Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Cork, Ireland – Top 10 Things to See and Do

  • Author: ActiveME
  • Created: October 2, 2013 10:15 pm
  • Updated: December 12, 2017 10:59 am
Location: Cork
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Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens is an architectural masterpiece, a treasure house of art and a place for all the family to enjoy near Cork City in the south of Ireland. Come and share this special place with us and you will have a great day out!

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens are located next to Fota Wildlife Park  and were developed by the Smith-Barry family who recognised the significance of Fota’s sheltered location and warm soil. The word Fota is derived from the Irish 'Fód te' meaning warm soil and perfect for the growing and cultivation of rare trees and exotic plants. While Fota House was originally a modest two-storey hunting lodge belonging to the Smith Barry family who came to Ireland for fishing, shooting, hunting and yachting.

Fota House was the former home of the Smith-Barry family (Earls of Barrymore since 1627), descendants of Philip de Barry. The de Barry family came from Wales as part of the Norman invasion of Ireland. He was granted Fota and other lands in 1185. The Arboretum contains an extensive collection of trees and shrubs extending over an area of approx. 11 hectares (27 acres) and includes features such as ornamental pond, Italian and walled gardens.

1. Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Cork, Ireland - Top 10 Things to See and Do

Altitude: 8 m

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens is an architectural masterpiece, a treasure house of art and a place for all the family to enjoy near Cork City in the south of Ireland. Come and share this special place with us and you will have a great day out!

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens are located next to Fota Wildlife Park  and were developed by the Smith-Barry family who recognised the significance of Fota’s sheltered location and warm soil. The word Fota is derived from the Irish ‘Fód te’ meaning warm soil and perfect for the growing and cultivation of rare trees and exotic plants. While Fota House was originally a modest two-storey hunting lodge belonging to the Smith Barry family who came to Ireland for fishing, shooting, hunting and yachting.

Fota House was the former home of the Smith-Barry family (Earls of Barrymore since 1627), descendants of Philip de Barry. The de Barry family came from Wales as part of the Norman invasion of Ireland. He was granted Fota and other lands in 1185. The Arboretum contains an extensive collection of trees and shrubs extending over an area of approx. 11 hectares (27 acres) and includes features such as ornamental pond, Italian and walled gardens.