20 Things to Do in Cork with Kids

Is Cork Family Friendly?

Located in the South of the Country, Cork is a great destination to take the entire family. The County is a lively heaven full of fun and exciting things to do with the whole family. With its breathtaking landscapes, wealth of history, friendly attitude, and variety of activities, Cork is a place to be enjoyed by the whole family.

10 Activities to Do in Cork With Kids

1. Trabolgan Holiday Village

This holiday park located in East Cork, is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy water activities. The Cork based aquatic centre is an idyllic setting that offers a plethora of activities from the subtropical pool with a super waterslide and toddler pool to a variety of other facilities to play tennis, basketball, badminton, and much more. Offering Outdoor adventure in the playground with slides and climbing frames, and a fitness centre, with a steam room and sauna.

Trabolgan Holiday Village can be reached in 39 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

2. Perks Entertainment Centre

On the days when the weather is not your friend, Perk Entertainment Centre is the place to be. The largest Indoor funfair entertainment centre in Ireland, Perks Entertainment Centre, offers its visitors a selection of rides, games, attractions, and has its very own diner. Little ones can enjoy Blackbeard’s play centre which offers a more soft play experience, with its jungle gym. Bigger children can enjoy the lazer tag experience, bowling, the arcade, and crazy golf. With Perks Entertainment Centre it is the perfect place to have fun indoors if the weather is not good.

Perks Entertainment Centre can be reached in 41 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

3. The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary in Cork is a great place for animal lovers to visit. Open since 1987, it is a place that prides itself on the love and care they have provided to over 5000 donkeys that have been neglected and abandoned. The sanctuary is free to visit, perfect for a family day out, to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cork all while spending time with the resident donkeys.

The Donkey Sanctuary can be reached in 58 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

4. Fota Wildlife Park

Located in the heart of Cork harbour, Fota Wildlife Park is a fun and educational way to enjoy your time in Cork. The park has been open since 1983, accommodating 106 species, several of which are in danger of extinction. The park is a great excursion for the entire family, educating young and old about the various species, the way they live and the way the park cares for them. The park has facilities like the gift shop, and cafe that look out over the park and its animals.

Fota Wildlife Park can be reached in 17 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

5. Ballyhass Lakes Adventure Centre

Ballyhass Lakes Adventure Centre offers over 20 different outdoor activities from two locations in Cork, Mallow and Coachford. The adventure centre activities range from archery, axe throwing, ziplining and a variety of water activities like kayaking, waterboarding, swimming, etc. This is a great place for the entire family to enjoy some time in nature.

Ballyhass Lakes Adventure Centre can be reached in 53 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

6. The Farm Grenagh

If you're looking for fun family activities while in Cork, The Farm Grenagh is the place to go. The Farm has become a top family attraction in Cork, offering a plethora of activities that will keep the whole family entertained. Visiting the animals during feeding time, milking the cows or enjoying petting time with the smaller animals to train and tractor rides, ziplines, and pedal karts and tractors.

The Farm Grenagh can be reached in 28 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

7. Awesome Walls

Perfect for daredevils, this indoor climbing centre is a vibrant and dynamic space that allows for some extreme fun. The climbing centre caters to a variety of ages and abilities, allowing everyone a chance to challenge themselves with thrilling activities ranging from climbing on the towering lead walls to the bouldering areas. This is a fun activity for the entire family, whether you're new to climbing or a climbing enthusiast.

Awesome Walls can be reached in 28 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

8. Toy Soldier Factory

Situated in the small village of Kilnamartyra, the Toy Soldier Factory is one of the only places in the world to see tin soldiers being cast the same way that they have been since the 17th century. Free admission, visitors can join in on painting workshops with a variety of figures like ballerinas, toy soldiers, elves, seasonal ornaments, and many more. These workshops will no doubt be enjoyable for the whole family.

Toy Soldier Factory can be reached in 57 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

9. West Cork Model Railway Village

Open daily from 11 am until 5 pm, West Cork Model Railway Village is a fun activity for a family with young children. Whether that would be taking a spin on the iconic Road Train through the beautiful town of Clonakilty or viewing the miniaturised model of the historic railway and towns of West Cork, there is plenty to do. The railway village offers many activities for the entire family such as the indoor and outdoor play areas on site, driving remote control boats around a mini Kinsale harbour, Cafe and craft shop, and much more.

West Cork Model Railway Village can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

10. Leisure World Churchfields

The Leisure World Churchfields centre is a very popular spot in Cork for Families. The centre provides access to quality facilities like a 25-metre pool, as well as learner and toddler pools, there is access to two fully equipped gyms, a sauna, steam rooms, and eight astro turf pitches.

