Nearby Attractions
Mahon Point Shopping Centre has over 50 leading shops, plenty of bars and cafes, a multi-screen cinema and 2,000 free parking spaces, this is the largest shopping centre outside Dublin and the ideal shopping destination for the Munster region, all within easy access of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork.
Blarney Castle And Stone – This historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. Blarney Castle, located in Blarney, is a must-visit landmark just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Operating from 9am to 7pm during the summer, with last admission at 5:30pm, it’s an enchanting experience.
Built 600 years ago by chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, Blarney Castle has attracted millions of visitors worldwide, thanks to the legendary Blarney Stone. Kissing it grants the gift of eloquence.
Explore the castle and gardens for up to 3 hours. The castle boasts ancient walls, towers, and hidden chambers. The 60-acre gardens feature beautiful flora, serene ponds, and the mystical Rock Close.
Plan accordingly to make the most of your visit. Blarney Castle promises a memorable journey into history, legends, and natural beauty. Kiss the Blarney Stone and never be at a loss for words again.
Fota Wildlife Park – Ireland’s wildest attraction, Fota Wildlife Park is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour. It’s a unique place where you can come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. Fota Wildlife Park, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm (last admission at 4:30pm). Suitable for all ages, it is a conservation charity that offers a zoological visitor experience.
Since its establishment in 1983, Fota Wildlife Park has grown to a 100-acre facility. With a focus on biodiversity protection, endangered breeding, and wildlife education, it attracts over 460,000 visitors annually. Connect with nature and support conservation efforts at Fota Wildlife Park
Blackrock Castle Observatory – While at the castle you can enjoy daily planetarium shows to learn about the wonders of the night sky, send a message to space at the pan galactic station and play the comet chaserto to save the earth. Blackrock Castle, a 15-minute drive from the hotel in Blackrock, is open daily from 10am to 5pm. It offers a fantastic family day out with various activities for kids.
Originally built in the 16th century as a defense against pirates and invaders, the castle has a rich history. Now restored and operated by the Cork Institute of Technology, it serves as an observatory open to the public. Don’t miss the onsite restaurant.
Visit Blackrock Castle to explore its grounds, learn about its intriguing past, and enjoy a memorable family outing
English Market – Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market that has been trading since 1788. Developed and still owned by Cork City Council, the market is one of the oldest municipal markets of its kind in the world. The historic English Market in Cork has been trading since 1788. As one of Europe’s oldest and finest covered markets,
it has withstood numerous challenges to remain a vibrant part of Cork’s retail scene. Famous for its food offerings, the market showcases fresh, local produce, traditional Cork delicacies, and a variety of international treats. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, it’s a must-visit destination to experience Cork’s culinary culture and rich history.
Crawford Art Gallery – The Crawford Art Gallery is a public art gallery and museum in the city of Cork. Admission to the Gallery and its exhibitions is free. Crawford Art Gallery in Cork city is a national cultural institution. Admission is free, and no booking is required. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm (until 8pm on Thursdays), and on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 11am to 4pm.
Discover over 3,000 works of art, spanning from eighteenth-century classics to contemporary installations. Crawford Art Gallery offers a captivating experience for art enthusiasts.
Cork Butter Museum – The Butter Museum is a unique Cork institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. The museum is open daily, from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 4 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.
The museum building, dating back to 1849, has a rich history. Originally the largest Shambles in Ireland, it served as a bustling market for food sales. Notably, it housed the butter exchange building in the commercial area of the city.
Step into the museum and delve into the fascinating world of Ireland’s butter trade throughout the centuries. Exhibits showcase the renowned 19th-century international Butter Exchange, the local production of butter, and the modern operations of the esteemed Kerrygold company.
