Fota Wildlife Park
Experience a unique open-zoo where animals roam freely in naturalistic habitats, fostering conservation and wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Fota Wildlife Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a unique open-zoo where animals roam freely in naturalistic habitats, fostering conservation and wonder.
"Walking through open areas and seeing animals move freely was magical!"
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:
📅 Check Feeding Schedules
Don't miss the chance to see animals at their most active during feeding times. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Free-Roaming Kangaroos & Wallabies
Open park areas
Wander alongside these marsupials as they hop freely through the park. A truly unique, up-close encounter!
Majestic Giraffes
Giraffe enclosure
Marvel at these gentle giants, including new arrivals like Nóinín, in their spacious habitat.
Playful Lemurs
Lemur enclosure
Watch these energetic primates leap and play, you might even catch them grooving to a tune!
Conservation Champions
Various enclosures (Cheetahs, Red Pandas)
See rare and endangered species and learn about the park's vital conservation efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Open Spaces
Plan for Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:
📅 Check Feeding Schedules
Don't miss the chance to see animals at their most active during feeding times. :clock1:
📸 Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Highly recommended for an up-close, educational, and unforgettable animal encounter. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Consider the Road Train
A great option if little legs get tired or you want to cover more ground. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:
📅 Check Feeding Schedules
Don't miss the chance to see animals at their most active during feeding times. :clock1:
📸 Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Highly recommended for an up-close, educational, and unforgettable animal encounter. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Consider the Road Train
A great option if little legs get tired or you want to cover more ground. :bus:
🌳 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of lovely spots to enjoy your own food amidst nature. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fota Wildlife Park for its unique open-zoo concept, allowing animals to roam freely in spacious, naturalistic habitats. The variety of animals, from majestic giraffes to playful lemurs, and the park's commitment to conservation are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the park is extensive and requires a lot of walking, the overall experience is described as magical, educational, and perfect for a family day out.
"Visiting Fota Wildlife Park was truly an unforgettable experience! The park is beautifully designed, allowing animals to roam in large, naturalistic habitats, which makes the visit feel so unique compared to a traditional zoo. Walking through the open areas and seeing kangaroos, lemurs, and wallabies moving freely around us was magical.
The variety of animals is amazing – from majestic giraffes and zebras to playful monkeys and rare species like cheetahs and red pandas. Each enclosure is well maintained, and the educational boards provide great insights about conservation, which shows how much the park cares for both the animals and visitors.
The staff were warm, helpful, and passionate about wildlife. Facilities like cafés, picnic areas, and play zones made it a fun, family-friendly experience too. The atmosphere is peaceful, surrounded by greenery, and it’s the perfect place to spend a full day reconnecting with nature.
Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Cork – whether with family, friends, or even solo. Fota Wildlife Park is not just a day out, it’s an experience full of wonder, learning, and memories that stay with you. 🌿🦒🐒"
RAJ MODI
"I would highly recommend visiting the wildlife park & doing the behind the scenes tour. Willy our tour guide was brilliant, so knowledgeable & passionate about his job which was very telling when every animal came over to see him including the crows 😂.
You get up close & personal to some amazing animals & feed them & get to pet some which is an unbelievable experience. Be brought behind the scenes & see how it works.
You also get to learn about the conservation work they do which I think is important for everyone to know.
Best money spent on doing the tour, would definitely do it again & great to support the animals & cause.
Would highly highly recommend"
Lisa Baldacchino
"We’ve visited the Wildlife Park more than four times, and we always bring friends and family whenever they visit. We took our two-year-old son last year, and he absolutely loved it! He was thrilled to see all the animals, especially the giraffe, the tiger, and the larger animals like the rhinoceros, if I remember correctly! He also adored the butterfly house, where he saw a sloth strolling around, and he was fascinated by the fish since he’s a big fish fan!"
Heloisa Marmiroli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fota Wildlife Park is easily accessible from Cork city. You can drive, which takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cork Kent station to Fota station, which is a short walk from the park entrance.
Yes, Fota Wildlife Park offers ample free parking for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot.
