20 Feb Foaty Island , County Cork
Surrounded by mud flats where wildfowl thrive , Foaty Island (also called Fota Island) includes a 70 acre wildlife park owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland. The park contains cheetahs , and , wandering virtually unhindered , giraffes , zebras , wallabies and a large collection of other animals. There is also an arboretum , established in 1820 , in which many unusual and beautiful specimen trees and shrubs from around the world flourish.
Also on the Island is Fota House , originally a modest 18th century hunting lodge that was remodelled and enlarged in Regency style in 1820.
Foaty Island is a real hidden gem on your tours of Ireland.