Shandon Tower (Church Of St Anne) – Enjoy the unique experience of ringing the world-famous Shandon Bells from the first floor. Then, climb 132 steps and enjoy spectacular 360degree views of the city from 120feet up. During the months of June, July, August, and September,St. Anne’s Church is open from Monday to Saturday, from
10 am to 5 pm (with the last entry at 4:30 pm), and on Sundays from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm (with the last entry at
4 pm).Step inside St. Anne’s Church, one of the city’s oldest, dating back to 1722. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to ring
the world-famous Shandon Bells. Embark on a climb of 132 steps and be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views
of Cork city.
Fitzgerald Park – Named after Edward Fitzgerald, a Lord Mayor of Cork in 1901, this picturesque offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the beautiful tree lined avenues and brimming flower beds, to the many statues and the fantastic large central fountain, this 18 acre park is a wonderful treat. Fitzgerald Park, located just a short stroll along the Mardyke from Cork City centre and University College
Cork is home to the Cork Public Museum. It offers a delightful riverside setting where visitors and locals
can enjoy picnics on the banks of the River Lee.
Cork Public Museum – Housed in a mid-19th century building within Fitzgerald Park in the Mardyke area of the city, the museum’s exhibits focus mainly on the history and archaeology of the Cork area.
Open: Tue to Fri 10-4pm, Sat 11-4pm
Closed: Mon and Sun
Admission is free.
Visit Ireland’s oldest Local Authority Museum, where admission is free. Explore archaeological exhibits spanning 7,000 years of human settlement. Discover the stories of prominent Cork figures who shaped national and international events. Dive into the rich civic, political, military, social, and cultural histories that define Cork. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 11am to 4pm (closed on Mondays and Sundays).
Cork City Gaol – Cork City Gaol is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompanied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys. Cork City Gaol
Opening Hours:
March to October: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Self-Guided Tours: Visit at your convenience with a guidebook provided.
Guided Tours: Daily at 2pm, every hour in July & August. Step into the 19th-century Cork City Gaol and explore its corridors, grounds, and even experience a cell. Immerse yourself in history with the sights and sounds of the past.
University College Cork – The university was founded in 1845 and renowned for the quality of its academic programmes, the beauty of its campus and its vibrant student life.
Titanic Experience Cobh – Titanic Experience Cobh is a captivating visitor centre in Cobh, just 25 minutes from Little Island. Open from April to September, 9am to 6pm daily, it offers an immersive tour that takes approximately an hour.
Located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, it was the departure point for the final 123 passengers of the Titanic. Explore the history and impact of the ship, gaining a deeper understanding of this significant event. Titanic Experience Cobh is a must-visit destination that brings the story to life.
Jameson Distillery – Jameson Distillery, just a 20-minute drive from the hotel, offers a guided tour of their indoor facilities. Open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Explore the rich heritage of Jameson whiskey as you learn about the dedicated people and meticulous processes behind its production. Experience the captivating story of John Jameson’s legacy at the distillery.
Visit Jameson Distillery for an engaging and educational tour that brings the world of whiskey to life.
Fota Arboretum and Gardens – Fota House is a must-visit attraction, just 15 minutes from our hotel. Open daily from mid-March to the end of September, 10:30am to 5pm (including Bank Holidays), pre-booking is essential.
Explore the remarkable arboretum and gardens on Fota Island, spanning 11 hectares. It boasts a rare collection of tender trees and shrubs, making it one of Europe’s finest. Fota’s favorable conditions nurture flourishing exotic plants from the southern hemisphere.
Experience the beauty of Fota House and its captivating gardens, perfect for horticulture enthusiasts.
Spike Island – Spike Island, just a 25-minute drive from Little Island, offers a captivating experience. Allocate approximately 3.5 hours for your visit.
During summer, ferries depart from Kennedy Pier hourly between 10am and 3pm, providing easy access to the island.
With a history spanning 400 years, Spike Island served as a prison on multiple occasions. Its fortification began in 1779 during the American War of Independence, attracting the attention of various world powers due to Cork harbour’s strategic importance.
Explore Spike Island’s intriguing past and immerse yourself in its captivating stories. It’s a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious explorers.
