Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Cork

"Cork's public gallery houses a small but excellent permanent collection covering the 17th century through to the modern day, though the works on display change from year to year. Highlights include paintings by... Top ChoiceMarket in Cork City"

"A member of Ireland’s Zoological Society, this 100-acre (40ha) attraction is an independently funded, not-for-profit charity – and one of the leading wildlife and conservation sites in Ireland. There are plenty of exotic species to admire here, including Asiatic lions and red-necked wallabies. The wildlife park also runs hands-on environmental and conservation workshops – check the website for up-to-date events."

"This has to be our number one fun thing to do in Cork with kids. Whether it’s tigers, giraffes, or monkeys your whipper-snappers are into, they’ll be on cloud nine visiting all the wildlife Fota has to offer. Playgrounds and food stops galore make this an extra family-friendly choice."

"St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the first major work of Victorian architect William Burges, was completed in 1879. Details such as the gilded “resurrection angel” perched atop the roof may not have come cheap, but the result is an exemplar of ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral has excellent acoustics, so consider it a bonus if your trip coincides with one of their regular concerts."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."

"You’ll find Fitzgerald Park a handy stroll from University College Cork. This is the perfect place for those of you looking to escape the city for a while. Those that head for a wander here can expect gorgeous, tree-lined avenues, finely-manicured flower beds, a number of statues and a large fountain."

"Ashley recommended Fitzgerald Park in Cork, she says, “The playground is phenomenal. Lots of sensory things and a huge wooden castle structure with ladders, bridges and slides. Its location is beautiful and the park has a cafe."

"Discover Ireland’s Captain’s and Convicts, Rebels and Rioters, Sinners and Saints at Spike Island. The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork Harbour and has over 1300 years of Irish history."

"In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times"

"Last but not least we have Tir na Si farm which is open for families on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm and on Saturdays for birthday parties and booked events. You can follow the nature trail, meet the friendly farm animals, visit the vegetable garden or find the fairies, there really is so much to see and do. You can also take a spin on the Farm Express Train or maybe a trip on the horse and cart followed by a game of mini golf."

"This great pub, situated right on the bank of the River Lee in the heart of Cork, is famous for their thin-based, generously topped pizzas – often called the best in town. Some of the other food specialities include delicious sweet potato fries and chicken goujons. Food is served until late."

"Opened in 1126 by the vikings it has survived many disasters such as the great fire in 1498, the black plauge in 1741 and the torrential flooding of 2009, FACT!"

"A two-mile-long (3km) riverside walk that winds its way around the River Lee, this trail ends with panoramic views of Cork’s centre. The path runs parallel to the Twopot River and past the scattered ruins of Bishopstown House, which includes an ornamental lake and a crumbling limestone hut. Across the river, there’s a stone-encircled grassy field – a rural, out-of-the-way park that’s blissfully close to the city centre."

"Whether you’ve a banging hangover on a Sunday morning or it’s Monday morning and you fancy a healthy breakfast fix to get you through a busy workday, Perry Street Market is worth a shout. This cute café is all about locally sourced produce and freshly made from scratch breakfast foods. The full Irish is both fulfilling and delicious."

"We've seen lots of action happening at Dwyers - which already went to great lengths to cater for outdoor drinking and dining last summer. The team there have been very, very busy in recent days, putting in a purpose-built platform that will provide the base for seats and tables down one side of this big pub. There'll be a good menu, lots of space, room for walk-ins and thanks to that platform, no rickety tables!"

"Having opened up in the City back in 2018, Dwyers is a firm favourite of Corkonians for boozy brunch. Pick any dish from eggs benedict to their incredible pancake sharing platter and pair it with unlimited prosecco or mimosa for just €25 - what a bargain."

"Head to Dwyers of Cork for one of the best bottomless brunches in the country. Pick any dish of their menu, we suggest the Swiss roti or shakshuka and have unlimited prosecco or mimosas all for €25!. Address: 27-28 Washington St, Centre, Cork, T12 WC93"

"Cork's public gallery houses a small but excellent permanent collection covering the 17th century through to the modern day, though the works on display change from year to year. Highlights include paintings by... Top ChoiceMarket in Cork City"

"St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the first major work of Victorian architect William Burges, was completed in 1879. Details such as the gilded “resurrection angel” perched atop the roof may not have come cheap, but the result is an exemplar of ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral has excellent acoustics, so consider it a bonus if your trip coincides with one of their regular concerts."

"The incredible three-spire St Finn Barre’s Cathedral was completed in 1879, its location on a site where Christian use dates back to the 7th century when there was a monastery on site. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork and lived in the 6th century. Legend has it, his remains were brought to the city and enclosed on a shrine located on the site of the cathedral."