Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens are easy to reach by road or Rail.
Why not combine a visit with a trip to Fota Wildlife Park, Fota Island Resort, or a visit to the nearby town of Cobh?
Our postcode is T45 Y642
Directions from Cork City
Follow the N25 Eastbout towards Midleton.
At Junction 3, take the exit for Cobh, then the 4th exit at the roundabout.
At the next roundabout, take the first exit marked Cobh, passing Fota Island Resort on the right.
Continue on until you reach the filter lane for Fota House and Fota Wildlife Park (before Velvelly Bridge).
The first car park you reach, on the left-hand side, is for Fota Wildlife Park. Continue straight down into the Lower Car Park.
The House is a 2-3 minute walk from here.”
Walk From Fota Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park is located on land that used to form part of the original Fota House Estate – in fact, it was once the pheasant run!
Fota Wildlife Park share a car park with us, which makes a visit to both attractions an easy option. You will realise how close we are when you hear the monkeys chatter while walking around the Arboretum & Gardens!
How Did Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Get Its Own Railway Station?
The first train stopped in Fota on March 10th 1862 after the Smith-Barry family allowed the line to pass through their land. As part of the deal, a private stop at Fota was added for their own private use
Today many visitors use the train to come to Fota to visit and Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens are a 10 minute walk from the train station.
As Fota is on the Cork-Cobh commuter line, there is a regular service. You can check the train times below
Parking
On site parking is available in Fota with a site parking fee of €3.00 for the day for customers of Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens & Fota Wildlife Park. Payment by card or exact change at the exit barrier.
Each car park is well signposted as you come through the main entrance barrier. The Fota Wildlife Park car park is the first on the left. For visitors to the House and Gardens, continue on down to the Lower Car Park.
and Prices
Accessibility
Our Long Gallery Gift Shop and the lower ground floor are fully wheelchair accessible. Our staff are more than happy to offer any assistance you may require in these areas.
Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building, access to four rooms on the first floor is restricted for wheelchair users. Our staff can give you information on these rooms.
The paths around the Arboretum & Gardens are surfaced with gravel. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance on the road just above the house. This allows access to the paths while avoiding all the steps
Assistance dogs are welcome in the house, grounds, shop and Café. Water is provided outside for visiting dogs. For the comfort and safety of other visitors, dogs should be kept on a short lead at all times.
Arriving by Cruise Ship
Travelling to Cobh by cruise ship? Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens is just a 15 minute train ride or a short taxi trip from Cohb Port, which makes it a wonderful place to pause and explore on-shore. It’s also easy to combine with a day trip into Cork city! We regularly welcome cruise shore excursion groups, as well as cruise visitors who are travelling on their own.