Leahy’s Open Farm – Leahy’s Open Farm in Middleton, Co. Cork, is just a 35-minute drive from the hotel. It offers indoor and outdoor activities and is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Enjoy a memorable family day out at Open Farm East Cork, located near the picturesque village of Dungourney. Meet a variety of animals, including sheep, lambs, and adorable bunnies that kids can feed.
Explore the farm at your own pace, from fascinating museums showcasing the past to a new play barn, animal sections, and a recently opened maze. Take leisurely walks in the gardens while the kids enjoy Go-Karting, sand play, a kiddie’s maze, or tractor track rides. Leahy’s Open Farm ensures a fun-filled experience for all ages
Elizabeth Fort – Discover Elizabeth Fort, Cork’s oldest and most historic site, located in the heart of Cork City. This well-preserved urban artillery fortification offers panoramic views from its ancient bastions, allowing visitors to walk the walls and uncover the fascinating history of this remarkable site.
Nano Nagle Place – Nano Nagle Place welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 am and 5 pm. Entry to our 3.5-acre site, including the walled gardens
and Nano Nagle’s tomb, is free. However, please note that there is a fee to access our museum, where self-guided and guided tours are available.
Discover the unexpected oasis of Nano Nagle Place in the heart of vibrant Cork City. This unique destination celebrates Nano Nagle’s vision of
empowerment through education, community inclusion, and spiritual engagement in today’s world. Explore the award-winning museum, beautifully restored heritage buildings, tranquil walled gardens, a design shop, a Cork-focused bookshop, and the delightful Good Day Deli.
Additionally, the convent buildings house various community
education projects.
St. Finbarre’s Cathedral – Situated in the heart of Cork City, Ireland, Cork’s Anglican Cathedral stands as a testament to centuries of Christian worship. Designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1870, this magnificent Cathedral occupies a site that has been a place of religious devotion since the seventh century and continues to be cherished today.
Air-Tastic – Located just a 5-minute walk from the hotel in Little Island, Airtastic Entertainment Centre is the ultimate leisure destination in Cork. Perfect for children aged 3 to 5, this center offers a wide range of exciting activities. Experience the thrill of ten-pin bowling on our state-of-the-art 12-lane bowling alley. Embark on a space-themed adventure with our indoor 18-hole mini-golf course. Test your skills and win prizes in our amusements area. Enjoy a delicious meal at the NY Kitchen. And don’t miss out on the excitement of our inflate and ninja park, Cork’s largest inflatable park, where you can bounce and conquer the ninja challenges. Airtastic Entertainment Centre in Little Island has it all for a fun-filled day of entertainment!
Ocean Escapes – Embark on a thrilling maritime adventure with Ocean Escapes, offering boat tours, scenic trips, and private charters. Discover the wonders of the world’s second- largest natural harbour with our City Adventure and Harbour Discovery tours. Whether you prefer a 90-minute excursion or a half-day pub trail, we have something for everyone. Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot on these exciting public sailing experiences. Embark on a thrilling maritime adventure with Ocean Escapes, offering boat tours, scenic trips, and private charters. Discover the wonders of the world’s second-largest natural harbour with our City Adventure and Harbour Discovery tours. Whether you prefer a 90-minute excursion or a half-day pub trail, we have something for everyone. Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot on these exciting public sailing experiences.
Open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, the Fairy Trail in Ballincollig Regional Park is a must-see attraction. Discover the enchanting world where the fairies of Ireland have made their home. You can even contribute to their community by placing a Fairy Door along the trail. We recommend allocating 1-2 hours to immerse yourself in this magical experience at the Ring Of Cork’s most prestigious fairy address.
Zipit – Farran Wood – Open Monday to Friday at 3pm, this place is perfect for all ages. Let your imagination soar as children explore and adults unleash their inner child. Climb, swing, ride a BMX, and experience thrilling ziplines high among the treetops. Whether you come alone, with family, or in a group, you’re guaranteed up to 3 hours of excitement and adventure. Embrace the fun!