One of Cork's busiest beaches. Handily, Garryvoe Hotel is right next to the beach, so there's a…read moreplace for some food and decent parking options available for daytrippers. The beach is a nice spot for a wander, and the brave can try the "bracing" water for a dip. Braver still, it's a hotspot for kite-surfers too.

FOUNTAINSTOWN Fountainstown, let's face it, is not the…read moreprettiest of beaches. But it does have a bus service from the city and also has a large car park. It has been popular for decades and that is still the case. There is sand enough there but on my recent visit, it was covered in seaweed. In fairness, a clean-up is scheduled. There are also a fair share of small stones there and one would have thought it possible they could be periodically cleared with a tractor and rake. Maybe it is done early in the season. In any case there is more than enough to keep the kids going here. One of the main attractions, as it has been over the years, is the huge number of little pools left in the rocks as the tide retreats, more than enough to occupy the inquisitive children, not to mention the parents. Oh by the way. There was a small amount of litter there but nothing major. A good clean-up of the seaweed and this great little destination, which also has a little shop and cafe, would be in great shape for what is left of the "Indian" summer.

I spent some time at this park after walking miles through Cork. My feet were throbbing and I was…read morein desperate need of a break. I found a bench by the river and sat for a while. The wind was lovely and it wasn't raining and the bench was in the shade so I got to sit for a good long while. I popped in my earbuds and listened to an audiobook and it was peaceful bliss. There are public bathrooms but they are paid so I avoided them. There are lots of benches and trash cans around so the park is fairly clean. Once you move away from the playground there aren't too many children and it's not too noisy, so it's the perfect place to relax for a bit.

A lovely little park (a mile or so outside the centre of Cork) which flanks the River Lee, well…read morelooked after and very green and full of flowers (in season of course)! Daly's Bridge is worth walking over and you'll realise why its other name is the Shaky Bridge - it moves slightly when you walk or run.

Came by today for an excursion. The wildlife preserve was amazing. Having been to zoos in the US,…read morethis park was amazing as it provided closer access to the wildlife without plexiglass and large barriers. There was over 108 species on site. The grounds were very clean and well maintained. I had an amazing time seeing all the animals up close and highly recommended Fota to travelers visiting Cork.

We love visiting zoos and this one is very well maintained and reasonably priced. An easy train…read moreride from Cork City which stops right at the Zoo entrance. The park is well maintained and an easy loop trail gets you up and close with the animals. We are most impressed with the free roaming (careless) Lemurs who would walk right around you and up the walls and doors as you toured their exhibit. Very cool. They also have feeding opportunities for giraffes. We enjoyed the cool grounds and various animals.

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.

Leisureworld is one of the public gyms in Cork...but gives the impression of being more than that!…read more I headed here when I was between gym memberships when I lived in Cork and will still pop in if I'm back down. They are one of the few gyms in the city to offer pay-as-you-go which is really handy. It's not overwhelmingly cheap to do so, but competitive....at €8.20 for the gym at peak times-there's a student rate of €3.80 off peak if you have a card. Full price list here: http://churchfield.leisureworldcork.com/index.cfm/page/prices. The fees for annual membership aren't particularly low either, but there are often specials on. The pool is great-clean with dedicated lane swimming. There's a slide and a lovely kiddie pool with buildings to climb on! Nice shiny steam room and sauna too. The gym is quite small but has been spotless anytime I've visited. It can get quite busy but it's usually possible to get on whatever you want. The main gym overlooks the city and is filled with light. Individual TVs make time on the elliptical less yawnsome...although there is no way of adjusting the volume on the sets. They have recently moved heavier weights into a separate room which has pros (like increased equipment provided) and cons (more awkward to do circuits etc). Good range of classes provided-took a couple of challenging circuit and bootcamp ones. Staff are friendly and will help if you want...or leave you to your own devices if you'd prefer. Massage services are also available onsite and the gym is part of a GP referral programme. Major wins are the cleanliness and ability to pay per visit. It's a happy place!

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.

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!