There are lots of family friendly and child friendly things to see and do with the kids. Have a look also at our Family Events section for forthcoming family friendly events to entertain the kids and see also our what to do for free.
The Fota Wildlife Park is a great day out for all of the family. You will see over ninety species of wildlife and excellent conservation programmes in action. Animals that thrive in a free-range environment have been chosen which allows them to roam free, while mixed with other species and with us human visitors! Fota Wildlife Park is not like an ordinary zoo and you and the kids can have a great interactive experience with many of the animals. If you are a member of Dublin Zoo your membership also covers the wildlife park. This is a great family friendly day out and the kids will love it.
Fota House and Gardens on Fota Island is adjacent to the Great Island of Cobh and renowned for its magnificent Regency style House, Gardens and world famous Arboretum. The story of Fota is told on audio screens throughout the house and visitors can also enjoy authentic country house fare in the traditional tearoom. These beautiful gardens are great to explore with the family and will be a big hit with nature loving kids.
Blarney Castle is situated 8km from Cork City and this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. Kids may enjoy the fact that the word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. In the grounds of the castle the Rock Close and its surroundings is a curious place of ancient trees and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of worship in pre-Christian days. The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch's Kitchen, Druid's Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past.
Millstreet Country Park is a 203 hectare park on the northern slopes of Musheramore Mountain. The Tuairin Na mBlath visitor centre is the heart of the Park where you can find your bearings. The Park has many miles of trails. Some are short and can be covered quickly by even the most reluctant rambler! Others are more extensive and can involve a climb up the park so you may choose to ride them in part on the Park Transport Vehicles, returning to the Visitor Centre to sample fresh, locally grown produce in the restaurant.
The Mizen Head Visitor Centre at Irish Lights Signal Station is located at Ireland’s most south-westerly point. The Mizen Experience includes the ninety nine steps, The Arched Bridge, spectacular coastal views and displays and exhibits in the Keepers’ old quarters. The Mizen Head Visitor Centre has exhibits and displays on the themes of Safety at Sea, Modern Navigational Aids Simulator, The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and an Automatic Weather Station feeding data into Met Eireann.
A tour of the Old Midleton Distillery is a journey through the story of Irish whiskey by means of an audio-visual presentation (available in 7 languages). Follow the old distillery trail through mills, maltings, corn stores, stillhouse, warehouses and kilns - some of these buildings date back to 1795. View the largest pot still in the world prior to sampling the internationally renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar (minerals for children of course).
The Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork is an exciting place for children to learn about the universe. They can enjoy an interactive self guided tour with 21st-century technology in a 16th century castle, play The Comet Chaser in Ireland's first interactive theatre and virtually save the Earth and enjoy local produce in the on-site restaurant.
The Queenstown Story in Cobh is a fascinating museum which tells the story of the history of the town. Cobh was the Titanic's last port of call before it set sail on its maiden and only voyage. Children can learn about the emigration from Cobh and the multimedia exhibition brings history to life.
The Cork Arts Theatre (CAT) is one of the busiest venues in the region, it is a 100 seat theatre which showcases a wide range of theatre events from costume dramas to childrens shows. Check out their website for more info at www.corkartstheatre.com or call 021-4505624.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Mallow will be a treat for animal lovers. Rescued donkeys are protected and rehabilitated at the sanctuary which also offers educational programmes on donkey care.
The West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakility will be of interest to younger children who can race around the miniature villages. While there you can see the Michael Collins Centre, the Lisselay Estate, the West Cork Museum and the Michael Collins Trail for a really full day. If you have time/energy try the beaches nearby.
Beaches are prolific around the Cork coastline and there are fine beaches many now with Blue Flags. In Youghal there are beaches at Front Strand and ClayCastle. In Kinsale you can stroll down the beaches at Castlepark and Summercove Garylucas on the old head of Kinsale. Clonakilty has the beautiful beaches of Inchydoney and Long Strand and Red Strand are some of the best beaches in Cork. Bantry Bay also has some beautiful beach areas.
