What to do in Fota

Activities, attractions and tours

A castle on a small island surrounded by water, with a bridge in the background.
A cheetah walking on grass with trees in the background.
Two pelicans swimming in a body of water with reflections.
A large white bird with a long beak standing on grass near a body of water.
A park with a walking path, ducks, and people.

Fota Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Fota has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Fota, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Fota with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Fota

Fota is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Fota, and make it a breeze to explore Fota and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Fota to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Fota, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Fota.

Fota attractions

Fota has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Fota to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Fota.

Looking for things to do in Fota can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Fota or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Fota attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Blarney Castle and Kinsale Tour from Cork

Blarney Castle and Kinsale Tour from Cork

£51
per adult
Blarney Castle and Kinsale Tour from Cork
Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork

Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork

£40
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Morning Blarney Castle & Kinsale Half Day Tour from Cork
Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience

Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience

£28
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Cork: Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience
Rebel City Distillery Tour

Rebel City Distillery Tour

£24
per adult
Rebel City Distillery Tour
Cork Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and More

Cork Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and More

£48
per adult
Cork Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats, and More
Cork: City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide

Cork: City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide

£12
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cork: City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide
Cork: 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise

Cork: 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise

£24
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Cork: 2-Hour Guided Cork Harbour Scenic Cruise
Cork City Guided Tour: Stories, Sites, and Secrets

Cork City Guided Tour: Stories, Sites, and Secrets

£14
per adult
Cork City Guided Tour: Stories, Sites, and Secrets
Cork: Guided Historical Walking Tour

Cork: Guided Historical Walking Tour

£24
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cork: Guided Historical Walking Tour
See all activities in Fota
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Top places to visit

1. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.
Learn more
A historic castle with a tall tower, surrounded by lush greenery and a field of yellow flowers.

2. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.
Learn more
An arched stone corridor with a tiled floor leading to a park.

3. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.
Learn more
A food market with a deli counter displaying various meats and cheeses.

4. Blackrock Castle

At Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) Blackrock Castle Observatory, you can step 400 years into the past and see light years into the distant corners of the cosmos.
Learn more
A historic castle by a river with lush greenery and a distant view of a town.

5. Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.
Learn more
A group of giraffes standing close together in a fenced enclosure with a grassy area and trees in the background.

Recommended things to do in Fota

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Fota

Stay near popular Fota attractions

Fota House Arboretum and Gardens

10.0/10 (2 reviews)
This Regency-era estate features neoclassical interiors and rare botanical treasures. Arrive for guided house tours at noon or 2pm to appreciate its aristocratic heritage and seasonal blooms.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Fota

A river flowing through a town with historic houses and lush greenery.

Cork

A waterfront town with colorful buildings and a calm river.

Cobh

Frequently asked questions

Is Fota worth visiting?
Fota offers a unique blend of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional food, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Fota?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Fota Wildlife Park and Cobh Heritage Centre. Then, explore other parts of Fota for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Fota?
Fota Wildlife Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Fota and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Fota?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out some popular city sights, such as Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh Cathedral and St. Colman's Cathedral. The average stay in Fota is two days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, Cork isn't far away.
Is Fota a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to see and do in Fota. Several key sights, including Fota Wildlife Park and Fota House Arboretum and Gardens, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Fota's neighbourhoods, Little Island is 3 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Glounthaune is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Fota with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Fota with kids.
What to do in Fota for adults?
Jameson Experience and Paul Street are just a couple of the things to do in Fota. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Fota?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Fota is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Cobh Cathedral is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia