A visit to a wildlife park is the ideal way to see wild animals living in their natural habitat. There are many such parks in Ireland. Below you will find details of some of them.
Doneraile Wildlife Park
Doneraile, Cork
Fine Entrance gates at the porticoed gated lodge on the Turnpike Road, north of Doneraile town, Co. Cork, mark the formal entrance to 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds. The immediate impression created in this 18th-century park is that nature has shaped the landscape. In the hollows of the landscape, water is the important element, artificially diverted into canals, cascades and ponds, and spanned by elegant stone bridges.
Fota Wildlife Park
Carrigtwohill, Cork
A trip to Fota Wildlife Park, one of Europe’s most modern wildlife parks, is thoroughly enjoyable as well as being educational. Spread out over 70 acres are more than 70 different types of species that thrive in this free-range environment.
Conservation of these species is Fota’s main aim and to do this they ensure that the animals are fed a very special diet that suits their needs.
A variety of playgrounds and special kids’ days cater for children. For everyone else there are guided tours of the park, restaurants, designated picnic areas, and shops. Budding zoologist will enjoy the education programmes. Adjacent to the park is Fota Arboretum, which boasts a collection of trees and shrubs from around the world.
Delamont Country Park
Mullagh, Killyleagh, Downpatrick, Down
The perfect location for family and friends to enjoy the countryside experience, Delamont Country Park has something for everyone and is designed to ensure individuals, corporate and private organisations, school and youth club outings, toddler play groups or senior citizens have a fun day out.
Lagan Valley Regional Park
L.V.R.P. Officer, Belvoir Forest Park, Belfast, Antrim
The Lagan Valley Regional Park was established in the late 1960s, to protect the countryside of the Lagan Valley between Belfast and Lisburn and to develop the area for wildlife conservation and informal recreation.
Coolwood Wildlife Park
Coolcaslagh, Killarney, Kerry
Coolwood Wildlife Park is located just outside Killarney. Here you can explore 40 beautiful acres of Wildlife Sanctuary and ten acres of Wildlife Park. Animals to be seen here include monkeys, lemurs, raccoons, wallabies, meerkats, llama and alpacas. There are also some birds of prey, water fowl, and pets. There is also a children’s playground and coffee shop.
