Forty-five hectares of lakeside forest, five colour-coded high ropes circuits, and up to three hours of genuine adventure. A birthday party with a difference, right on the doorstep of Cork City.
Zipit Farran Park (also called Farran Woods by locals) sits beside Inniscarra Lake, about 20 minutes from Cork City. The setting is different from any indoor venue: real forest, lush trees, and that particular quiet that comes from being surrounded by woodland rather than car parks.
Your group spends the session working through circuits that range from one metre off the ground to 15 metres up in the canopy. Rope bridges between platforms. Cargo nets to scramble across. Ziplines that carry kids over forest clearings. And the satisfaction that comes from conquering something physical.
After the circuits, picnic benches are available for food and cake. Bring whatever you want. The cabin sells drinks and snacks if you need extras.
Minimum age is 7. No upper limit. We’ve hosted everything from 8th birthdays to 50th.
Full session (3 hours)
Access to all six circuits, from the beginner-friendly green course to the advanced black course. Kids can repeat favourites or try everything once.
Safety briefing (30 to 45 minutes)
Harness fitting and instruction for the whole group. Our instructors keep it engaging and appropriate for the age group.
All equipment
Harnesses and helmets are provided. Gloves are available to purchase on the day. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes with good grip. No sandals, party shoes, or flip-flops.
Picnic area
Tables and benches for food and cake after the session. You bring everything; we provide the space. Drinks and snacks available to buy from our cabin.
Adults included
Parents and accompanying adults are welcome to take part. Standard pricing applies.
Arrival: Check in at the cabin. Guests gather while harnesses are fitted.
Safety briefing: 20 to 30 minutes depending on group size. Instructors explain circuits and equipment.
Circuit time (2 to 2.5 hours): Kids work through courses at their own pace. Some take to it like a duck to water.. Some take it slow. Parents can follow along or watch from the ground.
Picnic time: Food, cake, presents, photos. Take as long as you need.
Home: Tired children. The best memories.
The whole thing runs about 3 to 3.5 hours from arrival to departure.
Indoor party venues in Cork are familiar. By the time a child turns 9 or 10, they’ve been to most of them: soft play, trampolines, bowling, the usual rotation.
Farran Woods offers something different. It’s outdoors, which changes the energy entirely. Kids are running between trees, not bouncing off walls. They’re conquering physical challenges, not just playing. They come home properly tired.
The lakeside setting helps too. Arriving at Farran Woods feels like an event, not just another venue in an industrial estate. Parents notice the difference. Kids remember it longer.
For older children (10 to 14), the competitive element becomes central. Conquering circuits, timing ziplines, seeing who can complete the red course. There’s genuine achievement involved, which makes the party feel meaningful rather than just fun.
Address: Farran Woods, Farran, Co. Cork
Getting there: Off the N22 (Cork to Killarney road). About 20 minutes from Cork City Centre, 60 minutes from Limerick, 50 minutes from Killarney.
Parking: Free on site. Space for all guests.
Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours total.
Group size: No minimum. No maximum, though larger groups may split across circuits.
What to wear: Comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Trainers or boots with grip. Layers if weather is uncertain. No party dresses or smooth-soled shoes.
Food: Bring your own. Picnic benches provided. Drinks and snacks available to buy.
Weather: We run in all weather except extreme weather warnings. Bring waterproofs if rain is forecast.
For groups aged 13+, the format naturally shifts. Older participants tend to push themselves further through the circuits, taking on the more challenging blue and red courses and encouraging each other along the way.
The 20 metre elements become the target. Some complete them; some don’t. Either way, there’s a genuine sense of challenge that indoor venues can’t replicate.
At least one adult must remain on site for all groups under 18, regardless of age.