Fota Island
Native name: Oileán Fhóta | |
|---|---|
  Fota Island Location in Ireland | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cork Harbour |
| Coordinates | 51°53′57″N 8°17′54″W / 51.89917°N 8.29833°W |
| Administration | |
| County | County Cork |
| Demographics | |
| Ethnic groups | Irish |
Fota (statutory spelling Foaty;
Name
Although Foaty is the spelling fixed in the nineteenth century by the
Fota House and Gardens
Fota House
Fota House was the former home of the Smith-Barry family (
The last member of the Smith-Barry family to live in Fota House was
During the latter part of the 20th century, the house fell into some disrepair – culminating in the collapse of a ceiling. This closed the house to the public for some time. It was restored using EU,
Fota Gardens
Fota Gardens are in the grounds of Fota House. These consist of a structured
The layout and structure of the arboretum and gardens date largely from the tenure of the Smith-Barry family, who recognised the significance of Fota's sheltered location and warm soil — "Fota" is derived from the Irish "Fód te" meaning warm soil. The conditions are appropriate for the growing and cultivation of certain trees and exotic plants.
The development of the arboretum and gardens coincided with the great plant hunting expeditions around the world bringing back specimens from places such as Asia, South America and the Pacific coast of northwest America. Some of these rare plants found their way to Fota within a few years of their discovery.
In the 1840s, John Smith-Barry ensured that trees were well-spaced - enabling them to thrive with displays of seasonal colour. The family also recorded the plant collections throughout the 19th and most of the 20th century and this work of cataloguing, conservation and development continues today.
Many of these plant collections are arranged in association with the
In 1996 the Irish state was given control of the arboretum and gardens. They are now administered by the Office of Public Works in conjunction with the Irish Heritage Trust.
Fota Island Resort
Fota Island Resort lies within a 780-
In 1993, Fota Island Golf Club was further developed by Christy O'Connor Junior (Irish Ryder Cup), and Peter McEvoy (two-time British Amateur Champion). The golf resort has hosted a number of tournaments, including the Irish Club Professional Championship, 2011 PGA Europro "Audi Cork Irish Masters",[8] and the Irish Open in 2001, 2002 and 2014.[citation needed]
In 2004 the resort was purchased by the Killeen Group (owners of
In 2006, the Fleming Group completed construction of the 5-star Fota Island Hotel & Spa as well self-catering accommodation.On 27 September 2013, Fota Island Resort management announced a handover to new owners, the Kang Family Worldwide Group.
Fota Wildlife Park
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Opened in July 1983 by the President of Ireland,
Fota Wildlife Park has more than 70 species of exotic wildlife in open surroundings. Animals include ostriches, giraffes, kangaroos, zebras and antelope. Most of the animals who inhabit the island are allowed to roam throughout more than 202,000 square metres (50 acres) of mature grassland, with the exception of the cheetahs and other predators, which have fenced enclosures. Ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies and other animals freely roam the park.
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. An Asian sanctuary opened between in 2015, and includes enclosures for tigers and other animals. In 2017 the park was the eleventh most popular paid attraction in Ireland, with 455,559 visitors that year.[12]
Transport
By rail, the island is served by Fota railway station, which opened on 1 July 1865.[13]
By road, Fota lies just south of the
References
- ^ "Foaty (island)". Placenames Database of Ireland. Dublin City University. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
- ^ "Foaty Island". PassagewestMonkstown.ie. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
- ^ "Foaty (townland)". Placenames Database of Ireland. Dublin City University. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
- ^ "Sheet CK 075 surveyed 1841". Six-inch map, first edition. Ordnance Survey Ireland. 10 July 1845. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
- ^ ISSN 0332-1592.
- ^ Leland, Mary,Let's do all we can to make sure it's not a Fota finish, Independent.ie, 27 June 2004.
- ^ Irish Heritage Trust - Our Properties - Fota House, Republic of Ireland.
- ^ "Fota Island Resort hosts Audi Cork Irish Masters once again". Fota Island Resort (press release).
- ^ a b "Killeen sells Fota Island for around €20m". The Irish Times. 23 October 2004. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
- ^ "A New Beginning For Fota Island Resort Cork". fotaisland.ie. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
- ^ Carolan, Mary (28 May 2020). "Row over ownership of Fota Island resort comes before High Court". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
- ^ Ireland's top 20 attractions, both fee paying and free, revealed (Report). TheJournal.ie. 7 June 2018.
- ^ "Fota station" (PDF). Railscot – Irish Railways. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
External links
