Our summer season runs from 29 March through 7 November inclusive. The sanctuary is open seven days a week during this period.
No pre-booking is required. Simply pay on arrival at the gate.
Please note:
Minders, please do not leave children unattended.
Pets are not allowed in the sanctuary.
Stay safe and see you soon,
YOUR EAGLES FLYING TEAM
Eagles Flying is the attraction for all the family. Excitement, fun, photo opportunities and much more at affordable prices. Nestled in the green hills of South Sligo, Ireland's largest sanctuary for raptors and owls, the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying is situated on more than 27 ha of mature parklands near Ballymote. It is home to many different species of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures, along with deer, skunks, foxes and other animals.
The Irish Raptor Research Centre was established in 1999 as an institution for research on birds of prey. Active raptor conservation and research programmes remain central to our work at the sanctuary. In 2003 parts of the area were opened to the public. Eagles Flying is now one of the major tourist attractions in Ireland, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year to see spectacular interactive bird shows with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and owls. Among many awards, Eagles Flying has received the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and the Travellers' Choice Award for ten years in a row.
Twice daily, specialists train these birds for visitors and share information about the biology of these magnificent creatures. During the entertaining interactive bird shows, visitors can experience different types of raptors flying right over their heads or landing next to them. Some have a wingspan of up to 3 metres. It is also possible to touch some of them, and some members of the audience may even have one fly to their own hand. At Eagles Flying our staff have developed a very special, friendly way of working with raptors and other animals, and there is no risk for any member of the audience.
These shows are unique. You have never been that close to raptors!
Even rain cannot spoil this experience, as shows can be presented indoors.
Programmes start at 10:30 and 2:30 every day and last approximately two hours. The bird shows begin at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., lasting about one hour each. The birds are presented in their natural environment. Before and after the shows, visitors can walk the parklands and enjoy the birds displayed in aviaries. Staff will give information on the birds and answer questions.
Plan Your Visit
Arrive in good time before the 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. bird show so you can find seating and explore the aviaries first. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the parklands and bring a rain jacket if the forecast looks uncertain, as indoor display areas keep the experience going in any weather. Admission is paid at the gate with no advance booking needed. For directions, opening times and rates, see our Information pages or call 00353-(0)85 2690717. Group tours are welcome, with seating for more than 550 people per show.Petting-Zoo
For visitors who prefer it more cuddly, there is also a large supervised Petting-Zoo, see Cuddle our Pet Animals. Here, visitors can get hands-on with guinea-pigs, pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats, donkeys, ferrets, and many more.If you want to support us, we very much appreciate any donation via our Paypal account:
View a Virtual Tour of Eagles Flying Centre