Cork – Fota Wildlife Park

Family Attractions, Party Venues, Things To Do In Cork, Zoos and Aquariums

Name: Fota Wildlife Park
Address: Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
Tel.: +353-21-4812678
Please mention Family Fun when booking!
Website

Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park in Cork is a special zoo and Ireland’s premier wildlife attraction. In Fota Wildlife Park wherever possible they have chosen animals, which thrive in a free-range environment are allows to roam free, while mixed with other species and with us human visitors!

These species are also able to adjust to the Irish Climate. The animals themselves make the choice of seeking shelter when necessary.

In some cases, for example the giraffes, only a barrier separate visitors from the animals at this wildlife park but this is always unobtrusive and does not reduce the animal’s quality of life.

In order to explain the responsibility for caring for the natural world, there are also courses in nature conservation for both primary and secondary schools. These conservation courses help students understand the effects of man on the natural world, and describe the actions that are necessary to prevent the loss of habitats and species.

During the school holidays Summer Camps, Safari Days and Activity Days around Easter and Halloween are organised for children. The emphasis is on enjoyment within the Wildlife Park.

Throughout the year Fota Wildlife Park hold various events, the main aim of the day is combining fun with conservation. There will be many activities organized, aimed at children and adults alike such as face painting, arts and crafts, yoga, music and talks.

All courses and activities are based in Fota Wildlife Park’s Education Centre and grounds and must be booked in advance.

Visit Fota Wildlife Park in Cork Website for more information

The Tropical House At Fota Wildlife Park

The Tropical House which is 280s qm in size is home to 3 reptile, 9 amphibian, 28 fish and 14 butterfly species all of which are new species to Fota Wildlife Park.  All of these species will be on display amongst 340 tropical plants at temperature of 26° Celsius all year round.

The development is also home to a state of the art veterinary facility which will allow for injured or sick animals to be treated at Fota Wildlife Park, this facility is not open to the public.

Daily Events At Fota Wildlife Park

  • Animal Feeds:

Most animals require feeding twice daily and you can see the wardens feeding them in the early morning and late afternoon.

From Sat 16th March the daily feeding times schedule will be as follows:

  • 11.00 Penguins
  • 12 noon Cheetah Run
  • 12.30 LT Macaque
  • 13.00 Spiders
  • 13.30 Drill
  • 15.30 Penguin
  • 16.00 Red Panda
  • 16.30 Seal 16:30

Wildlife Talks – June to August

Enjoy our educational and insightful talks throughout the Park daily. Free with your entry.

  • 11.00 Visitor meet and greet inside Main Gates
  • 11.30 Indian Rhino
  • 12.00 Siamang Gibbon
  • 12.30 Asiatic Lion
  • 12.45 Cheetah Run
  • 14.15 Siamang Gibbon
  • 14.30 Red Panda (Asian Sanctuary)
  • 15.00 Sumatran Tiger
  • 15.30 Eagle & Seal
  • 16.00 Cheetah Run
  • 16.30 Penguin Feeding
  • 17.00 Eagle & Seal
  • 17.15 Giraffe Crossing

To Find Out More About Fota Wildlife Park Events

Fota Wildlife Park Opening Times

November to March

• Mon-Sun: 9.30 a.m.

• Last entry: 2:30 pm
(3pm for members)

• Park closed: 4.00pm

Fota Wildlife Park Admission

Tickets :                              at Gate                        on line

  • Adults:                     €20.90                          €18.90
  • Children(U 16)        €14.40                          €13.10
  • Students (with valid student card) & Seniors (65+)
  •                                 €15.60                          €14.20
  • Toddlers (Under 3): FREE

Family Tickets:                    at Gate                       on line

  • 2 adults + 2 children: €60.90                       €57.30
  • 2 adults + 3 children: €70.30                       €67.20
  • 2 adults + 4 children: €76.50                       €73.90

Booking Online

You can book on line here through our booking link directly to the FOTA Wildlife Park ticket sales.

Note: For bookings of 20 or more please get in touch

Group Admission To Fota Wildlife Park

Notes: For bookings of 20 or more please get in touch on 021 4812678 ext 210 or emailing [email protected]

Special group rates for people in long-term residential care can be arranged on application in writing to the Wildlife Park at [email protected]

Education Prices

For school groups, one teacher is allowed free with every 10 pupils. Though payment is not required in advance groups need to book in advance by calling on 021 4812678 ext 210 or emailing [email protected]

Guided Tours

A ‘Behind the Scenes’ Guided Tour is just one of the options available to groups interested in learning about the Park in a less formal setting.

We can cater for school groups looking for a fun day out or a group of visitors arrived into the Cork area by bus, train or cruise ship.

