Amazing Arboretum, beautiful house, wonderful guise. - Fota Arboretum is probably the best I have ever ever visited ( including Kew gardens!) The paths lead you to so many amazing trees which make you stop and go "wow!" The multi trunked Japanese Cedar is truly spectacular, seeing it was worth the visit alone. The orangery and its green houses are amazing to and throughout the visit , the staff were pleasant, helpful and smiled. We took a tour of the house and it was only us and another couple. The guide, knowledgeable yet humble, worked his magic with stories. He allowed us plenty of time to ask questions and take photos of the beautiful room. The entrance hall is amazing, as are the kitchens. It is presently under renovation, so whilst that does impact the aesthetics of the outside of the house, do not let it deter you from visiting the rooms and the listening to the history. I congratulate The Irish Heritage Trust in their care for the whole property, unlike the previous owners UCC who really abused it. A wonder days visit and thanks again to the Irish Heritage Trust for the work they are doing.

Beautiful house and good guide - Visited the house with the very friendly knowledgeable guide Marc. We enjoyed everything he showed us and his enthusiasm. Very interesting place and beautiful!

Recommend the House Tour - Lovely day spent here today. Gardens are amazing even though August not the best time for colour. The house tour, with our guide Michael, was great. His enthusiasm and detail made it a memorable tour and made it come alive in your mind. Very reasonable price for the tour as well. Would highly recommend.

"Amazing tour and gardens" - Went to see Fota House and Gardens and it is well worth a visit. Amazing history attached to Fota House. Lynn our tour guide was amazing and gave us great insight to the house. The gardens are also amazing well worth a visit.

Amazing Glimpse into The Past! - Do yourself a favour and immerse yourself in a walk in the past. We never knew all this is on our doorstep! What an amazing tour. We went with Lynn today and it was like going back in time with an old friend. The different sounds of the bells and why the footmen had to whistle while bringing the trays of food. The reasons for high windows in the staff quarters and the separate staircases for the male and female servants! We got a real insight into the way things were in the past and it was so well worth doing. Would recommend to anyone as it is a very special place!

Great afternoon out. - What an amazing tour.We had a tour of the whole house, not just the reception rooms. The tour included the nursery, family rooms and servants quarters, The kitchen, cold room and scullery were fascinating. A good number of copper pots remained in the kitchen, many over 100 years old. The tour lasted over an hour and our guide, Barry, made it interesting and fun. He told us the history of the house, the various changes made by various owners etc. The ceilings in the downstairs rooms are noting short of magnificent. There are many family portraits still hanging in the house and also a number of pictures which are of little value. The original curved mirrors in one of the downstairs rooms give a full view of the magnificent ceiling. There are so many wonderful features in this house it should be visited more than once. When the house tour ended we had coffee in the coffee shop and then wandered around the amazing gardens for a couple of hours. I can't wait to return, probably in the autumn, when the gardens will have different plants etc blooming,

The most beautiful visit in all of Ireland - A unique experience with an exceptional Guide who made us relive in other historical eras. Everything taken care of in detail. Consiglio vivamente!

Highly recommend - A recent visit to Fota House , Gardens and Arboretum was hugely impressive and enjoyable. Our guide for the house tour ( a lady) was articulate , knowledgeable and witty. Tour took over 1 hour but did not seem that long. If anything, would have liked more time to view paintings etc on display. At 12 euro per adult is money well spent. The gift shop is well stocked with an assortment of items . The cafe offers refreshments, snacks and light meals. Food was fresh ,tasty and generously portioned. Lovely coffee. Not overpriced and option to eat indoors or out. Very pleasant staff. The gardens are a plant lovers paradise. A huge variety of plants , shrubs and trees. (Trees labelled) Every credit to the staff who keep the grounds looking so well and the plants in such healthy condition. So many different areas to explore. Walled gardens, meadow, glasshouses, etc. Flowers interplanted with vegetables... lawns to bring a picnic or just sit and relax. A good selection of plants for sale at glasshouse area, again not overpriced. Allow at least 2 hours for the gardens and arboretum to fully enjoy at ones leisure Take care not to miss any area -(the option of buying a small leaflet with map of the grounds would be a recommendation.) Uncrowded even at weekend. Visiting the garden and arboretum only is free which is almost unbelievable for such a facility. Plenty of carparking at 3 euro for duration. A visit is highly recommended.

One of the best period houses we have ever visited. - One of the best period houses we have ever visited. We were a small group, ably guided by Mary, whose grandfather was the head Gardener here two generations ago., so lots of personal anecdotes to bring the whole of its life into focus. Any Catherine Cookson readers of "Katie Mulholland", will be interested in it's two "green beige doors"!.

Superb Tour - Wonderful tour of the house from Lynn. Her knowledge and passion brought the story of the house & it's occupants to life. Would highly recommend.