We know that Cork English Academy students love to explore Cork as much as they can. One of the most fun-filled and jam-packed destinations to visit in Cork is Fota Island. The island is just a short drive away from the city but the most convenient transport to visit this beautiful spot is via train. Hop on at Kent station and ride to Fota for less than 3 euro. Fota Island is made up of several destinations, Fota house and gardens, Fota wildlife park and Fota Island Golf Club and Resort.

Fota House

Fota House first belonged to the Smith – Barry family. Originally from Wales, the Smith-Barry family came to Ireland during the Norman invasion. They were granted land around the Ireland in 1185 including Fota Island. The house on the island was originally a hunting lodge until it became the families main home in the 1820’s. In 1975 the house and the ground were sold to UCC. You can visit Fota house and see the preserved ballrooms, servants quarters and kitchens.

Fota Gardens

Fota gardens are are full of exotic trees and flowers. Much of the planting of these exotic plants was done by the Smith-Barry’s. The would have travelled around the world bringing back beautiful trees and other dazzling plants. In 1996 the State took over control of the gardens and they are now administered by the Office of Public Works.

Fota Wildlife Park

The idea of a Wildlife park in Ireland began in 1979 by Dr. Terry Murphy, the then Director of Dublin Zoo. Professor Tom Raftery, then Vice-President of University College Cork (UCC) and Director of the Fota Estate, heard of Dr. Murphy’s plan and thought Fota was the perfect location. The plan was approved and building began. The first animals were introduced to the park in late 1982 and the park opened its gates in the summer of 1983. All animal, with the exception of potentially dangerous ones such as tigers and cheetahs, roam free around the park. Watch out for the lemers, the love to steal visitors lunches. Many of the animals at Fota are under threat of extinction, and Fota Wildlife Park is involved in breeding programs for these endangered species, as well as being a breeding source for other zoos around the world.

Fota Island Resort

The resort on the island began with the state of the art golf course. Golf was first played at Fota in 1886. It has since run through several owners and is one of the finest golf courses in Ireland, playing host to tournaments such as the 011 PGA Europro “Audi Cork Irish Masters” and the Murphy’s Irish Open. Along with the golf course there is a 5 star hotel and spa.

University College of Cork (also known as UCC) neighbours Cork English Academy (CEA). The University is situated at the top of Western Road, however as many locals know, its campus spreads the whole way across the city. As a student of Cork English Academy you will be get many opportunities to visit the historic University on our weekly social activities. Several of our students have followed their studies at CEA onto UCC.

UCC was founded 1845 and was originally known as Queen’s College, Cork, one of the 3 Queen’s College’s in Ireland the others located in Galway and Belfast. In 1908 the College was renamed to University College Cork. UCC began with 115 students and as of 2016 had over 21,000.

UCC has won Sunday’s Time University of the year 3 times. It is also the first University in the world who has received A Green Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education. UCC has been ranked as one other world’s most sustainable campuses.

Some of the Highlight of Your Visit to UCC

1. The Honan Chapel. The Universities chapel was built in 1916, with beautiful architecture and magnificent stained glass windows by the world class artist Harry Clarke. Don’t get too attached though, only graduates of UCC are permitted to marry in there.
2. The Glucksmann Gallery. Opened in 2004 designed by Irish practice O’Donnell + Tuomey architects and Arup Consulting Engineers. The gallery has won many architecture awards for its stunning design. Venture inside to see the ever changing exhibitions.
3. The Quadrangle: The original university building The Quadrangle is almost 200 years old and still functions as a critical part of the university.

Notable Figures

1. George Boole was the first mathematics professor in Queen’s College Cork. Boole made major advances in mathematics that has provided crucial groundwork for modern mathematics, engineering and computer science. Boole is nicknamed ‘The Father of the Digital Age’. The main library and lectures theatres in UCC are named after Boole.
2. Professor Mary Ryan was appointed as a romance language professor in 1910. She is the first female professor in Ireland and Britain.
3. Fiona Shaw is a successful actress staring in Harry Potter, My Left Foot and Killing Eve
4. Graham Norton hosts the ever popular Graham Norton show on BBC
5. Cillan Murphy who has acted in Batman, Inception, Dunkirk and Peaky Blinders

Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland. Cork English Academy organises regular trips for our English language students as part of our Social Activity Programme.

The castle is believed to have been first constructed as a wooden house as far back as 1200. Approximately 10 years later, this was replaced by a stone structure. After the destruction of this building the Blarney castle we know today was built by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muscry in 1446.

Blarney castle has had many owners over the years including Sir Richard Pyne, Sir James St John Jefferyes coming up to today’s owner Sir Charles St John Colthurst.

The Blarney Stone

The exact origin of the famous Blarney stone is unknown however if you believe the legend this is a must see spot. For centuries there is a tradition to kiss the Blarney stone to give you the gift of eloquence (or gab)

Blarney House and Gardens

Blarney House is on the castle grounds, it is a Scottish Baronial mansion designed by John Lanyon. While it was once a private home it is now open to the public, full of grand rooms and bursting with history. The house and castle gardens are one of the highlights of any visit. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations with fanciful names such as Druid’s Circle, Witch’s Cave and the Wishing Steps.