National Bird of Prey Centre
National Bird of Prey Centre
National Bird of Prey Centre
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5.0
83 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
mariaamold
Annapolis, MD31 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
A truly amazing experience! Ollie is so passionate and knowledgeable. We learned a lot of interesting things about each of the different breeds. Interacting with the owls and the hawk walk was so fun…definitely the highlight of our trip in Ireland!
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marta B
1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
Amazing experience, great info provided by Donal the guide about the different birds of prey on the grounds, close and personal contact with owls and Harris hawk was just unreal. Plenty opportunities for videos and pictures. Came as a mixed age group and everyone loved it. Definitely recommend and will be back again 😊
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OutrageousJEM
Spokane, WA2 contributions
May 2023
This was OUTSTANDING. Brought my husband, 6 year old daughter and 72 year old mother on the Hawk Walk --- but they also let us hold and interact with owls. We all agreed this was our favorite experience of our 9 day trip (and there were a lot of other great experiences). It's so cool that they do this as a private tour - where you really get the chance to interact with the birds and the guide. I'm amazed the waiting list isn't months long to have this opportunity.
Donal was the perfect guide. Would do this again in a heartbeat!
Donal was the perfect guide. Would do this again in a heartbeat!
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda
Leixlip, Ireland3 contributions
Apr 2023
Absolutely fantastic day out to celebrate’Grandad’s Birthday! I would highly recommend this tour and Ollie our guide was extremely informative about all the birds and their natural habitats, which made the tour so special and interesting.
We were on a family outing of all ages,the youngest being 4yrs of age and she was absolutely enthralled with the whole experience,especially being able to participate in the Hawk Walk!
The surroundings at Russborough House are really beautiful,a perfect spot for a picnic or a visit to the lovely cafe.
There is a small playground for the younger children to burn odd some energy!
The Tour lasted nearly 2.5 hrs. We had the chance to hold some of the birds and of course to fly the Harris Hawk which was amazing.
We were on a family outing of all ages,the youngest being 4yrs of age and she was absolutely enthralled with the whole experience,especially being able to participate in the Hawk Walk!
The surroundings at Russborough House are really beautiful,a perfect spot for a picnic or a visit to the lovely cafe.
There is a small playground for the younger children to burn odd some energy!
The Tour lasted nearly 2.5 hrs. We had the chance to hold some of the birds and of course to fly the Harris Hawk which was amazing.
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy Jackson
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Ollie was our guide and full of information, stories and real time anecdotes.
He spent loads of time talking to and explaining stuff about all the birds to the 3 of us inc our 10 year old daughter. This was just the best experience for her and indeed was part of her 10th birthday present.
Seeing the birds so close up was amazing and a little unsettling to hear that a couple of them are naturally aggressive, so they stayed in their compounds.
However, our daughter was able to get gloved up and held 2 different owls which were very friendly and used to being held and gently stroked. then we went out in the field so that one of the 4 hawks could fly to us.
The misty drizzle turned into reasonably heavy rain which dampened down the birds performance a little.
Whilst the ticket said, 'allow for around 90 minutes', our visit went to around 2.5 hours and it was brilliant! Highly recommend it!
After we went into the excellent cafeteria for a dry off and hot drinks and snacks then down into the shop which is beautifully set up in the basement.
Fantastic pieces of artwork in there, books and cards and small things for the day, plus a continuous 3D cinema (3D glasses just inside the door) and museum are and as well, a genuine cinema with reconditioned old cinema seats with a choice 6 films to watch. (Push the button on the selection board and sit back and relax!)
Could have spent about 4 hours in there (plus a lot of money!!)
Great day out, even in the rain.
He spent loads of time talking to and explaining stuff about all the birds to the 3 of us inc our 10 year old daughter. This was just the best experience for her and indeed was part of her 10th birthday present.
Seeing the birds so close up was amazing and a little unsettling to hear that a couple of them are naturally aggressive, so they stayed in their compounds.
However, our daughter was able to get gloved up and held 2 different owls which were very friendly and used to being held and gently stroked. then we went out in the field so that one of the 4 hawks could fly to us.
The misty drizzle turned into reasonably heavy rain which dampened down the birds performance a little.
Whilst the ticket said, 'allow for around 90 minutes', our visit went to around 2.5 hours and it was brilliant! Highly recommend it!
After we went into the excellent cafeteria for a dry off and hot drinks and snacks then down into the shop which is beautifully set up in the basement.
