Honestly I can bearly put into words just how much enjoyment I had during the experience. I booked... read more
Honestly I can bearly put into words just how much enjoyment I had during the experience. I booked... read more
All the staff at the National Bird of Prey Centre at Russborough House were extremely friendly from... read more
We had an amazing day on Sunday with our guide Donal on the owl experience. He was extremely knowledgeable and an absolute gent! Would highly recommend the National Bird of Prey Centre.
This was the second time we have visited the national bird of prey centre in the stunning Russborough house County Wicklow. The house itself is worth visiting, the architecture and art collection, the gardens and lovely gift and coffee shop.
The bird of prey centre is part of the estate. There are all different kind of birds, birds of prey, owls, ...
We book an owl experience with the very kind and knowledgeable Donal. He showed us around and explaining all the different birds to us. He brought out a good few different types of owls for us to admire and hold. We were also brought on a hawk walk, the very charming hawk accompanying us, landing on our arms, fetching items in mid air.
Easily booked online. A great experience for all bird lovers.
So great an experience - a review of the Hawk Walk won't do it justice. Having a harrier hawk glide towards you at speed and then land gently on your arm is not easily described - just makes your heart soar. The introduction to resident birds of prey, combined with insights into the centre's work in education and conservation, and a rundown on the ancient sport of falconery added hugely to an afternoon that was both exhilarating and educational.
Honestly wasn't sure I'd enjoy this but wanted to treat my friend to a gift I thought she'd enjoy. She was enthralled as was l. Big shout out to our expert and passionate guide Donal. Highly recommended.
As my wife is a huge fan of owls I was very happy to discover the National Bird of Prey centre. I booked the owl experience were a highly knowledgeable expert with talk you through several owls. During the talk you will be allowed to handle some of the birds.
After the talk you are brought out to a field where you are able to fly an owl. Once you are finished flying the owl you are brought on a tour of all the other birds in the centre. There are even some celebrity birds there with one of the eagles appearing in numerous shows including "Vikings".
The centre also nurses birds that are injured back to health and appears to be involved with the reintroduction of birds of prey to Ireland. It was also nice to hear them explain the danger of rat poisons to these animals as it is something people might not have though about.
We booked a hawk walk for our family of 4. We started with a group learning about the different birds at the centre which was very informative and we all had a favourite! It was then time to meet some birds individually and maybe have a pat but our hawk, Maggie, was ready for her walk. The weather wasn’t kind to us as it was blowing a little to much for her to fly comfortably but our guide was amazing, we moved locations a number of times to suit Maggie and we all had a number of opportunities to call her and have land on us. There were plenty of treats for her and we got some great photos. We headed back to the centre and as we had missed the interaction with the other birds we then experienced a personal interaction with a number of owls including a gorgeous baby barn owl. Would highly recommend, my children now want to move to Ireland so they can learn the art of falconry!
A wonderful experience, Learned so much about the different birds and I was fascinated by the golden eagle James. We were given a tour and had our many questions answered by the lovely Carol. We got hold the birds and take selfie's too!! Would highly recommend for a family day out. Will be back again!