7 Things to Do in Cork with Kids – In or Close to Cork City

From boat trips to greenways, markets to museums, I’ve got the top things to do in Cork with kids, as well as restaurant recommendations to make the most of your visit to Cork City.

Cork is one of the counties in Ireland that I have visited the most. I have always had a grá for Cork, I love the beaches, the colourful villages, and the seafood, plus my brother lives there, so it is a place that I love returning to. However, despite my love for the county, its been about 20 years since I stayed in Cork city! So I was delighted when Fáilte Ireland asked me to spend a weekend in Cork city centre to enjoy its cool city vibes, and to check out the many things to do in Cork with kids.

We checked into the Metropole Hotel, a landmark in the city centre for 125 years. Located on lively MacCurtain Street, I immediately liked its setting. It was a balmy evening and people were sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine in the nearby pubs and cafés.

I would have been quite happy to stay on MacCurtain Street and join in the buzz, but we had other plans! We were there to check out some family activities in Cork, and luckily we didn’t have to venture too far.

There are countless things to do in Cork with kids, not to mention 29 beaches to enjoy, but most of the family activities I have listed below are in Cork City, or are within a 30 minute drive of the city.

1. Visit Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is not only one of the top things to do in Cork with kids, it is one of the top family attractions in Ireland, and it celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

Fota Wildlife Park sits on 100 acres and is home to 450 animals – 100 different species. It is one of the most successful breeding areas for cheetah outside of Africa, but the highlight for me is seeing so many animals roaming free.

There are 30 kangaroos and 200 wallabies as well as lemurs and mara roaming free throughout the park. It is amazing to see them so close and to see how relaxed they are with visitors.

We visited Fota Wildlife Park on a few occasions but took the Fota Wildlife VIP tour this time. This includes a two-hour behind-the-scenes guided tour of the wildlife park with a ranger, as well as free time to explore the park at your leisure afterwards.

You can have close animal encounters with giraffes, penguins and in our case rhinoceros. Tours vary depending on the time of day and the animals activities, but you can usually feed penguins and see how the Giraffe House operates. On our trip we were able to feed the giraffes and rhinos, it was an incredible experience. 

We also learned about the history of the animals, the conservation work and breeding programmes in place at Fota Wildlife Park. 

The cost of the VIP Tour is €185 per family for up to six people – this is approximately €100 more than the regular admission price, but if your budget allows, I believe it’s worth it for the unique experience. Note, children must be over 4 years of age for the VIP tour.  

2. Book a Boat Trip With Ocean Escapes

Ocean Escapes is a name you need to remember if visiting Cork. There are a host of different boat trips to choose from, including public tours on weekends during the summer months, or private charters for families, parties or corporate events.

Choose from a quick 1 hour Cork Discovery tour, or 2 and 3 hour tours that include a stop for lunch or drinks. You can book a private charter for as long as you like, and tours depart from Cork City, Cobh or Crosshaven on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat).

The owner, Andrew, has a remarkable story to tell. He started this business after surviving a cancer diagnosis. He chose the name Ocean Escapes because the ocean is where he went to escape from his illness.

I also love the names Andrew chose for his RIBs – Slainte, Saorise and Sonas – meaning Good Health, Freedom and Happiness. Andrew’s passion is infectious, we loved hearing his personal stories and his enthusiasm for the sea.

Ocean Escapes boats were used in the Ultimate Hell Week TV Show and Andrew had lots of stories to tell about the experience on set as well as the history of Cork Harbour and the surrounding area.

Ocean Escapes will tailor the experience depending on the weather and what may be visible on any given day. Basking Sharks were visible the previous day of our visit, so we searched for them, but didn’t manage to see any. Dolphins, seals and even whales can be seen too, depending on the time of year and the conditions. A large Celebrity Cruise Ship was docked in Cobh and Andrew brought us right under the bow of the ship.

We loved the high-octane experience, but you can choose a slow or fast pace depending on your preference. Considering we are a family who suffer from motion sickness, I was surprised that none of us felt nauseous at any time.