Fantastic pieces of artwork in there, books and cards and small things for the day, plus a continuous 3D cinema (3D glasses just inside the door) and museum are and as well, a genuine cinema with reconditioned old cinema seats with a choice 6 films to watch. (Push the button on the selection board and sit back and relax!)
Could have spent about 4 hours in there (plus a lot of money!!)
Great day out, even in the rain.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VB
44 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Loved every minute of it considering I wasn’t feeling well that day but didn’t want to cancel my tour. My original owl tour was scheduled with Dublin falconry but Trever, the guide, injured his foot and had to cancel me day before.I reached out to Ireland FB groups to find suggestions of falconries that are close to Dublin and chose the national birds of prey center.
If you don’t drive, it’s easily accessible by 56 bus from Dublin center, the only downside is that It doesn’t run that often but there a russborough house close to falconry and a hiking trail to kill some time.
I was introduced to every bird in the center and had a chance to fly a barn owl that was very friendly and cooperative. I definitely recommend this place.
If you don’t drive, it’s easily accessible by 56 bus from Dublin center, the only downside is that It doesn’t run that often but there a russborough house close to falconry and a hiking trail to kill some time.
I was introduced to every bird in the center and had a chance to fly a barn owl that was very friendly and cooperative. I definitely recommend this place.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mags C
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Fabulous day out at Russborough House today getting up close to the owls and hawks. Lots of fun facts and a bit of an adrenalin rush as Maggie the hawk entertained us all and almost got an elusive hare.. would highly recommend for any age. Excellent family fun
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joe
2 contributions
Apr 2022
This was the highlight of our trip to Ireland! The "tour" was just my wife and I going from pen to pen and hearing about each different bird in residence. The variety of birds was surprising, and Tom had an encyclopedic knowledge of all of them.
Taking a hawk for a flight was amazing, and Tom made sure we flew enough to get action video of them flying to our hand. This is a must-see for any trip near Dublin!
Taking a hawk for a flight was amazing, and Tom made sure we flew enough to get action video of them flying to our hand. This is a must-see for any trip near Dublin!
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan K
Gorey, Ireland89 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Booked the hawk walk for our grandson we were so impressed with the range of fabulous birds . A big thank you to Ollie who was brilliant with our grandson from all his information about each bird to holding the owls and then the hawk walk it was an experience we will never forget and our grandson don enjoyed every moment . Highly recommend for any bird lover thank you so much we will be back
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The truth
4 contributions
Apr 2022
Have to say we had an absolutely wonderful day. The birds are phenomenal, we got to meet Alan, the owl, up close. Then we had a walk with Maggie, the Harris hawk. Donal was a fab guide and we really did have a once in a lifetime experience. Really worth checking out. Give yourself the day, because not only is there the Prey Centre, but the house and surroundings are stunning.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah M
Cork111 contributions
Hi, my partner is very interested in photography and particularly birds of prey, is this centre suitable for adults?
Cloneytrippers
Craigavon, UK12 contributions
Had falcons kestrals eagles buzzards and a lot more
rsjctpe
San Jose, CA51 contributions
I will be staying at Dublin, without hiring a car, how can I get here? any suggestion? Thanks
Pouche
Dublin51 contributions
Hi there,
Russborough House is just outside Blessington village and you can get a bus into the village from Dublin (number 65) but you will need to pick up a taxi from there to Russborough House. As far as I know, no public transport goes out that far. Hope this helps.
cvisagie2018
Pretoria, South Africa
What are the opening hours on Friday 27th April?
DnBK77
Clane, Ireland72 contributions
The web site (which is equally acessible to you) says 11-5. There is also a phone number; I would take the precaution of calling to confirm a few days prior your visit.
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NATIONAL BIRD OF PREY CENTRE (Blessington) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about National Bird of Prey Centre
- Hotels near National Bird of Prey Centre:
- (1.23 km) Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort
- (3.93 km) Abhainn Ri
- (2.96 km) Lakeview Lodge Bed & Breakfast
- (15.71 km) Rathsallagh House
- (2.88 km) Tinnycross House B&B
- Restaurants near National Bird of Prey Centre:
- (4.84 km) West Wicklow House
- (4.92 km) Hollywood Inn
- (15.93 km) Jaipore
- (4.66 km) Crafternoon Tea
- (11.22 km) Butt Mullins Restaurant