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Heritage Ireland

Fota Arboretum and Gardens

Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora

BOOK ONLINE

See all opening times

Fota Arboretum and Gardens

Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora

BOOK ONLINE

See all opening times

Admission

Entry to the gardens is free.

There is a €3 parking fee into the grounds.

Please note the OPW Heritage Card does not cover entry to Fota House.

BOOK ONLINE

Getting here

Fota Estate
Carrigtwohill
Co. Cork
T45 K656

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Fota Arboretum and Gardens

The arboretum and gardens on Fota Island, just 16 kilometres from Cork city centre, are an essential destination for any one of a horticultural bent.

The arboretum extends over 11 hectares and contains one of the finest collections of rare, tender trees and shrubs grown outdoors in Europe. The unique conditions at Fota – its warm soil and sheltered location – enable many excellent examples of exotics from the southern hemisphere to flourish.

The gardens include such stunning features as the ornamental pond, formal pleasure gardens, orangery and sun temple. James Hugh Smith-Barry laid them out in the first half of the nineteenth century. Fota House, the Smith-Barrys’ ancestral home, still stands. The house, arboretum and gardens share the island with a hotel and golf resort and a wildlife park.

Opening Times

Open All Year.

Tours: Available by prior appointment, Monday – Friday only.

Average Length of Visit: 1–2 hours

Notice

Closed Christmas Holidays

Seasonal Opening Times

Arboretum

April – October
Daily 09:00 – 18:00

November – March
Daily 09:00 – 17:00

Walled Gardens

All Year

Monday – Thursday = 09:00 – 16:45

Friday = 09:00 – 15:45

 

April – September
Monday – Thursday = 09:00 – 16:45

Friday = 09:00 – 15:45

Saturday and Sunday = 10:00 – 17:00

Contact

Fota Estate
Carrigtwohill
Co. Cork
T45 K656

046 942 2776

Getting Here

Located on Fota Island, Cork Harbour, approx. 14 kilometres from Cork City on Cobh Road. Frequent train service from Cork City to Fota station.

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Facilities

  • Car park
  • Toilets

Restrictions

Nearby sites to visit

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