Leisure World Churchfields can be reached in 17 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

10 Sights to See in Cork With Kids

1. Camden Fort Meagher

Camden Fort Meagher is a prime spot to watch ships pass through Cork Harbour and is a must see when visiting Cork. Camden Fort Meagher offers a variety of interesting tours around the Victorian Submarine Mining, Brennan Torpedo areas, the barrack rooms, which also has a reconstruction of Victorian and 20th Century Barrack rooms. This is a great educational trip for the entire family to enjoy the rich history of Camden Fort Meagher.

Camden Fort Meagher can be reached in 47 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

2. Blackrock Castle Observatory

Blackrock Castle Observatory was built in the 17th Century, a watch tower and fort to protect the city from pirates. The Observatory offers guided tours of the castle, and takes you through 400 years of history, from the original fort built to deter pirates to the modern telescope domes. Admission to the observatory also includes access to the space exhibition and star show.

Blackrock Castle Observatory can be reached in 18 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

3. Blarney Castle and Gardens

Blarney Castle and Gardens was built nearly 600 hundred years ago and is home to the famous Blarney Stone. There are guided tours around the castle, to see the various well-preserved rooms, like the chapel, family room, banquet hall, dungeon, etc. The Gardens lie on 60 acres, with a network of paths that lead visitors through the various gardens, arboretums, and avenues.

Blarney Castle and Gardens can be reached in 26 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs.

4. Cork City Gaol

Cork City gaol is a must-see attraction when visiting Cork. The Gaol gives you the chance to step back in time to see what life was like in the 19th and early 20th century, inside this former prison. During the tour you will explore the grounds, wander the corridors, have a look in cells, see wax work depictions and hear stories. It is a place steeped in history and worth the visit.

Cork City Gaol can be reached in 22 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

5. Shandon Bells and Tower

St. Anne’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Cork City. This historical landmark has offered tours and weekly services since 1722. Shandon bells and tower is a popular attraction in Cork city, with plenty to do and see while visiting, like climbing the iconic tower, ringing the 18th century bells, see the clock mechanisms, and experience a 360-degree view of Cork City.

Shandon Bells and Tower can be reached in 12 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

6. Fitzgerald Park

A short distance from Cork City Centre is Fitzgerald Park. The Park is 18 acres of beautiful trees, flower beds, a rose garden, statues and sculptures, and a large central fountain, perfect for a family picnic or walk. Fitzgerald Park is also home to Cork Public Museum, which opened in 1945, presenting collections that cover the economic, social, and municipal history of the city.

Fitzgerald Park can be reached in 22 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

7. Old Cork Waterworks Experience

A 5-minute drive from Cork City Centre, Old Cork Waterworks Experience is a popular visitor attraction. The Old Cork Waterworks Experience was built during a time of rebellion, maritime trade and mass emigration, to provide fresh clean water to the residents of Cork. The Waterworks Experience has a rich history, offering guided and self-guided tours, audio guides and site maps around the historic Victorian building that houses the original water system of Cork.

Old Cork Waterworks Experience can be reached in 23 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

8. Lee Fields

A few minutes’ walk from Cork City Centre, Lee Fields is a relaxing and tranquil place. The fields look on the River Lee and are a great place for a picnic or a nice stroll, and if you're in the mood for a bike ride you can cycle along the Lee Field pathways.

Lee Fields can be reached in 29 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

9. Daly’s Bridge

Daly’s Bridge is a pedestrian bridge spanning the River Lee and has been open since 1927. The Bridge is also known as Shaky Bridge due to the movement when running or jumping on the bridge. The Bridge offers a stunning view of the River Lee and the surrounding areas.

Daly’s Bridge can be reached in 22 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

10. Dursey Island Cable Car

Dursey Island Cable car is Ireland’s only cable car, connecting the Island to the mainland. The cable car is a fun way to view the southwest coast, and the variety of animals that visit it. There is also a popular walking trail that takes you on a 14km loop of the Island. The Island also has many historical features such as church ruins said to have been founded by the monks from Skellig Michael, Napoleonic signal tower, a castle and several standing stones.

Dursey Island Cable Car can be reached in 2 hours and 23 minutes by car from Clayton Hotel Cork City.

What is the Prettiest Place in Cork?

The Beara Peninsula is considered one of the prettiest places in Cork. The picturesque villages and towns, enchanting Island and untouched breathtaking scenery, is a site for the eyes. The Peninsula is one of Ireland's most beautiful locations.

Conclusion: What to Do in Cork With Kids

Cork is a great destination, with a plethora of activities and excursions for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you are looking for educational and historical activities or something more light-hearted and fun, Cork has it all.