Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
The 7 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including The Donkey Sanctuary, Wild Encounters, Fota Wildlife Park, Tayto Park, National Sea Life Centre, Sea Life Bray Aquarium, The National Reptile Zoo.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
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. Wild Encounters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
We are a small animal facility, just a short drive from Newcastle West in Coolyroe open for general admission visits and private interactive animal experiences. All visits must currently be prebooked through our website www.wildencounters.ie
Reviewed By ErinAvril - Ennis, Ireland
We have been to plenty zoo's, pet farms and wildlife parks but this was one of our favourites and we'll definitely be back. A lovely variety of animals from raccoons, meerkats, goats, pigs, emus to a reptile house full of all sorts of different creatures. It was great to get the talks on some of the animals too. We got a talk on the cute meerkats, Tango the macaw and Barney the owl. Would definitely recommend a visit here. Great for adults and kids.
3. Fota Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,602 reviews
Ireland's Wildest Attraction. Fota Wildlife Park is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour. It is a unique place where you can come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. So if it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring-tailed lemur, which jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories. Fota Wildlife Park features the recently opened Asian Sanctuary—with Asian Lions, Sumatran Tigers, and Indian Rhino. The cheetah run, tropical house and giraffe crossing are also must-sees. The development of the Asian Sanctuary over the past five years has enhanced the Park as an iconic international visitor attraction as well as serving the core values of conservation, education, and research. Facilities include cafés, several play areas, picnic areas and a gift shop. Accessible by train and car.
Reviewed By beatricek497 - Galway, Ireland
Last time we visited Fota was years back, this time it was so much different ! The new area seems to be lovely and is very enjoyable, animals seem to have plenty of space to run about which is lovely and the staff is pleasant
4. Tayto Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,772 reviews
Tayto Park is open 7 days a week 9.30am- 7pm. Located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath and just 30 minutes from Dublin is Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, With something for everyone; young, old and in between. For the thrill seekers, the Cu Chulainn, Ireland’s first rollercoaster and Europe’s first wooden rollercoaster with an inversion, is sure to get your adrenaline flowing. But that’s not all, there are a huge variety of attractions, from Rollercoaster's to playgrounds, to steam train's and much much more! And for those who don’t need an increased heart rate to have a good time, enjoy a laid-back stroll through our zoo, where you can interact with the exceptional animal collection, from the mischievous meerkats to the largest of the big cats, the amur tiger.
Reviewed By sunshine102017 - Belfast, United Kingdom
fab place to visit, lots and lots to do for all ages, lots of free activities for small children, can get very busy so usual queuing unavoidable, disappointed in actual factory tour though (self guided), picnic areas available, would love to return again.
5. National Sea Life Centre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 493 reviews
The National SEA LIFE Centre on the Seafront in Bray is a perfect family fun day out. An aquatic Zoo with 30+ displays which are home to over 1,000 creatures including: Black Tip Reef Sharks, Octopus, Seahorses, Stingrays and Red-Bellied Piranha, we will take you on a journey of the deep...without getting wet! The Aquarium is completely indoors making it a perfect rainy day activity. Just a 2 minute walk from Bray DART Station and a relaxing and scenic 30 minute train ride from Dublin City Centre making us a perfect choice for tourists and residents alike. The National SEA LIFE Centre, Bray is one of the East Coasts top visitor attractions.
Reviewed By BlobBirchall
It was an excellent day out and a nice change. Great fun to watch the octopus-feeding, and the staff were amazingly informative, helpful and friendly, especially Niamh, who was so knowledgeable and interested in her work.There is plenty of fascinating, beautiful - and in some cases, poisonous - creatures to look at, or touch in the touchpool. A lovely day out for anybody, whether solo or with family, and though it is small it is extremely enjoyable.
6. Sea Life Bray Aquarium
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
7. The National Reptile Zoo
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 4 reviews
Over 50 exhibits and more than 150 animals! Animal Encounter Zone Walk through tropical exhibit Soft play area Indoor and outdoor picnic area Snack bar Souvenir shop
Reviewed By tommyf223 - Dublin, Ireland
I'd highly recommend a visit here. It's something very different and makes for a nice alternative break from all the historical attractions in Kilkenny. We spent an hour and a half at this brilliant zoo. The range of animals and info on them was great. Ultimately it was the staff that made this visit really special. We felt very welcome by them, and really appreciated how much time they spent with us, sharing their passion for these animals. Very informative, different and fun!