For more details, it is advised that you get in touch in advance by dropping an email to [email protected]

Wild Experience

VIP Family Experience 

Gather your family members and spend an afternoon with one of their wardens for a fun and informative behind-the-scenes tour. Explore the behind the scenes areas, prepare food in the kitchen for the animals you will meet on your tour and help the ranger with the feeding of them. Hear interesting stories about the Fota Wildlife Park residents and learn educational conservation messages about them.

For ages strictly 4 years and up, maximum of 2 adults & 4 children, includes admission price to the park and offered year-round.

Experience includes: (*Animals available subject to change)

  •  2 hour guided tour with a ranger
  •  Feed Penguins and see how the Giraffe house operates*
  •  Great photo opportunities
  •  Park admission included
  •  Experience certificate

Fee: €185

10% discount for Fota Wildlife Park annual pass holders

To book call 021 4812678 ext 210 or email [email protected]

Please note that children on these tours are strictly over four years of age only

The Warden Experience

Take part in the Warden Experience at Fota Wildlife Park and let the wardens share their passion for animals with you. Feel your own love for animals grow along with your understanding of the human/animal connection. Spend a day participating in the care and feeding of some of the world’s most endangered animals.

Family Fun Tip:- The experience will be fun and educational but you should be prepared for some hard work!

  • Experience includes: (*Animals available subject to change)
  •  3 – 3.5-hour tour
  •  Feed the penguins and other animals*
  •  See up close how the Cheetah Run Works
  •  Hands-on experience working alongside our experienced rangers
  •  Great photo opportunities
  •  Park admission included
  •  Complimentary tea/coffee in the morning/afternoon
  •  Complimentary lunch is provided for at the Savannah Cafe
  •  Gift Pack including special edition t-shirt and experience certificate

Fee: €195 for 1 adult and €295 for 2 adults

10% Discount for Fota Wildlife Park annual pass holders

To book call 021 4812678 ext 210 or email [email protected]

The Behind the Scenes Experience

This amazing experience will allow animal lovers to get up close with some of our most loved animals and give them an exclusive glimpse into what really goes on behind the scenes at Ireland’s wildest attraction.

  • Ages eighteen and up, maximum of three, includes admission price to the park and offered year-roundExperience includes: (*Animals available subject to change)
  •  2 hour guided tour with a warden
  •  The opportunity to go behind the scenes to learn and feed some of our animals and ask our ranger any questions you may have*
  •  Free admission into the park for the participant
  •  Experience certificate

Fee:

  •  €130 for one adult
  •  €180 for two adults
  •  €240 for three adults
  • 10% Discount for Fota Wildlife Park members
  • For further information or to book, please contact the annual pass holder office on 021 4812678.
  • Book online here

Fota Wildlife Park Car Park Charges

  • Private Vehicles €3.00
  • Tour Coaches FREE

Please note – if you choose to park your car at Fota, this means that your visit to Fota House’s grounds, frame yard garden, walled gardens and arboretum are also included in the €3 car park charge and monies raised from this charge go towards the upkeep of Fota House and Gardens. The Irish Heritage Trust, who own Fota House and Gardens is a charitable status organisation like the Wildlife Park.

Fota Wildlife Park Annual Pass

  • Conservation Annual Pass – €215.00
  • Park Annual Pass – €155.00

Fota Wildlife Park Facilities

Here is a list of some of the facilities that are available at the park
  •  Children’s Play Areas
  •  Sheltered Huts
  • Wheelchair Loan
  •  Irish Rail Train Station
  •  Picnic and Rest Areas
  •  Serengeti Gift Shop
  •  Oasis Café
  •  Savannah Café
  •  First Aid
  •  Toilets, Disabled Toilets, Baby-Changing Facilities
  •  Credit Cards Accepted

Getting to Fota Wildlife Park Cork

FOTA Wildlife Park is situated 10km east of Cork City, just off the N25. Take the Cobh Road (R22). The entrance to the park is just before Belvelly Bridge. See Google Map at top of page.

There is a Direct Rail Service to FOTA Wildlife Park Station. Cork to Fota only 15 minutes. This train connects to intercity trains to Dublin. Visit www.irishrail.ie to view timetables.

The Wildlife Park is only 15 minutes from Cork Airport.

History Of Fota Wildlife Park

Ireland’s Wildest Attraction, Fota Wildlife Park was opened in 1983 by the President of Ireland, Dr. Patrick Hillery, and is a joint project of the Zoological Society of Ireland and University College Cork. Fota Wildlife Park Ltd. is a non-profit organisation limited by guarantee and is a registered charity. Any financial surpluses that the Park generates are reinvested in order to promote the company’s objectives of conservation, education and research.

WEATHER AND POLLEN