Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cork

"Ashley recommended Fitzgerald Park in Cork, she says, “The playground is phenomenal. Lots of sensory things and a huge wooden castle structure with ladders, bridges and slides. Its location is beautiful and the park has a cafe."

"If you’re wondering what to do in Cork City that’ll take you away from the hustle and bustle, make your way to Tramore Valley Park. It’s located in Cork City, but it’s off-the-beaten-path enough to make you feel like you’ve ventured out to the countryside. There are a few different walks that you can head off on here, and fairly handy."

"Managed by The Glen Resource and Sports Centre on behalf of Cork City Council, the Tramore Valley Park boasts many activities for all the family"

"Home to Cork’s only BMX Track, Tramore Valley Park is a hive of activity with walking routes, outdoor gym, viewing point and rugby pitch."

"Another of the top things to do with kids in Cork is visit Zipit Forest Adventures. Children (over 7) and adults alike can enjoy this zip-line adventure park just outside Cork City. The panoramic views over Cork from the zip-lines are stunning – if you aren’t too distracted by hurtling at speed through the forest, that is!"

"A two-mile-long (3km) riverside walk that winds its way around the River Lee, this trail ends with panoramic views of Cork’s centre. The path runs parallel to the Twopot River and past the scattered ruins of Bishopstown House, which includes an ornamental lake and a crumbling limestone hut. Across the river, there’s a stone-encircled grassy field – a rural, out-of-the-way park that’s blissfully close to the city centre."

"Immediately inside the gates you will see a portion of the old city walls which have been excavated and restored."

"As you head from the clock house along the Spa Road, keep an eye out for the Lions Heads and the famous hot Mallow springs in Tip O'Neill park, you will see the steam rise from the springs on the colder days. In days gone by the Mallow Spa was visited by people from all over Europe to enjoy and bath in the springs."

"When you reach this forested glen, a 15-minute drive from central Cork, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city. Known locally as ‘Mangala’, this woodland escape offers an impressive array of wild flora and fauna – including herons, otters and brown river trout. Once overgrown and uninhabitable, these woods have been reclaimed by locals, who constructed a relatively new walking route that now zigzags across the river and through the forested foothills."

"Maldron Hotel Shandon is located in the heart of Corks historic cultural quarter, nestled by the famous Shandon Bells and on the doorstep of Cork newest premier shopping district, Opera Lane and Corks main thoroughfare St Patrick's Street."

"Corks most historic hotel centrally located nestled beneath the Shandon Bells in Corks historical quarter. Recently refurbished soon to be 4*hotel. Address: John Redmond Street, Shandon, Cork"

"Whether you’ve a banging hangover on a Sunday morning or it’s Monday morning and you fancy a healthy breakfast fix to get you through a busy workday, Perry Street Market is worth a shout. This cute café is all about locally sourced produce and freshly made from scratch breakfast foods. The full Irish is both fulfilling and delicious."

"With branches in both Dublin and Belfast, if you’re looking for an authentic falafel experience then look no further than Umi Falafel. Umi is Arabic for “mother” and thus gives an indication of the care put into each order placed in the restaurant. Falafels are freshly made before your eyes and are made from a combination of 15 healthy and natural ingredients."

"I didn’t make it to Umi Falafel but according to HappyCow, they have plenty of options!. There’s also a location in Dublin and Belfast. ESSENTIAL INFOAddress //11/12 Academy St, Centre, Cork Hours // 12-9 Website // www.umifalafel.ie"

"Don’t feel you have to be out for a walk in Farran Woods for an excuse to stop into the nearby Cottage Tea Room to try their mouth wateringly moist coffee cake. Coffee and cake, the perfect combination."

"Cafe Gusto is another spot that’s said to dish out some of the best brunch Cork has to offer. It was established in 1999 and was once the famous O’Brien coffee shop that operated since 1941. The creative force behind the cafe, Marianne, had travelled extensively around the world before returning to Cork in1998."