Sue from @sue_dan_house is a fellow Corkonian who has a wonderful page where she shares family life with her husband Dan and kids Bonnie and Kai. They also share their wonderful home, fashion, hair and cooking. It’s all there!
She has very kindly shared some of their favourite family spots in Cork:
West Cork:
- Moloney’s Strand, Dunworley – a beautiful beach which is ideal for families. Wide beach with plenty of space to walk and explore, shallow water that’s safe for kids and plenty of spots to explore and set up for the day. [Dunworley Beach is just over the road and is another great option]
- If going to Moloney’s Strand, Courtmacsherry is close by and is another fabulous spot to visit. Great options for food, including The Golden Pheasant Cafe. Seating is inside, or outside in the beautiful gardens.
- Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty – loved and adored by many, and rightly so. This is a gorgeous beach outside of Clonakilty and is perfect for families. Long beaches for walking, sand dunes for exploring, safe water for swimming and surfing, coffee trucks for a snack, and all surrounded by incredible beauty.
- Clonakilty Town has many options for food including Fig and Olive is a wonderful breakfast / lunch spot with an outdoor play area for kids.
City / Suburbs:
- The Regional Park, Ballincollig – an amazing place for families that kids of all ages enjoy. From playground to basketball, skate park to bike tracks and scooter paths, soccer to fairy trails. It literally has something for everyone! And for the history enthusiast, it is steeped in history with the Gunpowder Mills from the 18th Century. Buggies and runners alike enjoy the many paths around the park, which are bursting with wildflowers at this time of year. And if you’re in luck, you’ll manage to grab of cup of coffee at the truck in the car park!
- The Anglers is a great food option if you want to make a day out of it. Delicious food and a stunning location on the river. Indoor and outdoor seating in the garden are perfect for family occasions, big and small!
- Farran Woods – located on the banks of the Iniscarra Reservoir, this is another gorgeous option for a family day out. There are miles of tracks and paths, animals to see, playgrounds to enjoy and Zip It is there for older kids – a treetop high ropes course. Hugely popular for older kids! The only fee to the Woods itself [Zip It is a separate company] is the parking fee. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and you have a gorgeous morning / afternoon out.
East Cork:
- Fota Wildlife Park – a treasure that’s adored by all who visit! A 100 acre site, only twenty minutes east of the City, and it’s full of animals from all over the world. While there are many things to love about Fota, seeing the animals that can wander and roam freely and mix with other animals, is definitely one of the draws. The new paths are buggy and wheelchair friendly and add to all the new additions and updates of late. There are cafes throughout the park, or you can bring a picnic and set up in many areas around the park. No matter how many times you visit, Fota is always an incredible day. And one that is suitable from ages 0 – 99 and above! Everyone loves Fota!
- If you want to make a day out of it at Fota and have lunch / dinner afterwards, The Elm Tree Glouthaune is only minutes over the road. The Elm Tree is that perfect combination of great food, gorgeous interiors and fabulous staff! It’s a food destination in it’s own right!
A snippet of what’s on offer in wonderful Cork!
Thanks so much to Sue for sharing their favourites with. Have you been to any of these places? Are your Cork favourites added in there? Let us know in the comments below.
