Zipit Farran Park: Guide to the Local Area

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Zipit Farran Park is nestled on the southern shore of Inniscarra Lake in County Cork. Only 20 minutes from Cork City, Zipit Farran Park is an obstacle course consisting of wooden platforms, tackle ladders, swinging ropes, rope bridges, and ziplines. Spend your day navigating the circuits and conquering the treetops, surely making it a fun-filled day for everyone!

Zipit Farran Park is one of three Zipit locations across Ireland. We also provide fun and thrills at our forest parks in Tibradden Wood (Dublin) and Lough Key (Co. Roscommon). But in this guide to Farran Park and the local area, we’re focusing on the heart of County Cork.

Scroll down to get started! Whether you’re local to the area or visiting from further afield, you will find all the information you need to help you plan an epic trip. And please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Where is Zipit Farran Park?

Zipit Farran Park is located in Farran Forest Park on the southern shore of Inniscarra Lake in County Cork, a short walk from the National Rowing Centre (Ionad Náisiúnta Rámhaíochta). From our scenic spot, we enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the stunning surrounding countryside.

Do you want to get to know us a little better before your visit? Head over to the What is Zipit? page where you will find more information about our circuits, pricing, safety measures, and answers to FAQs.

How to Get to Zipit Farran Park from Cork?

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Zipit Farran Park is by car. From Cork, it’s only a 25- to 30-minute drive. Once out of the city, follow the N22 westward and then turn onto the L2202, following it all the way to our adventure park. We also have plenty of on-site parking, where you will be able to safely leave your car.

Unfortunately, there are no public transport links out to Zipit Farran Park. The only other options are to grab a taxi or cycle. Cycling from Cork would take about an hour and 30 minutes.

Visit the Directions page for more information about getting to Zipit Farran Park.

What are the Opening Hours at Zipit Farran Park?

The park is open year-round but opening hours depend on the season and the weather. We recommend that you check the website and book your tickets before travelling to Zipit Farran Park. During July and August, Zipit Farran Park is open from 9 am to 6 pm. You can always contact us directly if you’re unsure about anything ahead of our visit.

Furthermore, make sure you arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before your allocated time slot. This allows time for check-in, gearing up, and attending the mandatory safety briefing.

What is Included in your Ticket to Zipit Farran Park?

With your ticket to Zipit Farran Park, you will be given a harness which you can use for three hours. A safety briefing is also included within this time slot. Zipit Farran Park has five colour-coordinated circuits that you can take part in. These circuits range from a height of one to 15 metres off the forest floor. The children’s circuit starts at approximately one to two metres and gradually increases as you move through the family circuits. With the high ropes course, you’ll be navigating a route which is approximately 15 metres off the ground.

Once you’ve completed the Farran Park adventure courses, you can visit our playground for some more family-friendly fun, or spend time wandering around our wildlife enclosure which holds a small herd of red and fallow deer, and our duck pond which has a variety of duck species.

Age and Height Restrictions at Zipit Farran Park

You must be 7+ years old and be at least one metre tall to take part in the Zipit Farran Park adventure courses. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult, either participating or supervising from the ground.

Safety at Zipit Farran Park

Before you start the circuits, you will be given a comprehensive safety briefing, which will include how to use your safety harness, how to navigate the course, and any emergency procedures.

We will have professional instructors around the course to provide assistance, supervise participants, and ensure your safety.

Accessibility at Zipit Farran Park

We have different circuits to choose from that cater to a range of ages and abilities. However, a basic level of physical fitness is recommended to complete the courses.

Wheelchair access is provided to our cabin at Zipit Farran Park. However, past this point, the paths through the forest can be quite difficult to navigate for wheelchair users.

The high ropes course involves a safety system of magnets which may interact with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. If you have one of these devices fitted, you’ll need to check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to take part.

What Should I Wear to Zipit Farran Park?

Prioritise comfort! Since rain is a common part of the Irish weather forecast, you can expect the courses to get quite muddy at points so wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty. We highly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket!

Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip to help you navigate the courses safely and gloves must be worn at all times to protect your hands. No fingerless, latex, or padded gloves are allowed. If you forget to bring gloves, no worries; you can buy them at our cabin while checking in. Long hair must be tied back and body piercings covered too!

During the summer months, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Zipit Farran Park?

Book your Farran Park tickets in advance to ensure you get your preferred date and time. An individual adult ticket to Zipit Farran Park costs €42 and individual child tickets range from €19 to €36, depending on age. If you are only there to supervise someone under 18 years old, you can do so free of charge — and you can even bring along your family pet for company! We also offer a range of family tickets for families of four to a family of six with at least one adult. These family tickets generally work out cheaper than buying individual tickets.

We also offer tickets with viewpoint headcams. These cameras are attached to your head strap and are worn on the high rope courses. They give you a first-person point-of-view video of your experience. 

Upon completion of the course, you’ll be given a QR code to download your video and reminisce for years to come!

We have ample parking available on-site at Farran Park. Parking costs €5, which can only be paid by contactless card. Unfortunately, we don’t accept cash. As an alternative, you can also purchase a Coillte Annual Pass for unlimited access to any of the barrier-controlled Coillte Forest Parks around the country for one year.

If you get peckish, we also have a small cafe serving hot and cold drinks, crisps, and chocolate. You’re more than welcome to bring your own food and drink which you can enjoy on the picnic benches.

Places for More Adventure near Zipit Farran Park

  • Ocean Escapes offers a range of boat tours, all of which take you on a sightseeing tour around the rugged county of Cork coastline. See dramatic cliffs, spot picturesque lighthouses, and hear stories about the maritime history of Cork.
  • With Funkytown Adventure Centre you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, and go on your own adventure. You can also book a tour that will see you exploring the local caves, take you on a water trampoline and kayak adventure, or opt for a once-in-a-lifetime bioluminescence night paddle.
  • Fota Wildlife Park is home to a variety of animal and plant species including Asiatic Lions, Red Pandas, Indian Rhinoceros, and much more! On your visit, you’ll even spot kangaroos and wallabies, which are free to roam at Fota Wildlife Park.
  • At Adventure Park at Kartworld, you can book to go paintballing, play archery, laser tag, go-karting, and even, sumo-suit wrestling.
  • Home of 28-time Irish National Waterski Champion Barry Galvin, Cork Powerboat & Waterski Club specialises in teaching wakeboarding and waterskiing to people of all ability levels.
  • Spike Island Cork takes you on a guided boat tour of Spike Island. Experience 1,300 years of Irish history as you explore the ancient fortress and prison on the island.

Outdoor Things to Do near Zipit Farran Park

  • At Blarney Castle & Gardens, there’s so much to do from exploring the castle, going on a walking trail through the landscaped gardens, or visiting the Blarney Stone which according to legend, if you kiss it, is said to give you the gift of the gab.
  • Park at the small car park near Mullinhassig Wood & Waterfalls in Aghavrin. From here, it’s a relaxing short walk through the forest to the beautiful waterfall.
  • With several woodland trails, river walks, and children’s playparks, Ballincollig Regional Park is a great option for getting out into nature.
  • Charles Fort is a large star-shaped military structure dating back to the 17th century. You can explore Charles Fort and learn about how it has been involved in some of the most pivotal points in Irish history.
  • Go on a tour of the Cork City Gaol, a prison that once housed 19th-century inmates. Embark on a 45-minute tour and discover what prison life was like. The tour is suitable for children and they will be able to take part in a Cork City Gaol quiz to keep them entertained!

