriously excellent coffee – expect to queue for it though!
The Marina Market is located on Centre Park Road, a 20-minute walk from the city center.
There’s a splashpad in nearby Marina Park which features fountains and water squirters. It’s ideal for those sunny summer days.
18. Sherkin Island
A short 10-minute ferry journey from the town of Baltimore is the wild and rugged Sherkin Island. The ferry over costs €12. At just 3 miles long and with a population of approximately 100, Sherkin Island is also known as West Cork’s island of the arts. Many residents of Sherkin Island make a living from their art including painting and writing. So, if you have an art-loving kid they will likely enjoy the Artist Trail, a walk that passes a few artist studios on the island.
With beautiful sandy beaches (we adore Silver Strand), four different walking paths catering to all abilities, and even two restaurants – Sherkin House & Jolly Rogers. There is plenty to fill your day on Sherkin Island with kids. Plus, if you fancy staying the night you can choose from Sherkin House (with its 21 ensuite bedrooms) or one of the locally-run B&Bs.
If your kids love marine life, then this whale watching tour from Baltimore (where the ferry leaves from) is sure to keep them entertained. It’s 3 hours long and along the boat ride you’ll highly likely get to see dolphins, basking sharks, humpback whales and maybe even a killer whale if you’re lucky. Tickets cost from €40 euro per person.
19. Cape Clear Island
Cape Clear is a bigger island next to Sherkin and is a famous Gaeltacht region (residents here speak Irish!) For kids on the island, you can visit a goat farm where you can see the goats being milked between 10 am – 12 pm, go swimming at north harbour or go on a whale watching tour. For older kids, they may enjoy kayaking, visiting the 14th century O’Driscoll castle, or hiking one of the many easy-ish trails on the island.
You can hop on the ferry to Cape Clear from either Baltimore or Schull. From Baltimore you can also book on this excellent boat tour to Cape Clear Island and Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. This tour costs €57 per person and is 6 hours long. Along the way, tell the kids to keep their eyes peeled for basking sharks and dolphins who are known to swim in the waters here during the summer months.
There are a few restaurants on Cape Clear – Sean Rua’s Restaurant, Club Chleire, and Cotters Bar. And if you wish (we highly recommend doing so) you can spend the night here – there’s a hostel, glamping pods and a few locally run B&B’s.
20. Currabinny Woods
A short drive from Carrigaline, Curraghbinny Woods is one of the most beautifully set woods in Cork County because it is set on a hill overlooking Cork Harbor. From one side of the woods, you can look across to the colorful village of Crosshaven and from the other side to Ringaskiddy and its huge wind turbines.
Although small in size (just over 35 hectares), there are a few great walking trails here. The main trail is the loop trail which you can start from the main car park and takes about 30-45 minutes. The trail is flat and easy for most of the way and boasts views of both Crosshaven and the harbor surrounding Ringaskiddy. Towards the end, though, there is a winding uphill section that takes you deep into the woods and can be muddy after wet weather. It’s at the end of this uphill section that you’ll spot the “giants grave,” a cairn that Irish folklore says to be the resting place of a giant.
There’s also a spur trail off the loop trail which leads to the gazebo; you can access it from two sections – behind the “giants grave” or via a steep uphill path from the lower section of the loop trail.
For an easier/less muddy walk, park at the lesser-known second entrance, which is about halfway along the road to Curraghbinny pier. And walk the flat path to the main car park and back again!
21. Haulbowline Recreational Park
This is a lovely spot for a quick walk with the kids as it’s paved and mostly flat. So, it’s stroller and scooter/ bike-friendly. It boasts glorious views over Cork Harbour and out to Spike Island and Cobh. There’s also a coffee truck on-site and toilets.
It’s located in Ringaskiddy and we visited here often when we lived in nearby Currabinny.
22. Ballyhass Lakes
Ballyhass Lakes near Mallow is a hive of activity and has something for all ages. From zip-lining to wake-boarding to an Aqua Park. We had the pleasure of exploring the Aqua Park during our holiday to Ballyhoura recently. Or perhaps more fittingly ‘falling off of’ the Aqua Park.
The Aqua Park at Ballyhass Lakes is essentially a series of inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows and bouncers. All connected together and floating in a large, clean and refreshing lake. And boy, did we have fun!
For our one-hour slot we would be joined by approximately 40 other youths and adults. The Aqua Park is a lot harder than it looks. It’s the type of belly-aching fun that you need on a great day out. If you’re not as agile as you once were (like myself) you may spend a lot more time in the water than on the Aqua Park. It’s an excellent activity if there’s a large group of you. However, it’s only suitable for kids aged over 6 years!
Where to Stay in Cork City
Hayfield Manor – this super-luxurious hotel is one of the best in Cork City and is definitely one for the bucket-list. It is located a few minutes drive from the CBD.
Montenotte Hotel – this super-cool and quirky hotel has been recently renovated. It has lovely gardens and a cinema!
River Lee Hotel – with prime views over the River Lee, large bedrooms and a fantastic on-site restaurant this is one of the most popular hotels in Cork!
Cork City Center Self Catering Apartment – Located near Cork City Hall and Saint Finbarres Cathedral this modern apartment is very centrally located. The one-bedroom apartment is 26m2 and has a kitchen (including fridge, microwave and oven), dining room and separate bedroom. Free WiFi is also included in the rate.
River View Apartment – A luxurious apartment with river views and a terrace just a few minutes walk from the city center. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. This is a quiet part of town.
Thanks for Reading!
And, that’s it folks. If you’ve visited Cork previously or are from Cork like myself is there anything else you would include in this list of the best things to do in Cork with kids? If so, please leave a comment below.
Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by snaphappytravel
So much to do in Cork! The hobbit house looks like fun for the kids.
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