Group Visits

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens offers a range of options and facilities for group tours and venue hire.

We regularly welcome private groups, school tours, and tour parties who enjoy the atmosphere and stories to be found here at one of Ireland’s foremost heritage properties.

Tailored to Your Needs

We can tailor our group tours so that your party can focus on what interests them most about Fota House.

Whether you want to know about a specific period of Ireland’s past, what life was like ‘below stairs’, or the magnificent works in Fota House’s historic fine art collection, we can craft a tour for you..

You can also arrange room hire and garden use for meetings, special events, and group visits.

Our competitive group tour and room hire rates, as well as excellent amenities, including our lovely Café, mean that it’s easy to plan a great group day out or event at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens!

A painting of a woman hanging on a white wall, flanked by wall-mounted candles, with two decorative vases and a small golden clock arranged neatly below.
Beautifully designed high chairs at the center of a lush forest, blending modern elegance with natural surroundings.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Tour Options

Arrange a tour to experience the atmosphere and learn the stories of one of Ireland’s most prestigious Big Houses from our wonderful guides.

  • Fota House Tour (guided only, 60 mins)
  • Victorian Working Garden Tour (guided or self-guided, 60 mins+)
  • Fota House Art Tour (60 mins)

Active Retirement Outings

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens is the perfect location for Active Retirement group outings. Allow us to put together an all-inclusive package tailored to your needs.

A beautifully trimmed bush set in a flat expanse of lush green grass.
An elegant dining room set for a fancy dinner, featuring candlelit tables, classic paintings on the walls.

Stunning Venues for Hire

From the Great Hall to the glittering glasshouses and gorgeous gardens, Fota House has many wonderful spaces for your events and celebrations. Our Events Team will be happy to advise you every step of the way.

Catering for Groups at Fota House

The Café at Fota House offers a variety of catering options for your group or event, including morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea. We feature fresh local produce whenever possible, some of which is produced here on the Fota Estate. A selection of gifts and cards are also available for purchase, in our Gift Shop.

A group of square tables covered with elegant white cloths, each paired with chairs, arranged in a refined room featuring a classic fireplace.

Coach Parking for Group Tours

There is ample coach parking available in the Fota House car park. We are located 20 minutes’ drive from Cork city and Cork Airport. Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens also has a dedicated train station, which can be accessed via Irish Rail’s Cork to Cobh line. The train station is a 10 minute walk from Fota House.

Arrange Group Visits

Book in Advance

Book your group visit in advance to ensure that we can accommodate your group on a date and at a time that works for you. Pre-booking also saves time on arrival.

Talk to Us About Your Group’s Needs

When you’re working with a group, accessibility, safety, and comfort are key. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about accessibility, dietary requirements or anything else to ensure your group can make the most of their time with us.

Group Discounts

Free admission for tour guides and drivers is included in our group tour packages, as are complimentary refreshments and guidebooks.

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