Places to Eat near Zipit Farran Park

  • Wunderkaffee is open from Tuesday to Saturday and serves up delicious drinks and an array of pastries and sweet treats. Great place to stop off for a quick bite to eat!
  • Open Monday to Saturday, Mai Fitz’s Bar & Restaurant offers options for lunch and dinner. Comfort food at its finest, ideal for those wanting something a bit more substantial.
  • Killumney Inn is a lovely family-run pub, open every day of the week. It offers a great selection of food for lunch or dinner and occasionally has live music.
  • Cooneys Garage in Coachford is perfect for those looking for takeaway food. Serving fresh pizzas, rolls, sandwiches, hot drinks, milkshakes, and ice cream, you’ll find something here for the whole family.
  • Four Star Pizza Ballingollig is open every day until late and can make delicious deliveries to Zipit Farran Wood.
  • The English Market is an iconic food market in Cork. This institution has been serving locals since 1788, you can buy organic and locally produced gourmet food here. This is a great option if you have accommodation with a kitchen so you can cook up all your own delicious meals.

(Source – Licence)

Places to Stay near Zipit Farran Park

  • The 3-Star Blarney Castle Hotel is located only 200 metres away from the aforementioned Blarney Stone; it’s also a 30-minute drive from Zipit Farran Park. It’s a warm and welcoming hotel with reviews raving about the location and the bar food served by the in-house restaurant.
  • Are you looking to stay in an authentic, traditional Irish pub full of old-world character? Look no further than O’Callaghan’s Bar & Guest House. This quaint pub, at the heart of Coachford village, is situated minutes from some of the finest fishing around, making it a great base for coarse fishing and game-angling holidays on Inniscarra Lake and surrounding areas. It’s also a five-minute drive from Zipit Farran Park!
  • The Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel BW Signature Collection is only 500 metres from Blarney Castle and 30 minutes from Zipit Farran Park. This 3-star hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, spacious bathrooms, a bar and two restaurants. There are also on-site squash courts that are sure to get the kids entertained!
  • Located in Ballincollig, to the west of Cork City, Talbot Hotel Cork is a 4-star luxury business and leisure hotel around a 10-minute drive from Zipit Farran Park.
  • The 4-star Carrigaline Court Hotel & Leisure Centre acts as the perfect base for both business and leisure guests. Ideal for those who wish to visit the Cork area with plenty of attractions and activities nearby.
  • The Trigon Hotels chain consists of three exceptional hotels in Cork City, offering guests their choice of location in Cork city centre or near Cork Airport.
  • The 4-Star Cannaway House B&B is only an 11-minute drive from Zipit Farran Park. Situated within acres of green space, this hotel provides you with the ideal surroundings for some peace and quiet. The property also has family rooms, which are perfect if you’ve got little ones. The hotel can also provide packed lunches for your day out at Zipit.
  • Castle Hotel Macroom is a 4-star hotel that is only 20 minutes from Zipit Farran Park. With a swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre, it’s the perfect place to soak your aching bones after a day of adventure at Zipit.
  • The Rochestown Park Hotel is located in the southeast of Cork City and offers elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, a leisure centre with a pool and beauty salon, and a fine-dining restaurant.
  • Set in sylvan terraced grounds just 3km from the city centre and 11km from Cork Airport, the Clayton Hotel has over 100 guest rooms, serves superb cuisine, and is home to versatile conference facilities.
  • Just five minutes from Zipit Farran Park, Lee Valley Golf & Country Club is one of Ireland’s most beautiful places to play golf. It also has luxurious four-star holiday homes, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • The 4-Star Kingsley Hotel is located in Cork, making it the perfect option if you want to do some sightseeing around the city. From here, it’s about 25 minutes by car to Zipit Farran Park. This hotel is pure luxury, featuring an organic spa and health club. Once you’ve visited the large indoor pool, you can then retire to your room that has beautiful views over the River Lee and climb into the comfy bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Book Your Visit to Zipit Farran Park!

We hope this guide has helped you in better understanding the expectations while visiting Zipit Farran Park and given you inspiration for additional things to do in the local area to make the most of your day out. Taking part in the adventure courses at Zipit Farran Park will push you out of your comfort zone and leave you feeling accomplished! If you have any questions about Zipit Farran Park, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Perched amidst the lush greenery of Farran Park, this stone castle features a tall tower and a circular structure, all beneath a blue sky dotted with clouds. Discover its charm with our Local Area Guide.

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