Cork Harbour is the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney) so even if the weather is poor, Andrew assured me they will always find sheltered areas where the sea is calmer.

Prices vary depending on the number in the party. A one-hour private boat trip is €180 for up to 6 people. Some boats can hold up to 12.

3. Cycle from Marina Market to Passage West

The Greenway from Marina Market to Passage West is the perfect family cycle route. We hired bikes from Cork Bike Hire who are based at the back of the Marina Market and took the 9km route along the River Lee and on to Passage West. The scenery is stunning!

The pathway along the Lee is thronged with walkers, runners and cyclists but this is less busy once you hit the Greenway, and all but 400 metres is off the road. It is a flat cycle that follows the route of the Cork, Blackrock and Passage West Railway line.

It shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes to reach Passage, although you can choose a longer cycle and visit Blackrock too.

There is a coffee shop beside the sea in Passage that has ice cream and snacks too, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Alternatively wait until you return and enjoy a meal at one of the 35 different food and drink outlets at Marina Market.

The trip took us 2 hours in total, at a relaxed pace, and this included stopping for photos and a coffee / ice cream in Passage. We all enjoyed the cycle and I highly recommend it, I think it is one of the top things to do in Cork City with kids.

Bike rental charges are €25 per day for adults and €12.50 per day for youths including helmets and locks.

4. Visit Cork City’s Markets

Cork’s Marina Market is located on Cork’s Docklands, in what was once an old warehouse. It resembles the famous Time Out Markets that are seen in cosmopolitan cities around the world, and is a must visit in Cork city.

It has over 35 different food and drink outlets, featuring everything from sushi to steaks as well as sweet treats, vegan options and cool bars.

Events are also on from time to time – there was a dance show on during our visit, and the market has a lively atmosphere both inside and out. Marina Market is open 8am – 8pm Monday to Sunday, it is dog friendly and has also has parking. I only wish Dublin had something similar…

Cork’s English Market has been a landmark in the city since 1788. It is one of the oldest markets in Europe, and has survived through famine and floods – it is one of the top things to do in Cork City.

While this is certainly the place to pick up some tasty produce to cook at home, there are not many places to dine here. We did however, enjoy some delicious toasted sandwiches in Farm Gate Cafe on the top floor of the market.

Not only was the food tasty, but it provides a great viewing point to watch the day to day trading in this iconic building.

5. See Spike Island

Stepping on to Spike Island felt like I had travelled back in time. This 104 acre island was much bigger than I expected and I was surprised to see abandoned villages and walking trails. Families lived on Spike Island for 200 years, children went to school here, it wasn’t until 1985 that the island was evacuated after the riots.

What started as a monastery in 635 AD, Spike Island was then an English fortress before it became the world’s largest prison in 1847. 2,300 prisoners were held here, and there has never been a larger prison in the UK or Ireland ever since. It later became a Navy / Army base from 1938 – 1985, before becoming a prison once again until 2004.

A guided 40-minute is given on arrival and then you are free to explore the buildings and the island at your leisure.  I loved that you are able to step inside some of the cells during the tour, although some of the stories are harrowing, and hard to comprehend.

Children were imprisoned during the famine for stealing food, and prisoners were kept in pitch black for 23.5 hours a day for months at a time in the solitary confinement rooms.The contrast between the modern cells with bathrooms and TV’s compared to the solitary confinement block from the 1800’s is remarkable. 

As well as fascinating stories, Spike Island has some super exhibition halls, including a military Gun Park with over a dozen exhibits spanning over 300 years of warfare. There are also rooms showing various movies about the history of the prison, the riots, as well as the arrivals process and lots more.

Spike Island is one of the top tourist attractions in Cork but it is a popular family attraction too. Children are encouraged to get involved, and there is a dedicated Quiz Trail for kids. You will also find a fairy trail and playground here.

When you enter the prison your Mug Shot is taken and you are told which crime you are convicted for, you can then purchase this picture at the end of the tour – this is something that most children should enjoy getting.

