Top Things to do in Ireland
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. The Donkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By 891heidid
We sponsor a donkey so as we were holidaying in Ireland decided to visit him. The sanctuary is tucked away so we were pleased we had sat nav? Unfortunately when we visited in November the weather was dreadful and we couldn’t walk around the trail as it was closed to prevent damage. However the donkeys were all warm and snug in very deep straw with plenty of food. They were able to walk across the yard and a couple braved the weathe4 to come to the gate. We had a cup of tea and a chat to the lady running the #hop and purchased some beautiful Christmas cards. We will definitely go back when we next visit Ireland @nd hope for better weather!
2. Burren Birds of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 688 reviews
DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience.
Reviewed By 346katier
The centre is staffed by knowledgable and friendly people. The birds are well-kept and in great condition. Toilets (importantly!) also clean. There's a shop with a good collection and also a farm shop with local produce. The bird show is informative and the staff clearly engaged very much in conservation: staff are also very much on hand and welcome questions. In the show we saw, volunteers were allowed to have a hawk fly to their fist which was done as part of the show very well indeed. We loved it, and I am certain fellow visitors did too. It was lovely to see handlers so clearly interested in conservation and bird welfare. Very well done.
3. Birds of Prey Educational Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 263 reviews
Reviewed By staceymhand - County Dublin, Ireland
Just want to share these amazing photos that was taken by the lovely Samantha Murphy on our little holiday down in Trabolgan holiday village on the 13th August - 17th August and Out of our whole experience and photos of trabolgan these are our favourites ???????? Ravenstone birds of prey was amazing and the mother of the owls, falcons and hawks we seen was samantha murphy she was amazing and captured my children beautifully in her photos ???????????? Such a wonderful experience and the staff in the birds of prey were so wonderful, kind and amazing so thank you Sam & Tish ???????? we will definitely back next summer ????????
4. Falconry Ireland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By AoifeGri - Dublin, Ireland
Just a wonderful experience all round. Very informative talk given in the beginning, both the history and currently state of the sport explained in depth. If you have any interest in animals/ wildlife I would highly recommend! The flying experience is wonderful. The birds are all in amazing condition and so obviously well looked after. The bond that the birds have with the instructor is adorable and they totally love what they do. No bird is forced to fly; when they decided to stop cooperating - especially the owl! - everyone just moved on. Everything was just amazing. Such a wonderful experience, if you know anyone with a slight interest in what falconry is, it's a wonderful birthdsy gift! You need a car to get around, as the area is pretty secluded. Not that far from Arklow town so lots of places to stay nearby and more to do if you want to make a weekend out of it!
5. Quaker Island
6. Killarney Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 472 reviews
The traditional application of falconry has been to take a Bird of Prey, train it and then attempt to catch wild quarry with it. Although our guided walks with hawks experience, is not a hunting expedition, it is a leisurely stroll through the majestic settings of Killarney with falconer and hawk/or team of hawks and shows the ability of trained birds and their relationship with their human partners.The participants will have hands on experience with the hawks,you will be able to handle and fly the hawk yourselves under instruction from killarney falconry's falconers. We finish up with an owl encounter where you can handle & hold an owl. Private Hawk Walk Duration 1hr approx One Participant 70euro Two Participants 100euro Three Participants 130euro Family Package (2adults/2kidsU14)120euro Extra Participants/Spectators €30each, Times between 10am to 3.30pm Daily Weather permitting activity. Pre-booking avoids disappointment Locations for Hawk Walks may change due to conditions but normally 5/10mins drive from Killarney town centre Kind Regards Killarney Falconry Geoffrey 0872401551 / 00353872401551
Reviewed By trisho2 - Galway, Ireland
Prior to heading to Killarney for our Staycation I contacted Killarney Falconry & got a very prompt reply from Geoffrey detailing the experience & the prices... as I wanteed to be certain of doing this & you can never guarantee Irish weather we didn't book until we were on the ground, so to speak. The Weds forecast seemed the best so we booked and met John in a hotel carpark. We followed him to some woods down a very long lane & at last arrived at the destination - a wooded copse of trees. We then met Meeko the Harris hawk & each of us got multiple turns at having him fly to the gaunlet to feed. During the experience John entertained us with lots of info about falconry including the many terms that have migrated into the English language. And just when we though it was all over we got back to John's van and three fabulous owls were produced... each of us got a nuzzling owl on our gloved hand.. who knew these beautiful birds were so affectionate? It was the perfect end to one of the highlights of my existence....
7. Knockma Forest Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Athenry72 - Athenry, Ireland
We had a sunny afternoon out with the kids at Knockma. We got parking in the grounds of the park but it was busy. There was a nice avenue and gentle gradient introduction to the trail. The paths were moderately steep but no problem for anybody with average fitness and mobility. Paths would be a challenge for buggies. The path verges off the forest trail to the summit and the views were fantastic overlooking Connemara mountains, Lough Corrib and all the way to Sliath Aughty. There were nice seated areas along the way for a rest at your leisure. In completion of them loop, I guess about 60+ mins there was a coffee vendor serving drinks and snacks. After completing the loop, we passed by the deserted Castle Hacket and the went across the road to the replacement 18th Castlehacket House, just follow the signs to see the lovely period house. Overall it was well worth the day trip, definitely recommend it.
8. Seal Rescue Ireland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
Seal Rescue Ireland’s Visitor Center is currently closed to the public as part of the effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 until further notice. Come visit Seal Rescue Ireland for a unique and educational experience for all ages. They rehabilitate 60-80 seals a year that you are able to see up close. They are open everyday. They are a not for profit organization that does not charge an admission fee but donations are suggested. Please show your support by visiting the seals!
Reviewed By buckwalker - Tbilisi, Georgia
Just joined the virtual seal-feeding experience which was a great Sunday treat! A great initiative run by enthusiastic staff who are genuinely engaged in the welfare of these beautiful animals.
9. Beauty Of The Burren Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Beauty of The Burren Walks offer guided walking tours of the Burren.We pick you up from your accommodation (in the Doolin area)in our bus and drop you back after the walk. The walks are an excellent opportunity to discover the unique landscape that is the Burren. With our expert guide, walkers explore the fascinating history, geology and botany of the area. A walk with us is a walk to remember.
Reviewed By twoodyt - Dublin, Ireland
Incredible walks through the unique Burren, travelling over limestone roads and green paths. You will never forget the views.
10. National Bird of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By GoreyLad - Gorey, Ireland
The real stars are the owl, hawks, falcons and eagles, truly amazing birds of prey. We booked the owl experience and started with an introduction to the birds from the extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastically staff, learning about each in turn. We then had time to don a handling glove and have the privilege of allowing four different owls perch on your arms and then to gently stroke their feathers or tickle under their chin. We ended our trip by flying the owl under the guidance of the staff. Bring you camera and wear sturdy shoes as you will be taking a short walk into the fields. This is an amazing experience and well worth the price tag as this is a nationally accredited centre and is working with other centres across Europe to preserve and breed some of the endangered species.
