Cork 2023: Fota offers an experience to suit all tastes

With strong popularity with domestic and international guests, Fota Island Resort is well-placed for a summer break.

It may share an island with the wildlife park of the same name, but the accommodation and facilities at Fota Island Resort could not be more different.

A very special place to stay, the hotel is set on over 700 acres of lush grasslands, with 131 bedrooms of varying types, including luxury suites, family rooms and lodges.

During their stay, guests can do as much or as little as they like, opting for a weekend of pampering at the onsite spa, a few rounds of golf, a meander through the grounds, a splash in the pool or the thrill and excitement of Fota Island Adventure.

And if that’s not enough, the resort has four food experiences to choose from, including the Cove fine dining restaurant, which specialises in the best of local produce from talented artisan producers, expertly paired with excellent wines from its own cellar.

Alternatively, set in opulent surroundings with stunning garden views, the newly refurbished Fota Restaurant has a more casual vibe, a favourite among families and groups of friends.

The Amber Lounge and Garden Terrace offer all-day dining, and a little something for everyone, while the Clubhouse and Lakeside Terrace with its casual menu is the perfect spot for a laid-back bite to eat overlooking the 18th green of Fota Island Golf Course.

With so much on offer, it is no wonder that the resort is buzzing and Finola Twomey, Group Director of Revenue, Sales and Marketing, says the hotel is already proving very popular with domestic and international leisure businesses seeking a relaxing break in tranquil surroundings.

“There is high demand for the lodges for July and August as they are an ideal choice for families – and multigenerational family bookings are very strong again this year where extended families book a few lodges to spend quality time together,” she said.

“The length of stay usually ranges from three to seven days, as the resort is easily accessible to all the attractions and amenities that east Cork offers and it is only a 20-minute drive to Cork city. In addition, the resort shares the island with Fota House and Gardens and Fota Wildlife Park.

According to Twomey, demand for accommodation in the hotel has a shorter lead-in time for bookings this year compared to 2022, with a varied mix of reservations from couples, groups of friends and families for one to three-night stays on Spa, Golf and Fota Island Adventure Activity packages. Bookings from overseas have also increased since last year.

“This year, we have seen an increase in the number of luxury group business bookings from America,” she said. “And, so far this season, the feedback on the resort has been outstanding, with the first groups arriving from May and booked right through to September.

“We enjoy welcoming our American guests as they absolutely adore the resort and what it has to offer, including the five-star customer service and experience which we pride ourselves in delivering. It reminds us of how special Fota Island Resort really is and how lucky we are to work here.”

Indeed, the group director says that Fota Island Resort’s unique setting is appealing to both business travellers and those taking time out from work. The location is well-placed for both demographics, with a mix of both from Sundays to Thursdays while leisure mainly take up the weekends and summer months.

But despite the obvious popularity of the resort, the hospitality expert says they are not sitting on their laurels and will continue to work towards ensuring that customers enjoy the best experience possible long into the future.

“It is important for hotels across the country to be consistently maintaining and investing in their product to ensure that the hotel experience in Ireland remains one of the best in Europe,” she said. “

At Fota Island Resort, we have recently finished the refurbishment of our main restaurant – and we are continuously investing in the property to maintain the resort to the high standards it is now known for, to ensure guests have the five-star experience they are expecting when they drive through the gates of the resort.”

For more information visit www.fotaisland.ie