Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, 

Co. Cork

fotawildlife.ie

There’s plenty more animal fun to be found down south, where Fota Wildlife Park allows visitors to get up close and personal. Youngsters – and the not so young – will love the opportunity to walk among the kangaroos, lemurs, flamingos and meerkats, while spacious enclosures throughout the park house cheetahs, monkeys, ostriches and many more exotic species. With festivals and events hosted regularly, there’s always plenty to entertain, so it’s worth checking the website before you go. Finally, there’s also a VIP Family Experience – if your little ones have ever wanted to feed a penguin or get friendly with a giraffe, this might be what you’re looking for! Open seven days a week.