Lace up your skates and get ready to glide because Cork is about to get a brand new skating trail this winter!
Everyone’s favourite winter activity is returning this year, but with a totally reimagined concept. The team at Cork on Ice at Fota were forced to close last winter due to the pandemic, and have used the time off to come up with a brand new ice skating experience.
The traditional ice skating rink will be replaced with a rustic alpine ice skating trail, the first in Ireland, which will take skaters through the forrest at Fota House and Gardens. Skaters will be able to follow a figure of eight track, rather than doing laps around a rink.
The track will allow skaters to escape the confines of a rink, which will allow the surrounding forrest environment to become part of the experience whilst providing safer social distancing.
The 450m track will be set amongst the trees at Fota House, offering a majestic winter backdrop, especially when illuminated by lights at nighttime. The trees will also act as a canopy to protect skaters and offer shelter from the elements (sign us up!)
Bill Cremin, Managing Director of Cool Running Events states “The concept of a skating trail is very popular in countries like Canada and Austria, skaters follow a track rather than going around a rink, which allows the experience to be a lot more engaging.”
Younger skaters won’t be left out either, as there will also be a children’s rink available on-site, along with a host of other activities.
The Alpine trail will open to the public on November 12 and will run until January 23, with a range of various themed nights and activities throughout. Early Bird tickets (starting at €10) go on sale today and can be purchased online from IceSkating.ie.