Magpie
4.8(76 reviews)

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Admission Ticket

From€13
60 minutes – 120 minutes
Cork, Ireland

Full description

Fota House is one of Ireland’s finest examples of Regency period architecture with superb neoclassical interiors. The main house dating from 1820, remained in the sole ownership of the Smith-Barry family for 155 years and today it shares the compelling life story of this family and their household staff. It also houses one of the largest collections of landscape paintings spanning the 17th to 19th century. Now an Irish Heritage Trust Property, a visit to Fota House set amongst 115 acres, within the original 780 acre estate promises endless opportunities for adventure. It features a globally renowned arboretum with a collection of rare and exotic plantings from the southern hemisphere, formal and working gardens that evolve with colour, scent & texture through each passing season

Included / Excluded

  • Local guide
  • Does not include the €3 site parking fee, payable on exit from the car park by card or cash

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • The large Majority of the property is wheelchair accessible

Traveler reviews

4.8
76 reviews
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Glorious house & grounds ... but virtually no signage back to the station

Glorious house and gardens. The tour of the house with Sean (if I remember his name correctly) was the best I've ever been on! He was so knowledgeable and passionate that it was a delight. The train stops right at the edge of the grounds. BUT: the signposting from the house back to the train is virtually non-existent. I wandered around for ages before being rescued by a couple in a car who kindly took me to the next train station. PLEASE, FOTA, PUT SOME SIGNS UP!

Navigate45252775332Sep 15, 2026TRIPADVISOR

An interesting visit and an exceptional arboretum

Wonderful arboretum even on a damp drizzly morning. Saw a red squirrel which made me happy and some superb trees. The gardens were also lovely. The house was interesting and there was lots to see but I didn't learn much that I didn't know. The guided tour was slightly repetitive and a lot of the information a bit obvious. The cafe service was extremely slow although the setting was pleasant and the food and coffee good when it eventually came.

TyrelleTravellersSep 13, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fantastic tour, highly recommend

Great tour! I couldn't believe how different people’s lives were back then. It was fascinating to see the different rooms of both the gentry and servants. The kitchens were amazing, especially to see how food was prepared and cooked. I particularly loved the ladies’ boudoir. I’d highly recommend a visit - the staff so friendly and welcoming, Loved it!

maireadn2024Sep 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Lovely visit to Fota house.

Had a lovely visit to Fota house taking in the stunning arboretum and gardens with all its color and life. Great and very informative tour with Mike around the house. Staff very pleasant and helpful.

NorthStar34767188560Jul 10, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A memorable afternoon

I visited Fota house with my 90 year old mother and a friend yesterday and Lynn gave us a tour. We felt like VIPS as she gave us a tour all to ourselves even though we were late for the scheduled tour. She was so good at her job, full of entertaining stories and really brought the house to life for us. And we had a lovely cup of coffee in the tearoom after, highly recommended

fionaoL5215GBJun 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by an adult The large Majority of the property is wheelchair accessible
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