The entrance fee includes includes the 12 minute ferry from Cobh. Ferries leave at various times during the day, depending on the time of year, but you should allow about 3.5 hours to explore the island properly, and even longer if you wish to have some lunch in the Cafe or take one of the two walking trails – the 20 minute Glacis walk around the fort, or the 45 minute Ring of Spike, passing villages, nature and wildlife.

6. Take a Tour of Elizabeth Fort

Elizabeth Fort is a 400 year old star-shaped fort that was once built to watch over Cork – it is now in the heart of the city. It was later a women’s prison and then a garda station. You may not think it is one of the top things to do in Cork with kids, but it is free to enter, and it is certainly worth a visit.

I recommend getting there for the guided tour that takes place at 1pm every day – this costs just €5. If you happen to miss this you can take an audio guide and visit at your own pace.

Our guide Cliona was excellent, her grandfather was a garda there and her father grew up there – she had remarkable stories to tell.

Fun Fact: A cannonball was fired from Elizabeth Fort into the spire of the nearby St Fin Barre’s Cathedral during the Siege of Cork in 1690. The same cannonball can be seen hanging today in the Ambulatory.

Another interesting part of the tour is the small exhibition room that showcases how the Fort was used as a women’s prison. We learned that in 1835 a ship called The Neva was transporting women prisoners from Elizabeth Fort to Australia and it sank off the coast of Tasmania. 224 people died, it was one of the worst shipwrecks in Australian history, yet none of us had ever heard about it before!

You can also enjoy panoramic views of Cork City and the Cathedral from its rooftop path, and even stay on site – there are a number of houses that can be rented for short stays on Booking.com.

7. Taste the Food Capital of Ireland

Did you know that Cork is regarded as the Food Capital of Ireland? Cork is home to Ireland’s best food market, as well as a host of artisan food producers and amazing seafood, so its no surprise that we were spoilt for choice for places to eat. 

Before my trip I asked my followers on Instagram to share their recommendations for the best restaurants in Cork, and they didn’t disappoint! 

Market Lane was the top restaurant recommendation in Cork and it certainly deserves all the praise it gets! Located on Oliver Plunket Street in the heart of Cork City, this award winning restaurant has indoor and outdoor tables and serves up a wide range of fish, meat, sal­ads and sand­wiches.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch here, the steak sandwich and Asian chicken noodle salad were the winners, but families will be glad to know that Market Lane is a good restaurant in Cork with a kids menu too.

We also enjoyed a tasty lunch at the family run Bramley Lodge. Located close to Fota Wildlife Park this is a great choice for families visiting Fota or Spike Island. The menu has everything from seafood chowder and sandwiches, to home made curries. 

Quinlans Seafood Bar was another top recommendations and we loved its lively atmosphere, not to mention the delicious scallops, crab claws and oak smoked salmon. Traditional Beer Battered Fresh Fish & Chips are also on the menu.

The SpitJack Rotisserie Brasserie is the place to go if you are looking for delicious rotisserie-style food in Cork City. As well as delicious chicken and ribs – a favourite with my kids, I was surprised to see a large choice of vegetarian and seafood dishes too. They also have a separate kids menu for under 12s.

Cask, which was directly across from the Metropole hotel was also recommended for cocktails and tapas – although we didn’t manage to get a table – so make sure you book in advance!

TOP TIP: If you are planning a visit to Cork this summer, don’t miss the annual Food Festival – Cork on a Fork which takes place over five days from the 14th – 18th of August. Enjoy cookery demonstrations, talks, food trails and special events in the heart of Cork City.

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So don’t skip Cork City the next time you are visiting the Rebel County! As well as a fantastic food scene and a choice of markets, you can learn about our historical past, cycle a gorgeous greenway and enjoy plenty of fun family activities nearby.

I hope this guide on the top things to do in Cork with kids will help you plan a break to Cork City soon. This post was sponsored by Fáilte Ireland. All views, as always, are my own.