Family Friendly Attractions
Fota Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park is one of Ireland’s most famous wildlife park. In this rural setting one can view rare and endangered species of wildlife in surroundings which have been developed as close as possible to their natural environments. There is a variety of animals that come from all over the world such as, giraffes, cheetahs, monkeys, elephants and many more. There is more than 70 acres of open countryside to explore where you will come face to face with animals wandering freely.
Trabolgan
Trabolgan is a real treat for any family day out. Trabolgan is situated on a picturesque 140-acre estate in beautiful East Cork, Trabolgan Holiday Village is well known for its magical surroundings and excellent facilities. The facilities available in Trabolgan are as follows: Sub Tropical Wave Pool, Live Entertainment Venues, Kids Clubs, 18 hole pitch & putt, Crazy golf, 3 kids play areas, Badminton and Tennis Courts, Astroturf Soccer Pitch and Sports Hall. Trabolgan Adventure Sports, Go-Kart Tracks, Fitness Room and Beauty / Relaxation Rooms, Arcade.
Check out our blog here on more information on Trabolgan and our top picks of their indoor and outdoor activities.
Monkey Maze
Monkey Maze is the largest indoor activity centre and party venue for kids in Cork. The giant 4 level adventure play maze complete with football, basketball, rope bridges, slides, ball pools, shooting cannons and more. This provides some fun indoor entertainment for children up to 11 years old. A height restriction of 4 ft 9 inches applies. A soft play area for younger kids and toddlers caters for mini monkeys suitable for 1 years to 4 years of age. While the children have fun parents can relax at their coffee dock enjoying a cup of coffee or scone.
Mardyke Entertainment Complex
The Mardyke Complex is a place where all ages can enjoy. It includes bowling, pool, ping pong, and karaoke stations with a variety of bars, Holy Smoke pit-smoked BBQ restaurant, Woolshed Bar & Grill international sports bar and Barcadia the only retro arcade with kitchen & bar in Cork.
The Mardyke Complex has everything under one roof.
The Planet Cork
The Planet Cork is a family entertainment centre filled with things to do for all the family. They offer bowling, laser tag, pool, games and more. Their Cosmo Funworld is great for smaller kids with a children’s soft play area. They also offer a 9D Cinema experience with surround sound, active motion and dramatic effects that lasts approximately 7-10 minutes.
Beyond The Glass Adventure Tours
Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours is an Irish Activity tours provider. The tours company provides hiking and cycling tours of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. They provide an immersive and adventure filled tour experience showcasing the best of Ireland's beauty and scenery. For those seeking an adventurous and thrilling, cycling or hiking tour with their family, Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours is the go too place.
Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours have two different tours to offer to our guests staying at our hotel.
1) The Cork City Cycle Tour
o A gently paced bike ride which explores Cork's intriguing history, its vibrant culture and reveals a few of Cork’s hidden secrets. During the tours, your guide will peel back the layers of time to reveal all of Cork’s charms. Cycle through colourful streets, city parks, and riverside pathways and discover the evolution of Cork from its beginnings as a Christian settlement to its time as a Viking stronghold and then as the centre of trade for an Empire.
o Tour begins at 10:00 am Thursday to Sunday.
o 3 hours.
o Not suitable for children under 15 years.
2) The Greenway Cycle Tour
o The Greenway cycle tour is a leisurely cycle on a purpose-built cycle path. It follows a scenic route adjacent to Cork Harbour and on the disused Blackrock railway line. During the tour you will witness the life and hear the storied history of Cork harbour, the second largest deep-water port in the world. The Harbour was once of the world’s largest export of Beef and Dairy products, it was the final port of call for the Titanic and it sheltered the American Navy in WW1. Today you can still see ships loading and offloading their cargo but you are as likely to witness locals out enjoying this natural amenity in theirs boats, kayaks and Sup’s.
o Tour begins at 5 pm Thursday to Saturday.
o 2.5 hours
The price of both of these tours is €45 per person and includes the cost of bikes, helmets and a fully guided tour.
Both tours start/Finish on St Patricks Quay between Brian Boru Bridge and Michael Collins Bridge. Google Maps Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours.
Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours run with a minimum of 2 people to a maximum of 12 people.
Linehans Sweet Shop/Shandon Sweets
Linehans sweet shop is the oldest and only remaining sweet manufacturer in Cork City. It has been run by the Linehan family since the 1920’s. A visit to Shandons Sweets is an experience for the whole family. You can visit and choose a variety of sweets on offer that are made on the premises using the same ingredients since the 1920’s.
Leahys Open Farm
Leahys Open farm is perfect for a family day out regardless of the weather as there is both indoor and outdoor facilities. They have fun attractions like the Ice cream & chocolate factory, farmers fun house, Indoor play barn, Farmer cottage indoors. Outdoors there is activities and attractions everywhere from climbing towers, Adventure trails, a go kart track, crazy golf, a digger park with real JCB mini diggers and more.
Toy Soldier Factory
Prince Augusts Toy Soldier Factory is a family owned business that first started in 1976. It is Europes only toy soldier factory and one of the worlds largest manufacturers of toy soldier rubber moulds. It is something fun and different to do in West Cork. You can learn how to cast your own models or find your favourites in the gift shop from the greats heroes of Irish History to Lord of The Rings chessboard pieces.
