Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Explore an island oasis of rare and exotic flora
09:00 – 18:00
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.
Gallery
Opening Times
Open All Year.
Tours: Available by prior appointment, Monday – Friday only.
Average Length of Visit: 1–2 hours
Seasonal Opening Times
- April – October
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday 09:00 – 18:00- November – March
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday 09:00 – 17:00- Arboretum
April – October
Daily 09:00 – 18:00November – March
Daily 09:00 – 17:00- Walled Gardens
April – Sept
Monday – Friday
09:00 – 16:30 (Friday – 15:30)Saturday 11:00 – 17:00
Sunday 14:00 – 17:00
Notice
Closed Christmas Holidays
Contact
Fota Estate
Carrigtwohill
Co. Cork
T45 K656
021 481 5543
fota.arboretum@opw.ie
Facilities
- Car park
- Toilets
Restrictions
Nearby sites to visit
Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Barryscourt Castle
A fine Irish tower house bearing the scars of battle
Approx. 3.5 km from Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Charles Fort
A star-shaped military fortress that has stood firm for centuries
Approx. 25.6 km from Fota Arboretum and Gardens
Desmond Castle Kinsale
A building at the core of Kinsale’s history
Approx. 25.6 km from Fota Arboretum and Gardens