Outdoor Activities In Cork

Outdoor Activities

Ocean Escapes

Cork Harbour is home to spectacular scenery, award-winning attractions and famously the last point of departure for the RMS Titanic. Discover Cork Harbour onboard one of the Ocean Escapes RIBs to take in the amazing scenery from an utterly unique perspective. Discover the rugged coastline, scenic lighthouses, breathtaking cliffs and amazing maritime history. Whether you are seeking an epic adventure on the water, a family trip or wanting to have a few drinks with some friends you’ll find the perfect boat trip with Ocean Escapes
 
 
Cork Harbour Tours 
Cork is the second largest Natural Harbour in the world. Tours of the harbour are on a personal level, with a skipper and guide with a max of 9 passengers at any time. Each tour endeavours to link up with our resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.  
The tour  explores the extensive and rich history in and around the harbour, looking at Martello Towers, Forts Camden, Carlisle, and Mitchell, St. Colmans Cathedral, Cobh (last port of call for Titanic) and Hullbowline, home to our naval fleet. Tours may also look at current commercial traffic, liners and navigation within the Harbour. 
 
Cork Harbour Boat Hire
Cork Harbour Boat Hire offer self drive boats for a truly unique experience. Take a Self-Drive Boat Ride with Cork Harbour Boat Hire from The Port of Cork Marina only a short distance from Hayfield Manor. Take a trip under some of the historic bridges of Cork right up to the Franciscan Well or take a trip to Blackrock Castle and maybe spot a seal or two on your way! No matter which route you take, you are guaranteed an enjoyable boat trip. www.corkharbourboathire.com 
 
Cork City Tours
Take in the many wonderful sights of Cork with the fantastic open top Hop On Hop Off bus tour. Visit the top attractions including the English Market, St. Patrick's Street, Cork City Gaol, The Shandon Bells, University College Cork and many more! This tours offers a 24 hour unlimited hop on/hop off whereby you can take your time at each stop. The best and most exciting way to explore Cork! www.corkcitytours.com 
 
Atlantic Sea Kayaking- Under The Bridges Tour
Atlantic Sea Kayaking provides state of the art double sea kayaks and with their many years of experience, they will guide you under the bridges of the River Lee, float down under Patrick’s Bridge, past the Marina and onwards towards the beautiful Blackrock Castle. The trip begins at 6.30pm and finishes about 9.00pm, however other times are available for groups of 4 or more. This is an exciting trip which takes you through the waterways and under the bridges of the beautiful Cork City. 
 
 
 
Lough Hyne Night Kayaking Tour
Lough Hyne is a uniquely beautiful salt water lake, the only one of its kind in Europe, and Ireland’s first marine reserve since 1981. This trip provides a unique experience of being on the water from dusk into darkness. There is always something to make you gasp on this trip, the sparkle of bioluminescence, the sounds of seabirds coming in to roost, the sunset, the rising moon, the aromas of honeysuckle and gorse on the breeze, the panoply of stars overhead, and the deep, dark peace and serenity of night. It is a safe and serene location for our night kayaking tours, with bioluminescence usually visible between the months of April – October. The tour is a duration of 2.5 hours and costs €75 per person,
 
Cork's Sea Safari 
Our islands and tranquil river estuaries are some of Cork’s most beautiful attractions & offer a wide variety of interesting and appealing sights. Our history spans centuries, examples of which are plentiful throughout our harbour. This combined with our scenic coves, beaches and bays as well as the marine and bird life makes Cork Sea Safari a unique and unforgettable experience. Fun and informative Harbour and Dolphin Watching tours from Cork Harbour are also available, combined with the unique opportunity to experience high adventure and pure exhilaration. www.safari.ie
 
Surfing & Sailing
The coastline around Cork experiences some of the best waves suitable for surfers, and it is therefore no surprise that this sport is growing in popularity.  In some of the more well known areas, Surf Schools provide tuition and equipment for hire. 
It is also possible experience other water sports like canoeing and kayaking. www.oysterhaven.com 
 
Cork Walking Tours: Cork Tasting Trail
This Cork trail is very relaxed with an engaging and experienced tour guide. This trail appeals to a very broad range of people from those are just enthusiastic about food to those who want to see and taste the best of what Cork has to offer. The tour brings people to various places that are off the usual food route while offering generous and frequent tastings throughout. The trail includes many different markets, bakers, butchers, fishmongers and many more while also meeting the people behind the production of some of the best food in Ireland. A little history of the city will also be told along the way. www.fabfoodtrails.ie
 
 
The Titanic Trail:  Walking Tour of Cobh
The entertaining and innovative Titanic Trail has been operating every day since 1998. The one hour escorted tour, with specially trained guides, brings to life the story of Titanic, and the events in the town on the day Titanic left her last anchorage to sail into her icy fate in the North Atlantic. The Titanic Trail has been filmed by 20th Century Fox, National Geographic and many other travel documentaries. www.titanic.ie
 
Cork Heritage- Historical Walking Tours with Kieran 
Embark on a historical walking tour with Kieran McCarthy and explore the history of Cork City as Kieran takes you on a journey through the historic development of the city, the remnants of the medieval town and witness the sense of history of Georgian & Victorian Cork. www.corkheritage.ie 
 
Beyond The Glass Adventure Tours
Explore Cork's history, vibrant culture and a few of the city's hidden gems with this exciting Cork City Cycling Tour with Beyond The Glass Adventures. You will cycle through the colourful streets, parks and riverside pathways as James Foley peels back the layers of time to reveal all of Cork's charm. This is a 3 hour guided tour and is priced at €45 per person including bike and helmet. The perfect way to explore our beautiful and historic city. www.beyondtheglass.ie
 
Farran Woods
Zipit, at Farran Woods, is a high wire forest adventure park with a difference. A place for young and old, where children can let their imagination run wild and where adults can embrace their inner child. You can climb high into the treetops, swing into cargo nets, even ride a bmx across a bridge, before zipping down one of our many ziplines. Children from age 7 to adults can enjoy up to 4 hours of excitement and adventure. Zipit offers a unique outdoor experience for everyone to enjoy. 
 
Fitzgerald Park
The gardens play host to Cork Museum, Riverview Café, sculptures, a waterlily-bedecked pond, a variety of sculptures and even a skate park. Daly's Bridge, built in 1926, connects Sundays Well Road with these charming formal gardens. This pedestrian bridge is made from timber planks and is known locally as the 'Shakey Bridge' which spans the river Lee, the habitat of many graceful swans. Fitzgerald Park is a short 10 minute stroll from Hayfield Manor. 
 
Ballyhass Adventure Group 
Ballyhass Adventure Group offer over 20 different outdoor activities from two amazing locations in Mallow & Coachford Co.Cork. With adventure activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, wakeboarding and so much more there is something to suit everyone. No matter what the activity is, their specially trained instructors are ready to guide you, or your group no matter what your ability or level is. Discover more on their website to explore all that they have to offer and plan an exhilarating day in the outdoors! www.ballyhass.ie 
 
 
 
 
Ballycotton Cliff Walk 
The Cliff Walk is from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach along a cliff track where you are flanked by meadows on one side and the ocean on the other. It starts at the end of Ballycotton village. The walk extends over 5 miles on a foot worn track along the cliff face with stunning views and passes Ballytrasna beach. There are many stiles to cross on the route (therefore not suitable for bikes or buggies). Our dedicated Concierge team can provide a map of the walk as well as driving directions should you require them. The cliffs are located approximately 50mins from Hayfield Manor.
 
River Blackwater Fishing
Hayfield Manor is situated within very close proximity to the River Blackwater, which is known as being one of the best fishing rivers, not just in Ireland but throughout the whole of Europe. We have our very own Ghillie/Guide that will help with the experience of having a memorable day on the River Blackwater. Everything that’s required to enhance your day can be provided. Over the years both expert and novice anglers have caught salmon and trout and experienced golden moments that will last a lifetime. Please contact us on 021 4845900 for more information.