Family Summer Staycation in Cork City and County

Welcome to your perfect the family Summer Staycation. Whether you are looking to explore ancient castles, dive into splash-tastic water parks, or hunt down secret play spaces hidden across the city, Cork has it all.

Nestled in the lush, leafy suburbs of Cork City, Douglas, The Maryborough Hotel and Spa serves as your perfect family base. With its sprawling 18 acres of listed gardens, family friendly dining, and quick access to both the city centre and the coastal routes, your Summer adventure starts the moment you unpack.

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City Centre

Cork Harbour Cruises

Head down to nearby Cobh or Custom House Quay in the city to hop on a  Cork Harbour Cruise. Sailing across the second largest natural harbour in the world, these family-friendly boat tours offer incredible views of colourful Cobh, historic Spike Island, and local marine wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled; dolphins frequently pop up to say hello during the Summer months.

You do not have to travel far from the hotel to find world-class family entertainment. Jump into the heart of Cork’s rich culture and coastal magic with these urban highlights.

 Hysterical Histories Dinner Theatre

Forget stuffy history lessons, this is history served with a massive side of laughs. Hosted upstairs at Amicus Restaurant in the heart of the city, this highly interactive, two-hour show blends live music, brilliant acting, and Cork’s infamous, quirky humour. It is a laugh-a-minute performance suitable for all ages. You will enjoy a fantastic two-course meal of local Cork cuisine while learning how to speak Cork like a true native.

 Cork City Walking Tours and The Summer Playtrail

Cork City are thrilled to launch the latest Playful Culture Trail! 
Running from June to August museums, galleries, and attractions in Cork City have come together to celebrate play, learning and creativity!Keep the kids engaged on foot with child-led exploration. The PlaySpaces Cork City Trail transforms the city into an interactive playground during the summer months. It features custom-built, child-only play pods and secret dens hidden across major cultural hubs like the Cork City Library, The Everyman Theatre, and the Lord Mayor's Pavilion in Fitzgerald’s Park.

Fota Wildlife Park

Just a 15-minute drive from the hotel, Fota Wildlife Park is a must visit. Unlike traditional zoos, many of the animals here from free roaming, ring tailed lemurs to wallabies walk right alongside you. Spread across 100 acres on Fota Island, it is an incredible day out where the kids can see majestic cheetahs, giraffes, and rhinos up close.

Close Beaches and Coastal Fortresses

Perfect day trips within a 25 to 35-minute drive from The Maryborough Hotel.

Cork's coastline is dotted with hidden coves, sandy beaches, and massive military forts that will trigger any child's imagination.

Crosshaven and Camden Fort Meagher

Drive south to the sailing village of Crosshaven. Perched dramatically on the cliffside is Camden Fort Meagher. This 400-year-old coastal fortress is a paradise for little explorers, featuring a labyrinth of underground tunnels, massive granite bastions, and the brightest views over the harbour mouth.

Local Beaches:  Just before reaching Crosshaven, pull into Myrtleville Beach or Fountainstown Beach both are ideal for building sandcastles, rock-pooling, and grabbing a seaside ice cream.

 Kinsale and Charles Fort

Heading southwest leads you to Kinsale, Ireland’s gourmet capital. Before exploring the bright streets of the town, stop at the star-shaped Charles Fort. This enormous 17th-century military stronghold features massive walls jutting right into the sea. The open grassy courtyards are perfect for kids to run around safely while taking in the stunning coastal vistas.

Kinsale Beaches: Head over the bridge to The Dock Beach, a beautiful, sheltered sandy cove right near the fort that is perfectly calm for paddling toddlers.

 West Cork County Action and Adventure

Ready for a proper road trip? Head into West Cork for high octane family fun. 

 Rosscarbery Adventure Hotspots

If your family loves a bit of thrilling activity, make the journey down to the beautiful coastal village of Rosscarbery. It plays host to two incredible family adventure parks:
 The Lagoon Activity Centre is West Cork's largest inflatable floating aqua park, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, kayak rentals and for older children enjoy Splash-tastic water warriors and teens. 
Smugglers Cove Ireland’s first summer tubing park (sliding down massive tracks on giant rings), a massive wooden maze, and 18-hole crazy golf. 

Staycation Pro-Tip for Families: After a busy day exploring West Cork’s beaches or chasing history through underground fort tunnels, head back to The Maryborough Hotel. The parents can unwind in the award-winning thermal suites while the children enjoy the playroom or swimming pool and a dedicated kids' menu at Bellini's Restaurant.

(All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.)