Treat the family this Spring to a break away at the Oriel House Hotel. Arrive to a warm Cork welcome from our friendly front desk team who will check you in to your new temporary home. Family welcome pack given on check-in which includes kiddie colouring pack to entertain your little ones, information on the family friendly activities in and around Ballincollig and Cork, directions to family attractions and our Kids camp timetable that will run during School Holidays.
Things to Do - Cork City Council check out for an extensive list on happeings in Cork City!
Local Attractions:
Ballincollig Regional Park
Includes a former Gunpowder Mill and measures approximately 130 acres in size containing 52 structures in varying stages of decay surviving from the gunpowder manufacturing process. The site is approximately 2.4 kilometres in length and the River Lee runs the entire northern length of the site. The park contains soccer pitches, a rugby pitch, walkways, a skateboard facility, and free-to-use outdoor fitness equipment.
Hysterical Histories Cork - Comedic Dinner Theatre Experience (2hrs Approx).
This must-do, inimitable comedy theatre experience is a high-octane, laugh-out-loud adventure that is unlike anything else in Ireland, or around the world! Written and delivered by established professional Irish actors, this jam-packed performance celebrates all things Cork, upstairs at Amicus Restaurant in Cork’s historic Huguenot Quarter. Over two hours, discover the highlights of Cork’s 1500-year history and become acquainted with a county full of quirky characters, their habits, humor, and language. Enjoy local Cork food and drinks, served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the actors. Leave with a belly full of food, a warm feeling in your heart and a new skill, having learned how to “speak Cork.”
Cork Greyhound Track
Looking for something fun that all the family can enjoy? Check out the thrills, the experience and the excitement that is a Night at the Dogs. With stadia throughout Ireland boasting excellent facilities combined with fun & food, as well as top-class racing... we are sure you will want to come back again and again (and again)!
Blarney Castle & Grounds
By kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, it is claimed that one can receive the "Gift of the Gab" (eloquence, or skill at flattery or persuasion). The Castle grounds are as breathtaking as the castle itself – with beautiful flower lined walkways and picnic areas.
Blarney Woollen Mills
Built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was originally known as Mahony's Mills. It was a water powered mill, producing mainly tweeds and woollens. After closing in the early 1970s, the mills was re-invented by local entrepreneur Christy Kelleher as a gift store servicing tourists visiting the village. It is to this day a favourite with visitors to the small tourist village.
Farran Woods (Childrens play area, wildlife)
Farran Forest Park has ample car parking and a playground. Other notable features include a wildlife enclosure and a large duck pond. The wildlife enclosure holds a small herd of red and fallow deer which can easily be viewed from the way-marked Enclosure Trail that skirts the boundary fence. The duck pond is home to duck species such as mallard, teal, widgeon, shoveler and greylag, white fronted, barnacle, snow and Egyptian geese. Click Here to View Zipit
Hysterical Histories Cork - Comedic Dinner Theatre Experience (2hrs Approx).
This must-do, inimitable comedy theatre experience is a high-octane, laugh-out-loud adventure that is unlike anything else in Ireland, or around the world! Written and delivered by established professional Irish actors, this jam-packed performance celebrates all things Cork, upstairs at Amicus Restaurant in Cork’s historic Huguenot Quarter. Over two hours, discover the highlights of Cork’s 1500-year history and become acquainted with a county full of quirky characters, their habits, humor, and language. Enjoy local Cork food and drinks, served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the actors. Leave with a belly full of food, a warm feeling in your heart and a new skill, having learned how to “speak Cork.”
Lifetime Lab (Old Cork City Waterworks)
Lifetime Lab, on the banks of the River Lee, is a unique attraction for visitors of all ages with its modern interactive exhibition, themed playground, beautifully restored buildings and equipment and scenic views over the River Lee.
