Cork on a Fork Fest 2026
Why it matchesFamilies can try out Cork's food scene, with free demonstrations, food trails, and family-friendly events. There will be pop-ups and a long-table street feast.
Tell us the basics. We’ll match activities to your family, your journey, your budget, and the weather on the day.

All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesFamilies can try out Cork's food scene, with free demonstrations, food trails, and family-friendly events. There will be pop-ups and a long-table street feast.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates the Joyce brothers with music, song, dance, and history. It runs alongside a walking festival with family-friendly strolls.
Why it matchesFamilies can pick from a variety of walks, including easy strolls, as part of the Ballyhoura Walking Festival. There is also a music festival with song, dance, and history.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet farm animals, go on pony rides, play crazy golf, and explore nature trails. There is an indoor soft play area with electric tractors and a cafe with homemade food.
Why it matchesSee animals and birds from around the world roaming freely. You might spot a kangaroo or a lemur up close. There is an Asian Sanctuary with lions, tigers, and rhinos.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and pet farm animals, ride a quad and barrel train, and play in the adventure park. There is also a digger park, crazy golf, and a chocolate and ice cream factory.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a lively weekend at Cork Comic Con, meeting artists and special guests. There are panels, Q&As, cosplay showcases, and workshops in drawing, writing, costume design, and SFX make-up.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a peaceful walk through Fitzgerald's Park, see the sculptures, visit the Cork Public Museum, and let the children play in the playground. You can also see the 'Shakey Bridge'.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the historic Doneraile Court and its expansive parklands. There are walking trails, a playground, and opportunities to spot deer and Kerry cattle.
Why it matchesRent bikes, child seats, trailers, or trikes and cycle the Cork Harbour Greenway or the Midleton to Youghal Greenway. You can also take a guided electric bike tour.
Why it matchesAt Lismore Heritage Centre, families can take a virtual tour of Lismore Castle with a 360-degree experience and learn its history. There is also an escape room for all ages.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy free concerts in various spots around Cork City, listen to choirs from all over the world, and take part in workshops during this festival.
Why it matchesEnjoy live music and guided tours of St Carthage's Cathedral and the Cotton Library. Children can follow a heritage and wildlife trail. Tea and cake will be served.
Why it matchesThis dance centre in a heritage building has a main stage for dance shows, smaller performance spaces, an exhibition space, and four dance studios.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Blarney Castle and its themed gardens, including the tropical Fern Garden and the Poison Garden. There is also an ancient druidic settlement and witch's kitchen in the Rock Close.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip around Cork Harbour. You can choose from different tours, including a two-hour guided tour, a one-hour mini cruise, or a sunset tour. See landmarks, marine life, and historic sites.
Why it matchesFamilies can book a private tour of Cork and beyond in a wheelchair-accessible minibus. The tours are tailored to your family's needs and interests, with local drivers.
Why it matchesFamilies can browse books, periodicals, and newspapers. The Central Library has large collections for adults and children. Public computers are available for a fee.
Why it matchesVisit Cork City Lough to see lots of birds, including swans, coots, and mallards. You might also spot anglers fishing for carp. Remember to be careful around the shore.
Why it matchesExplore the Fota Arboretum and Gardens, home to rare trees and plants from around the world. See the walled garden, palm walk, orangery, and Victorian fernery. You can also visit Fota House.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the large estate, enjoy the grand views, and see deer and rare breed Kerry cattle grazing.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit the public park where Conna Castle is located. The castle itself is not open to visitors, but you can see the historic five-storey tower house from the park.
Why it matchesFamilies can book a private chauffeur service for airport transfers or custom tours around Cork. Car seats are available for babies and young children.
Why it matchesFamilies can visit St Colman's Cathedral to see its architecture and views of Cork Harbour. Listen for the carillon bells on Sundays and special occasions.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the woodland walking trails and have a picnic near the impressive Ballysaggartmore Towers, which look like something from a fairy tale.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Galty Castle Wood, which is on the slopes of the Galty Mountains. There are different kinds of trees and wildlife to spot. You can do the Attychraan National Looped Walk.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore seven acres of historic gardens at Lismore Castle, with different styles from the 17th and 19th centuries. There are plants, trees, lawns, and sculptures to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a short walk on the waymarked trail through Ardarou forest. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air and to see nature.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Castleblagh forest, with a choice of a shorter woodland trail or a longer route. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesTake a walk on the nature trail through Moanbaun Wood. It is a Coillte forest recreation site that is open all year round.
Why it matchesCorrin is a Coillte forest recreation site with waymarked walking trails. Families can enjoy a short nature reserve walk or a longer forest trail.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk on waymarked trails through Kilbarry forest. There are two routes, 1.6 km and 2.6 km, for a stroll in nature.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Glansheskin, a Coillte forest recreation site. There is a waymarked trail, the Ballard Waterfall Loop, which is 4.9 km long.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Fota Arboretum and Gardens, which have a large collection of trees and shrubs, including exotic plants. There are also ornamental ponds and formal gardens to see.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Ballyannan Wood, a Coillte forest recreation site. The trails and facilities may change with the seasons.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Rostellan forest, which is open all year round. There is a car park on site.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk through Curraghbinny forest on waymarked trails, with two loops to choose from.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Farran Forest Park, choosing from three waymarked trails of different lengths. It is open all year round.
Why it matchesFamilies can go for a walk in Castlemartyr forest. There are three waymarked loops of different lengths to choose from.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk or cycle on waymarked trails through the forest. There are different lengths of walks and mountain bike trails to choose from.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a short walk through the woods to see the Mullinhassig waterfall. It is a good spot for a bit of fresh air and a stretch of the legs.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the old Gunpowder Mills complex, walk along the River Lee, and look out for local wildlife in the wet woodlands and other natural habitats.
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