Monkey Maze in Glanmire is a GIANT (500 sq m) 4 level play area catering for children up to 12 years of age. It has family friendly features which include: mother & baby area, separate dedicated toddler area, 3 indoor football / basketball courts, ball cannon area, ball pools, 5 amazing slides and much more.
Leisureworld, Knockfree Avenue in Churchfield has a Giant Slide available to families on a daily basis. LeisureWorld is in 2 locations in Cork City: Bishopstown and Churchfield, so access is easy families wherever they are travelling from. Other activities available in both Churchfield & Bishopstown include: All Weather Pitches - Kids Birthday Parties - Kids Camps - Kids Activity Packages (Private Parties / Summer Schemes etc ) - Swimming Lesson (Weekly & Intensive) - Teen Gym Sessions - School Tours (Bishopstown Only
Aquatrek in Youghal will introduce the family to the sports of Sailing, Powerboating, Dinghy Racing and Yacht Cruising.
Cinema World in Douglas has screens with Dolby digital surround sound, air conditioning, luxurious stadium seating, fully wheelchair accessible, and loop system for hearing aid users.
Cork Butter Museum, The Tony O’Reilly Centre at O’Connell Square a unique institution, located in the historic Shandon area of Cork with its entire ground-floor gallery displaying traditional butter-making equipment. The gallery features a keg of thousand-year-old butter and accompanying panels on the food and society in the Ireland of Saints and Scholars.
Cork City Gaol & Radio Museum Experience, Convent Avenue in Sundays Well has two of Cork’s attraction housed in the building. Amazingly lifelike figures, furnished cells, sound effects and fascinating exhibitions allow the family to experience day to day life of prisoners and gaoler. Situated in the unlikely setting of the former Governors House the "Radio Museum Experience" deals not alone with the early days of Irish & international radio broadcasting but with the impact of its invention on all our lives.
Crawford Municipal Art Gallery at the Emmet is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure. The Gallery’s permanent collection comprises over 2000 works, ranging from eighteenth century Irish and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations.
Dinosaur Exhibition, Dino Cafe, Castletownroche in Mallow based in the picturesque village of Castletownroche and close to Annes Grove and Doneraile Animal Park, the Dinocafe features life sized and scientifically accurate dinosaur models created by some of the finest sculptors in the world. This unique exhibition is a great wet-weather attraction and will astound and entertain children and adults alike. The Dinocafes restaurant serves top quality hot meals and snacks and there is an extensive gift shop that includes specially commissioned artworks.
Old English Market in Grand Parade is an amazing shopping destination and, even more, an interesting cultural destination, just off the main shopping streets of central Cork City. In this large building, families will find a concentration of food vendors, each in their own serving stall, selling both local and imported foods. Just a walk through the building is practically an overload of your senses as you see and smell the fresh fruits and vegetables, stunning bakery, sides of beef on a hook, stacks of poultry, crocks of olives, fresh eggs in high piles, and the delightful people selling their products. The English Market is a pleasant opportunity to combine shopping, dining, and a cultural experience all in one.
There are good forest parks to walk and the Farran Forest Park and the Gouganne Barra Forest Park are two of the most popular forest free attractions in Cork.
Cork has miles of great walks. Good places for a short walks include Kinsale, Clear Island and Charles Fort. You can also try the beaches described above and of course the Millstreet Country Park which is an abundance of nature trails, moorlands, wetlands, rivers and waterfalls.
Ireland visitor discounts is a fantastic free downloadable discount voucher for leading Irish cultural and heritage visitor attractions. You should download a form for each member of the family and bring this with you when you are travelling. Discounts include two for the price of one in leading tourist attractions, free admission at some attractions and between 10 and 20% off other attractions. This really could make a considerable saving for your family.
You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday.
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