Fitzgeralds Park & Public Museum
Cork Public Museum is housed in a two story Georgian house commanding a central position in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. The collections of Cork Public Museum are as rich and diverse as the history of the city itself. They have an original archaeological collection that features some of the most important archaeological finds from the Cork region. Classical archeology is also represented in Cork Public Museum with a small but impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece.
Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
There is no better way to see Cork City than the “Hop On, Hop Off” Tour. See all of Cork’s famous sights such as the Cork City Gaol, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, City Hall, the English Market, City Library, the Triskel Art Center, Cork Opera House, St. Anne’s Church, the Shandon Butter Museum, the Custom House, City Library, the Courthouse, Museum & Fitzgerald Park, & Elizabeth Fort. With a ticket that is valid all day, you can get on and off as often as you wish. A complimentary map and discounts off certain admissions is included.
Kart World
Kart World, a purpose-built Kart circuit, 800m long and 8m wide, has the largest floodlit hire facility in Watergrasshill, Cork. With up to 20 karts on the track at any one time, Kart World can cater for any size group. Computerised race meetings and lap times on an Arrive and Drive basis. The track is flood-lit for your night-time enjoyment. The track is licensed by R.I.A.C. for all classes of Racing karts.
Lee Valley Golf
Located only 10 minutes from Ballincollig, the 18 hole Championship golf course was designed by Irish Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr and has been included in the top 100 Irish Golf Courses by Golf Digest on three separate occasions. A test for all golfers, the parklands course has modern clubhouse and catering facilities, and is the ideal destination for a golfing break in Ireland.
Blackrock Castle & Observatory
A trip to CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is filled with fun and educational things to do for kids, families, school groups and science enthusiasts. Tours of the historic dungeon and turret take place on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays at 1.30 pm & 3.30pm Play The Comet Chaser at Ireland’s first interactive theater and virtually save the Earth as part of the Cosmos at the Castle interactive exhibit. The professional astronomical observatory, integrated with our public exhibition, makes BCO a unique national astronomy centre.
Carrig Waterski & Wakeboard (Macroom)
All levels of ability are catered for at Carrigwaterski and Wakeboard Centre, Macroom, with wet suits, life jackets, skis, boards and coaching included in the fee. The site is located on a beautiful secluded lake with two ski nautique boats, full changing and shower facilities and use of the club house kitchen. Picnic tables are available for those who wish to spend the afternoon on site.
Ballyhass Lakes - Coachford
Ballyhass Lakes is a fantastic new outdoor Aquapark in the heart of the Lee Valley. Jump, bounce and climb, racing your friends through the obstacle course. This floating obstacle course can hold up to 60 people at one time, great for family and friend outings! Suitable for 6 years and up, you can enjoy the large obstacle course, kayaking, wake boarding and much much more.
Cork300 events series launched for 2020
Cork300 will celebrate Royal Cork YAacht club's 300th anniversary, where it all began, and Cork's maritime haven, with a series of events next summer.
Founded in 1720, by a group of 25 peioneering individuals, the Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in the world, and its tricentenary celebrations will take a look at the origins of 'where it all began', which is attracting significant international interest from thousands of yacht clubs across the glove.
The current Cork300 schedule of events include:
The great Gathering, 6-7th July
Cowes to Cork Race, The Morgan Cup, 8-10th July to include trophy generously by HRH The Prince of Wales
Kingstown/Queenstown Race, 9-10th July
Internation Powerboat Fesitval, 11-12th July
Royal Cork Fleet Review/Parade of Sail, 12th July 11am
Wild Atlantic Way Cruise, July 12-19th
Volvo Cork Week, 13-18th July
Glandore Classic Regatta, 18-24th July
The three Championship Weeks, 2nd-22nd August
For more information see www.cork300.com
-in partnerhsip with AIB (premier partner), Volvo, Port of Cork, Cork County Council, Dubarry and Heineken.
