Eagles Flying in Ballymote have announced that they are opening throughout December 2025!
Nestled in the green hills of South Sligo, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for Raptors and Owls is the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying.
It is situated on more than 27 hectares of mature parklands near Ballymote. Currently it is the home of many different species of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures. There are also many different species of other birds and animals such as deer, skunk and foxes.
The Irish Raptor Research Centre was established in 1999 as an institution for research on birds of prey and in 2003 parts of the area were opened to the public. Now Eagles Flying is one of the major tourist attractions in Ireland, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually to see the spectacular interactive bird shows with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and owls.
Amongst many other awards, Eagles Flying has been awarded the Cerryificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor many times and then for eight years in a row the Travellers Choice Award by Tripadvisor.
There are shows twice daily led by specialists who give information about the biology of these magnificent creatures. During these entertaining interactive bird shows visitors can experience different types of raptors flying right over their head 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 flying to their own hand. Eagles Flying staff developed a very special, friendly way of working with raptors and other animals and there is no risk whatsoever for any member of the audience.
These shows are unique – you have never been that close to raptors! Even rain can not spoil this experience, as shows can be presented indoors.
During the shows, starting at 11 am and 3 pm every day and lasting for approximately one hour, the birds are presented in their natural environment. Before and after the shows, the visitors can walk the park lands and enjoy the birds displayed in aviaries. Staff will give information on the birds and answer questions.
Petting-Zoo
For the ones 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.
CHRISTMAS AT EAGLES FLYING:
IMPORTANT: The opening times are 3.30pm to 5.30 p.m. (Petting Zoo and Birds on the hand only).
No pre-booking, please, just pay on the day.
Please consider:
Minders please do not leave children unattended.
Pets are not allowed into the sanctuary.
