Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Cork

"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."

"This low-lying green island in Cork Harbour was once an important part of the port's defences, topped by an 18th-century artillery fort. In the second half of the 19th century, during the Irish War of Independence, and from 1984 to 2004 it served as a prison, gaining the nickname 'Ireland's Alcatraz'. Today you can enjoy a guided walking tour of the former prison buildings, then go off and explore on your own; the ferry departs from Kennedy Pier, Cobh."

"In the middle of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is in a handy defensive location, and when France declared war on Britain in 1793 work began on an artillery fort. This was the last bastioned fort to be constructed on what was then the British Isles. An array of guns is on show, from the early cannons to the 6-inch artillery guns that followed later in the 19th century."

"Discover Captains & Convicts at Europe's Leading Tourist 2017, Spike Island. Ferry journey, guided tour, free map & app and over a dozen museums and exhibitions. Discover 1300 years of Irish history."

"Trabolgan in East Cork is the ultimate family holiday destination with quality family accomodation and a host of indoor and outdoor activities and family entertainment all on site."

"A 19th-century estate surrounded by pristine gardens and a fragrant arboretum, the handsome Fota House provides one of County Cork’s most splendid attractions. There’s a small fee to enter Fota Gardens, but it’s well worth the outlay; there are acres of tropical gardens to explore. You’ll also discover a unique walled garden, an Italian arboretum, a fernery and a lavish orangery."

"The guided house tour will take you on a journey through the grand décor of the principle rooms and behind the scenes to the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery."

"They provide some of Ireland’s best outdoor family recreation opportunities from walking and hiking to mountain biking and from family picnics to fishing and nature watching"

"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."

"Camden Fort Meagher Crosshaven is a classic example of a coastal artillery fort. With lots of exhibitions and billets containing military and lots of other memorabilia of interest it is a great value family day out. Groups and School tours welcome."

"Cork City Old Gaol Cork City which is located 2km from Cork's main thoroughfare, this castle like prison once housed 19th C. prisoners, often in wretched conditions. Wandering through the wings of Cork City Gaol, the atmosphere suggests you are accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates, each representing their particular period in Irish history from pre-famine times to the foundation of the State."

"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."

"When you reach this forested glen, a 15-minute drive from central Cork, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city. Known locally as ‘Mangala’, this woodland escape offers an impressive array of wild flora and fauna – including herons, otters and brown river trout. Once overgrown and uninhabitable, these woods have been reclaimed by locals, who constructed a relatively new walking route that now zigzags across the river and through the forested foothills."

"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."

"Cobh Heritage Centre If time allows you should try to visit Kinsale from Cobh before returning to the city of Cork. Kinsale is a picturesque seaside town with some excellent boutiques and restaurants. If you are feeling hungry, the Fishy Fishy restaurant in Kinsale is very well thought of by everyone who visits."

"The howl of the storm almost knocks you off-balance, there's a bit of fake vomit on the deck, and the people in the pictures all look pretty miserable – that's just one room at Cobh Heritage Centre."