Cork City Gaol
Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage - much of it still in evidence today. The magnificent castle-like building is now a major and unique visitor attraction, this Gaol once housed 19th century prisoners! Visitors get a fascinating insight into day-to-day prison life at a time when the high walls ensured no escape and denied law-abiding citizens the opportunity to see one of the finest examples of Ireland’s architectural heritage.
Cork Butter Museum
The Cork Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand.
Cork Vision Centre
Located in the heart of Cork's historic centre, and within walking distance of the city's artistic, commercial and diverse tourist attractions, the Cork Vision Centre at St. Peter's offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate a fine example of conservation in action, and to explore Cork's evolution from past, through present, and onwards to future development.
Jameson Centre & Midleton Distillery
A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery is so much more than just a tour, it is an exciting and engaging experience, guaranteed to enlighten and entertain any visitor.
Re-live the story of John Jameson & Son through the history, the atmosphere and above all the taste. You will discover the time honoured secret of how three simple ingredients - water, barley and yeast - are transformed into smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Shandon Bells
Ring the world famous Shandon Bells from the first floor. View the internal workings of the clocks, the ‘Four Faced Liar’ and see the original 18th Century bells. Enjoy the spectacular 360° views of Cork City and beyond from the balcony of the Shandon Bells Tower.
Heritage centre Cobh/Titanic Trail
The story of Cobh's unique origins, its history and legacy are dramatically recalled at The Queenstown Story, a multimedia exhibition at Cobh's restored Victorian Railway station. Explore the conditions on board the early emigrant vessels, including the dreaded Coffin Ships.
Learn about an Irish Wake - the special farewell for emigrating sons and daughters many of whom never returned to Ireland. Experience life on board a convict ship leaving Cove for Australia in 1801. You can also discover ‘’Queenstowns’’ special connections with the double tragedy of the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania.
The English Market
Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788. Developed and still owned by Cork City Council, the Market is one of the oldest municipal markets of it’s kind in the world.
Spike Island
Spike Island occupies a key location in lower Cork Harbour, which is the second largest natural harbour in the world. The multi-cultural island has hosted a monastery, a fortress and a prison within its 104 acres, all of which have left their mark.
Rumleys Open Farm
Cork's newest open farm - enjoy almost 2km of walk ways to explore and meet the animals and the large collection of birds. Visit the ponds and the Lemur climbing enclosure. Other activities to enjoy here are crazy golf, go-kart track, Zip wire, Soccer pitch, play house, covered sand play area, indoor soft play area, tractor carriage tour and adventure area. A must see for all families
University College Cork
University College Cork was originally established in 1845. The orginal site chosen for the University is believed to have a connection with Saint Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork, whose monastery and school learning were in the area.
The UCC campus is noted for its mature well-wooded grounds containing Californian Redwood trees. These form a splendid setting for the Gothic style Main Quadrangle buildings, modelled on a typical Oxford college by renowned Cork architect of the mid 19th century - Sir Thomas Deane. The overall area of the main campus is forty-four acres, and is supplement further facilities nearby http://www.ucc.ie/
St Finbarr's Cathedral
St Finbarr's Cathedral is the premier public building in Cork, designed by the Victorian genius William Burges http://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Corks New Drive In Movie Theatre
http://www.moviejunction.ie/
Fota Wildlife Park
Fun is never far away and Fota is the ideal day out for all families. Walk amongst animals from all over the world at Ireland's wildest attraction. http://www.fotawildlife.ie/
City Centre
Just a 10 minute drive from Ballincollig and you will find yourself in the heart of shopping district of Cork City, including Patrick Street, Oliver Plunkett Street. Also on the bus route, regular bus service from outside the hotel.
Ballincollig Shopping Centre
Just a 2 minute walk from the Oriel House Hotel. Ballincollig Shopping Centre boosts 35 retail stores, relaxing and easy to find your way round. http://www.ballincolligsc.ie/
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Located 15minutes from Oriel House Hotel Cork, the fabulous Mahon Shopping Centre with all the top high street shops. http://www.mahonpointsc.ie/
