Our journey begins with two unique destinations that combine contact with nature and entertainment for the whole family.

The first stop is Fota Wildlife Park, located on Fota Island, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Cork. This unique wildlife park is a true paradise for nature lovers. More than 1,000 animals representing 100 species can be found within 100 acres. What sets Fota Wildlife Park apart is that many of the animals here live in near-natural conditions, with no visible barriers between them and visitors.

The park offers unforgettable experiences, such as encounters with lemurs strolling freely along designated paths, or watching giraffes and zebras grazing in vast grasslands. For the little ones, there is a playground and picnic areas where families can relax and dine. The park is open year-round, with ticket prices ranging from €11 to €19, depending on age (as of 2023).

Another place worth visiting is Ballincollig Regional Park, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Cork. This sprawling 134-acre park offers an ideal setting for outdoor activities. Picturesquely located on the banks of the River Lee, the park is stunning with its lush vegetation and historic ruins of former powder mills.

The park features numerous walking and biking paths, sports fields and a modern children's playground. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll among the greenery. Admission to the park is free, making it an excellent option for families looking for an economical way to spend time.

Both Fota Wildlife Park and Ballincollig Regional Park offer unique experiences, but each in its own way. Fota Wildlife Park is ideal for animal lovers and those looking for an educational experience, while Ballincollig Regional Park is an excellent choice for families who prefer to stay active and get in touch with nature without the added expense. Both places are easily accessible from Cork and offer amenities such as parking and picnic areas, making them family-friendly for families with children.

In this part of our trip, we will discover two charming places that will allow us to take a deeper dive into the atmosphere of the Irish countryside and learn about its traditions.

Leahy's Open Farm, located in the picturesque village of Dungourney, about a 30-minute drive from Cork, is a true gem among family attractions. This working farm offers unique educational and entertaining experiences for guests of all ages. The farm features a variety of farm animals, including cows, sheep, goats, chickens or ducks. Children have the opportunity to feed and stroke the animals under the supervision of experienced staff.

Leahy's Open Farm isn't just about animals - you'll also find many other attractions. The miniature park showcases Irish monuments to scale, and there is also a museum of old farm machinery that takes a look at the history of agriculture. For the active, there are walking paths, a playground and a mini golf course. The farm also hosts seasonal events, such as Halloween and Christmas on the Farm. Ticket prices range from €8 to €12 (as of 2023), making it an affordable attraction for families.

Another place worth visiting is Valley View Farm, located in the village of Slieveroe, about a 20-minute drive from Cork. This small, family-run farm offers a unique experience of direct contact with local agriculture. Valley View Farm is famous for its self-service system of selling fresh vegetables and eggs, available 24 hours a day.

Guests can walk around the farm, enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It's the perfect place to show children where food comes from and what life in the countryside is like. The farm does not charge an entrance fee and the prices of products are very affordable, making it an economical option for families looking to experience authentic rural life.

Both Leahy's Open Farm and Valley View Farm offer authentic experiences of rural life, but each in its own way. Leahy's Open Farm is a full-service tourist attraction with a wide range of activities and amenities, perfect for a day trip. Valley View Farm, on the other hand, is an intimate, quiet place, perfect for a short stop while exploring the area and shopping for fresh, local produce.

Both farms are easily accessible from Cork and offer visitor parking. Leahy's Open Farm has more extensive tourist facilities, including a café and gift store, while Valley View Farm focuses on simplicity and direct contact with nature. The choice between the two depends on your family's preference - whether you prefer organized entertainment or a more intimate, authentic experience of rural life.

At the end of our tour of the Cork area, we invite you to discover the charm of Ireland's forests, which offer tranquility and proximity to nature.

Kilmurry Woods, also known as Coill Chill Mhuire, is a picturesque forest complex located about a 15-minute drive southwest of Cork. This relatively small forest offers excellent conditions for walking and active recreation in nature. Kilmurry Woods is famous for its well-maintained walking trails of varying difficulty, making it suitable for families with young children as well as more experienced walkers.

The forest impresses with its diversity - you can find both old stands of trees and younger plantings. In spring and summer, the forest blooms with color, offering beautiful views and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. In autumn, on the other hand, it delights with a palette of warm colors of falling leaves. Kilmurry Woods is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, picnic or photo session surrounded by nature.

It's worth noting that Kilmurry Woods doesn't charge admission, making it an attractive option for families looking for budget-friendly outdoor activities. Parking is available, although it may be limited on weekend days.

Comparing our five selected sites, each offers unique experiences and attractions:

1. Fota Wildlife Park stands out for its abundance of exotic animals and educational nature, but comes with the highest admission costs.

2. Ballincollig Regional Park offers extensive recreational areas and historical attractions, while being a free option for families.

3. Leahy's Open Farm combines elements of a farm and an amusement park, offering a wide range of attractions at an affordable price.

4. Valley View Farm provides an authentic experience of rural life and the opportunity to purchase fresh local produce without an admission fee.

5. Kilmurry Woods provides tranquility and contact with wildlife, also with no admission cost.

When choosing a destination for a trip, it is worth considering not only the price, but also the type of activity you prefer, the age of your children and the time you have available. Fota Wildlife Park and Leahy's Open Farm are ideal for day trips with many activities, while the other sites are perfect for shorter trips or as part of a broader tour plan.

Regardless of your choice, any of these places will allow you to experience the charm of the Irish countryside and spend an unforgettable time surrounded by nature. Remember to check current opening hours and any restrictions before visiting, especially during high season or holidays. We wish you a successful exploration of the picturesque surroundings of Cork!