MARDYKE SKATE PARK Many complaints when the kids were…read moreskate-boarding in front of the Opera House. Somebody heard and now there are at least two dedicated "parks", one in the Regional Park (Ballincollig) and the other in the Mardyke Walk. Passed the Mardyke facility this morning and there was just one dedicated skater practising but I'm sure, like the Ballincollig one, it is much busier at the weekends.

Acres of beautifully landscaped walks around the estate. I didn't have any expectations when…read morevisiting the first time last week and was really surprised at how well kept it is. The old Oak/Beech trees are enormous, they must be hundreds of years old.

Doneraile Wildlife Park is beautiful park, full of rolling hills and secluded trails. There's a few…read moredeer herds on site, and the excellent playground to keeps the smallies busy as well. There's plenty of great spots for a picnic. There's also a tea room, just make sure to check the Heritage Ireland site for opening hours as these change seasonally.

I went to Farran Wood with my husband recently and I'm so glad that I did. There is plenty of…read moreparking, toilets and a playground. I found this place to be beautiful and looking forward to going back again

FARRAN WOOD Been a while since I visited Farran Wood or…read moreFarran Forest Park to give it its full title. It is signposted from the main Cork-Macroom Road at Srelane (Ovens) and the entry fee is a fiver per vehicle. There is plenty of parking, toilets and a playground. The first and probably main attraction is the wildlife enclosure with large pond. Here, the red and fallow deer (including some very young inquisitive animals) come right up to the fence to say hello. The pond attracts duck and geese. There are two signed walks around the wood, the longer of which takes you down to the banks of the Inniscarra Reservoir, where the River Llee is held up to form a lake. The National Rowing Centre, which has its own entrance, is located within the park on the shores of the lake. Enjoyed my walk around the other day, even though the rain came down before the finish. Still, there was ample shelter under the trees. Headed then for the old shooting lodge which has been converted into a woodland ecology display centre but that was locked up. Temporary or permanent? There was no sign up but I have sent a query off to the Coillte and I'll let you know the answer.

I have only been in the Regional Park a few times now and absolutely love wandering around. I have…read morewent for strolls with my husband or gone to exercise by myself and I really enjoy it. They have done up the park over the past few years and it looks great. There is a river, some streams and canals and much more to see in this park. I even found a fairy path this morning and I absolutely loved it, it is a great idea for kids and adults a like! There are places to play soccer/football and a playground for children as well. I really enjoy this park and recommend to go there if you are in the Ballincollig area

This is a fantastic out door space. There plenty of walks on even ground, greenery to view and a…read moreplayground for kids to play in. There are some outdoor exercise structures for adults to use too. I only wish I had more time to spend here. This is all paid for by the town's support so it is a wonderful place to enjoy for free! There is a nice coffee truck in the parking lot. I anticipate it gets full so try to visit in the morning!

Highly recommend when in Killarney. We walked from our hotel to the Park and made a day of it…read more Entrance is free! Many paved and unpaved trails to follow. Park was lush and green and surrounded 3 lakes. We hiked to MuckRoss house (didn't take the paid tour), the Abbey, and Torc Waterfall. Lots of history. Torc waterfall was quite a distance away, you'll pass a botanical garden that is gorgeous. Upon arrival to Torc, you'll have access to a variety of either strenuous, moderate, or mild hikes. We chose the tourist route for pics and easy access to the waterfall. A decent size waterfall and worth the trek. Lots of tourist buses park here. Many horse carriage rides available in the park. Not a supporter of that business. But, you'll see beautiful cows grazing the pastures near the MuckRoss house . All in all , we hiked approximately 10 + miles that day! Always be prepared for a little bit of rain and wind. Bring water or a picnic lunch : )

I absolutely recommend coming here if you're ever in Ireland. There is no entrance fee. We saw the…read moreTorc waterfall and it was beautiful. There's much more to see but to be transparent we didn't go to them all. Absolutely gorgeous. A definite MUST!

An unassuming park just off the market where we enjoyed a tasty lunch of items procured steps away…read more Delicious cheeses, olives and produce a gem of a stop. So happy we stumbled upon these grounds.

BISHOP LUCEY PARK The small rectangle known as Bishop Lucey…read morePark is hardly worthy of the "park" designation. But its city centre situation has its advantages. It borders the newly broadened footpath of the Grand Parade (and its convenient coffee dock) and is just across the way from the English Market. So, on a good day, you can grab a snack and a drink and go to one of the many seats in the tree shaded park for a mid-day "picnic". I did just that during one of the recent festivals: I picked up my sausage on a stick (by O'Flynn's) and enjoyed the break before heading back to the festival action. It may be small but the City Council say it is "widely used" "The old City Wall was located during construction and is featured prominently near the impressive arched entrance. A short walk past colourful flowerbeds and shrubberies leads to an elegant fountain near the South Main Street exit." The fountain is by John Behan and there is also a piece (the Onion Seller) by well loved local sculptor Seamus Murphy.

THE GLEN RECREATIONAL PARK…read more The Glen Recreational Park is a good spot to take the dog for a walk. A little river runs through it and, split by a low level bridge (which has a Gaudi like sculpture alongside), there are two "lagoons" where the ducks and waterhens thrive. And in the middle of all this there is a soccer pitch, which is busy most Sunday mornings. The park also forms part of one of the now common Sli Na Slainte (Healthy Walk). But the 5k walk, which starts up by Mayfield Community School, is mostly outside of the Glen. Indeed, as the park is largely under-utilised, there is a standing caution against walking on one's own there, especially towards dusk and that despite the fact that City Council has a depot there. Still, on a good day, it is a very pleasant walk and I must say I enjoy my trips to the western end, which you must reach if you are to cover the full 5 kilometres of the Sli Na Slainte.