Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens on Fota Island, Co. Cork
Explore the elegant historic mansion, rare botanical gardens, and vibrant events at Fota House on scenic Fota Island, County Cork.
Fota House is a magnificent early 19th-century historic estate set on Fota Island near Carrigtwohill, County Cork. It features a beautifully restored mansion with exquisite interiors, surrounded by extensive arboretum and Victorian working gardens boasting rare and exotic plants. Managed by the Irish Heritage Trust, Fota House offers guided tours, seasonal events, a charming café, and peaceful grounds to explore year-round.
A brief summary to Fota House
- Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Foaty, Co. Cork, T45 Y642, IE
- +353214815543
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book guided house tours in advance during peak season (April to September) to secure your preferred time.
- Visit the Victorian Working Gardens to see the restored glasshouses and chat with knowledgeable volunteers.
- Enjoy a meal or coffee at the Bakestone Café, which offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the house, arboretum, and gardens for a relaxed visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From Cork City, drive east on the N25 towards Rosslare, then take the R624 south towards Cobh. Follow signs to Fota Island and park in the designated car park. Travel time is approximately 25-35 minutes. A parking fee of around €3 applies when leaving.
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Bus
Take Bus Éireann services from Cork City to Carrigtwohill or Cobh, with connections to Fota Island. The total journey typically takes 40-60 minutes depending on connections. Check current schedules as frequency varies. The bus stop is a short walk from Fota House.
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Walking
For visitors staying nearby in Carrigtwohill or Fota village, a walk to Fota House is possible within 30-45 minutes over mostly flat terrain. Paths are accessible but may be uneven in places.
Fota House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fota House
A Living Testament to Irish Heritage and Architecture
Fota House stands as an elegant example of early 19th-century Irish country house architecture, originally a hunting lodge transformed into a family home. Its grand rooms on the ground floor have been carefully restored to reflect the lifestyle of its historic inhabitants, with intricate plasterwork and period furnishings that evoke the genteel atmosphere of its era. Paintings by notable artists such as William Ashford and Robert Carver adorn the walls, enriching the cultural tapestry of the house.Arboretum and Victorian Working Gardens: A Botanical Treasure
Surrounding the house, the expansive arboretum spans over 780 acres, showcasing a remarkable diversity of rare and majestic trees nurtured over two centuries. The Victorian Working Gardens, recently restored, include historic glasshouses and pit houses that remain active, producing a variety of plants, vegetables, and flowers. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the rose garden and the Frameyard Garden, considered among the finest Victorian gardens in Ireland.Engaging Visitor Experiences and Seasonal Events
Fota House offers guided tours from mid-March to September, with additional tours on weekends in the shoulder season. These tours reveal fascinating stories of both the gentry and the servants who lived and worked on the estate, providing a rich social history perspective. Throughout the year, a lively calendar of events, including craft workshops, concerts, and family activities, animates the estate, making each visit unique.The Café and Amenities: Culinary Delights in Historic Surroundings
The Bakestone Café, located within the house, serves freshly prepared meals, snacks, and premium teas and coffees. Open daily during the main season, it caters to diverse dietary needs including gluten-free and vegetarian options. The café’s warm ambiance offers a perfect respite after exploring the gardens and house.Conservation and Community Stewardship
Managed by the Irish Heritage Trust, Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage. The estate benefits from the passion and expertise of local volunteers who help maintain the gardens and share the estate’s stories. Visitors support this ongoing conservation effort through tours, purchases, and event participation.Natural Microclimate and Year-Round Accessibility
Fota Island enjoys a unique microclimate that supports the thriving horticultural collection, allowing many plants to flourish that are rare elsewhere in Ireland. The arboretum is open year-round, offering tranquil walks through diverse landscapes, while the house and working gardens have seasonal opening times. This blend of natural beauty and historical richness makes Fota a captivating destination in all seasons.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
1 Pearse Square
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Dundanion House Bridge
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Eamon de Valera Bridge
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S Mall
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Father Mathew Statue
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National Monument - Cork
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Nano Nagle Bridge
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Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, Shandon
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The Coal Quay
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The Butter Museum
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Elizabeth Fort
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Historic Buildings of Pope's Quay
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Cuskinny Marsh
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Cobh
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St. Colman's Cathedral
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Harbour Row
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RMS Lusitania Memorial
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East Beach
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Experience the captivating beauty of East Beach in Cobh, a serene escape with stunning views and rich local culture.
Irish Seafarers Memorial Anchor
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Titanic Experience Cobh
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John F. Kennedy Park
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Spike Island Cork
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The Titanic Trail
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Sirius Arts Centre
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Cobh Heritage Centre. The Queenstown Story
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Cobh Rebel Walking Tours
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Essential places to dine
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Flemings Restaurant - Country House
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The Barn Gastropub
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The Gallery Restaurant
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Silver Key Bar & Restaurant
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Golden Elephant
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Salt Food & Wine
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Sophie's Rooftop Cork
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Crawford & Co
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Thompsons Bar & Restaurant
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The Glass Curtain
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Bocelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
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Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House
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Market Lane
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Isaac's Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Cork City FC Official Merchandise Store
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Cork Craft & Design
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York St Clobber
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Home Store + More
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Olori
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Turners Cross Retail Park
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A premier retail destination in Cork offering home improvement, furnishings, pet supplies, and casual coffee in a convenient, accessible setting.
Sheena's Boutique
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Miss Daisy Blue
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Vibes & Scribes Crafts
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Unbound
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Born Clothing
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Carrolls Irish Gifts
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Penneys
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Flying Tiger
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Beer Garden
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Coughlans Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
