7 of us went here a few days ago. 3 adults 4 small kids. There was no wait at the entrance. We paid at the gate. €58 for me, my partner and 2 kids. I think if you pre book online it's cheaper but I'm not positive. I thought it was a bit expensive at the gate but to be honest it was worth it. We were there from about 1.30pm til closing. It was busy but it wasn't overcrowded or anything, like no one had to fight to get to see anything. We got on the little train for a return trip around the park €2 each which was lovely and gives you a good idea of what spots you might want to focus on. Ear defenders for the train are there if you ask for kids who might have noise sensitivities but tbh the train really isn't any louder than a car. They have a mini food court at the halfway point where you can get mini donuts/crepes, coffee, ice creams and pizza. My sister got her kids crepes with chocolate and marshmallow and tbh it was a mess. Got chocolate everywhere and most of it ended in the bin. Mine got the mini donuts with chocolate sauce €6 for about 8, messy but they enjoyed it and the bathrooms were nearby to clean messy faces/hands. We got a pizza. 12" woodfire cheese pizza was €11. It was really nice. Very thin crust. As for the animals we pretty much saw everything except the tiger. Couldn't catch a glimpse. The kids loved feeding the ducks. €1 for a small handful of feed from the machine. They come right up and eat from your hand and they loved that they got to see Nemo and Dory in the tropical house. The gift shop is pretty expensive IMO but gift shops usually are. Maybe not expensive...more overpriced if that makes sense. We brought a 7yr old, 5yr old and two 3yrs old and they had such a fun day. Sidenote: We went last year with just our 2 kids and it was not a great day. Nothing to do with the park just I don't recommend going on a really hot day. The animals all hide in the shade so you see nothing, there's lots of walking and smaller...
Read moreTickets : Book them online as the fare is slightly lesser when you book them online and also you can help by not crowding the entrance . You can book them online by navigating to the first link under the Tickets option available in the Fota Wildlife park search results in google. Parking : They have paid parking available for 3Euros for car/day. Food : The place has small cafe that serves pizzas, cool drinks and ice creams. You get half a pizza for around 6Euros and full for around 12Euros. You may carry your own food (eg. Baby food or snacks) and you have benches where you can sit and have them. Water : We carried our own bottle of water. Washroom : Bathrooms and diaper changing rooms are available in the park. Things to carry when you visit : 1Euro coins to dispatch duck food from the vending machine. Summer friendly clothes if you are visiting during summer. Caps,goggles and sunscreen. A safari train is available incase you don't want to walk. There was no queue at the entrance and we entered the park after scanning our barcodes at the gate. You need atleast 4hrs to enjoy your time at park. The park provides its inhabitants a clean and healthy environment. The animals seems to be healthy and well cared for. The ravishing sight of a tower of Giraffes welcomed us into the park. The four cheetah cubs born to Grainne and Sam are a sight to behold.We were overwhelmed to see them playing cuddling their mom. We were excited to see a muster of peacocks enjoying the warmth of the sun. The cafe is rightly located opposite to the Gibbon's enclosure, almost half way through your walk. You can hear them playing while you enjoy your food. This place is child friendly and wheel chair friendly. The park officials are very friendly and welcoming. We would rate this place 10/10. Do visit if...
Read moreFota Wildlife Park, located in County Cork, Ireland, offers a captivating experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. The park spans over 100 acres and is home to a wide array of species, many of which roam freely in large, open habitats that mimic their natural environments. This approach allows for closer and more engaging animal encounters than traditional zoos.
One of the standout features of Fota is its commitment to conservation and education. The park actively participates in international breeding programs for endangered species, such as cheetahs and European bison, playing a vital role in global conservation efforts. Informative signage and educational talks by knowledgeable staff further enhance the visitor experience, providing insights into the animals' behaviors, habitats, and the importance of conservation.
Visitors can enjoy a well-designed layout that makes navigating the park easy and enjoyable. Highlights include the African Savannah, where giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam together, and the Asian Sanctuary, home to red pandas and Indian rhinos. The Tropical House is another favorite, offering a glimpse into the lives of various reptiles, amphibians, and exotic birds.
Fota Wildlife Park also caters well to families with children. The park features numerous picnic areas, playgrounds, and even a train that offers a scenic tour around the park. The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a pleasant visit for guests of all ages.
Overall, Fota Wildlife Park in Cork is an exceptional destination that combines fun, education, and conservation. Its unique approach to animal habitats, commitment to endangered species, and family-friendly amenities make it a must-visit attraction for anyone...
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