Absolutely! The Irish Rail service stops at Fota station, which is conveniently located near the park. Check the train schedule for frequent services from Cork city.
From Cork city, take the N25 East towards Carrigtwohill. Follow signs for Fota Wildlife Park. The park is well-signposted along the route.
Yes, the park is generally accessible with wide paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The road train also accommodates these.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is often recommended for potential discounts and to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Fota Wildlife Park website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times for your planned visit.
Yes, tickets are usually available for purchase at the gate, but booking online is often advised to avoid queues and potential sell-outs during peak times.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or group bookings. Keep an eye on their website or social media for special offers.
While there isn't a strict time limit for your visit, the park has specific opening and closing hours. Most visitors spend a full day exploring.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fota Wildlife Park is home to a diverse range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, red pandas, lemurs, kangaroos, wallabies, and many more. You can see animals from all continents. +1
Yes, a key feature of Fota Wildlife Park is its free-roaming animals. You can encounter kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species hopping and flying around the park.
Feeding times are scheduled throughout the day for various animals. These schedules are usually posted at the park entrance or on their website, offering great viewing opportunities.
Yes, Fota Wildlife Park operates a road train that circles the park, providing a convenient way to get around, especially for those with mobility issues or young children.
Yes, the park has dedicated play areas for children, making it a fun and engaging experience for families.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Fota Wildlife Park has cafes and food vendors offering a selection of snacks, meals, and drinks. You can find options to suit different tastes.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in designated areas throughout the park.
The cafes typically offer a range of options including sandwiches, salads, hot meals, and treats.
While specific menus can change, most park cafes aim to offer a variety of options, often including vegetarian choices. It's best to inquire on the day.
There are several picnic areas scattered throughout the park, offering scenic spots to enjoy your meal. The cafes are conveniently located near main attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
The open enclosures offer fantastic opportunities for naturalistic shots. Try to capture animals in their habitats, especially during feeding times or when they are active. +1
Yes, the park's design allows for very close encounters, particularly with the free-roaming animals. The behind-the-scenes tours offer even better opportunities for close-ups.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check signage.
A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm or 100-400mm) is ideal for capturing animals at varying distances. A wider lens can be useful for the open park landscapes.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and often more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour for an even more memorable experience, where kids can get up close and personal with some amazing creatures. It's an educational and fun day out that will leave everyone with lasting memories.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light and animal activity. A versatile zoom lens is highly recommended to capture animals at various distances. Don't forget to check the schedule for feeding times, which often result in dynamic and engaging shots.
🌍 Conservation Advocates
Consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour to gain insight into the daily operations and conservation work. Your visit directly supports these vital initiatives, making it a trip that's both enjoyable and impactful.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique 'Open Zoo' Concept
This approach not only provides a more enriching environment for the animals but also offers visitors a unique perspective. Seeing animals in a setting that feels closer to their natural environment creates a stronger connection and a deeper appreciation for wildlife. The park's 28 hectares are meticulously landscaped to support this vision, blending animal habitats with beautiful gardens.
The success of this model is evident in the positive reviews, with many visitors highlighting the magical feeling of walking alongside animals. It transforms a typical zoo visit into an adventure, encouraging a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Conservation at the Forefront
Species like the cheetah and red panda are among those benefiting from Fota's conservation initiatives. The park's dedication extends beyond breeding, focusing on educating the public about the challenges these animals face in the wild and what can be done to help. This educational aspect is a vital part of their mission, aiming to inspire a new generation of conservationists.
By supporting Fota Wildlife Park, visitors are directly contributing to these vital conservation projects. The 'behind the scenes' tours, in particular, offer a deeper understanding of the daily work involved in animal care and conservation, making the experience both enjoyable and impactful.
Family Fun and Accessibility
Beyond the animal encounters, the park provides amenities like play areas, picnic spots, and a road train service, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day out for families. The road train is a lifesaver for little legs that tire easily, allowing everyone to see more of the park without exhaustion.
The park's design is also mindful of accessibility. Wide paths make it easy to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs, and the overall layout is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone can experience the wonder of Fota Wildlife Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit