Popular tourist attraction to reopen in Cork on Monday

Fri, 15 May, 2020 - 20:42

Roisin Burke

A well-known beauty spot is reopening on Monday in line with phase one of the Government roadmap and there will be special times allocated for cocooners.

The Fota Arboretum, which is a 19th century estate featuring a mansion with period furnishings, botanical garden and manicured gardens, will reopen on Monday.

A Cryptomeria japonica 'Spiralis' tree at Fota arboretum and gardens. Picture Denis Minihane.

Cocooners will be free to visit between 10am and 1pm daily.

The announcement was made by the Office of Public Works, (OPW)on Friday, following the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar’s speech regarding the need for extreme vigilance as we take steps to reopen the country.

The Lady Mary gates entrance to the Pleasure Gardens at Fota Arboretum & Gardens. Picture Denis Minihane.

The site will open in accordance with public health guidelines. Social distancing will apply and visitors will be strongly encouraged to observe all the regulations set out. They should remain in small groups and within their own households.

Visitors are also reminded of the 5km distance limit and Gardai will be monitoring traffic patterns to ensure the public are abiding by this restriction.

Inquisitive children inspect the contents of a large urn in the Italian garden at Fota Arboretum, Cork.

After July 20, it is hoped that a range of indoor facilities may reopen, assuming that the national approach has not altered and that robust arrangements can be made to ensure the safety of staff and visitors at these locations.

The reopening of these locations will be confirmed by the OPW at each relevant stage in the roadmap.

The Italian garden at Fota Arboretum & Gardens. /FOTA HOUSE CORK /Picture Denis Minihane.

The OPW is asking all other users who visit their sites to respect these provisions so that the safety of these individuals can be protected as far as possible.