Falconry and hawk walks

Jo Roek

Hi everyone.
I've been researching hawk walks as an xmas present for the bf. There are so many to choose from and they all seem fairly similar, so I'm wondering if anybody knows of one that is exceptionally good or better than the rest?!
I'd be interested in one that includes a static display and/or a flying display also.
We are based in Dublin but this could be done as part of a weekend away so I am open to travelling anywhere in Ireland.
Any recommendations?

DBB

Hi Jo Roek,
I've split your enquiry away from what was a very old thread, and I'll move it to the Nature and Birdwatching forum as I think you're more likely to get the info you want there.
Please not that a different charter applies now.
Thanks,
DBB

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I have been to many of these and they are all very much the same. People will recommend one they were at over others, without experience of the others, but there isn't much to choose between them. Pick one in Wicklow for convenience or head west if you want to make a break of it.

endacl

^^^

Agreed. Also, keep an eye on Living Social etc. Got a falconry experience there for €20 a head for the pair of us. About 3 hours all in, including lecture, flying Harris Hawks, and flight displays.

OpenYourEyes

I got a similar deal to the above via Groupon for these guys: http://www.falconryofireland.com/ . I enjoyed the day, and its very much centred around the practice of falconry.

I've also been to 'Eagles Flying' (http://www.eaglesflying.com/) on the Sligo/Roscommon border - they were probably better than the guys in Wicklow, more of a diversity of birds and just a better space that they're working in. More about the birds in general than falconry, and they have a small pet farm too.

Alun

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

I got a similar deal to the above via Groupon for these guys: http://www.falconryofireland.com/ . I enjoyed the day, and its very much centred around the practice of falconry.

I went there too for my birthday a couple of years ago. Quite a small operation, but we were the only two there, and it was very hands on, with us being allowed to fly the Harris Hawks ourselves. It wasn't the best of days for flying them, and it had already been cancelled twice due to rain, but we certainly enjoyed it.

Narsil

If you want to head away for the weekend, try visiting the Ballyhoura area of the Limerick countryside. Beautiful area and also home to Ballyhoura falconry. It is run by a couple who rehabilitate all wildlife and have many to see along with their hawks and falcons. They are brilliant people!

https://www.facebook.com/ballyhourafalconry?fref=ts

http://www.animalmagic.ie/index.php?cmsID=422

I have tried the falconry in Ashford castle years ago and that was fun too, but a bit expensive!

Westernyelp

I did the one in Ashford Castle, Mayo. very enjoyable in a beautiful setting

Jo Roek

Guys thanks so much for all the helpful replies.

I was thinking Ashford Castle was a bit too expensive alright!

I'd be less interested in the falconry aspect of it and more interested in learning about the birds/looking at the birds, so I'll definitely check out the eaglesflying website.

I'll be keeping an eye on groupon also.

Thanks again

Jo

friedcircuits

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

I've also been to 'Eagles Flying' (http://www.eaglesflying.com/) on the Sligo/Roscommon border - they were probably better than the guys in Wicklow, more of a diversity of birds and just a better space that they're working in. More about the birds in general than falconry, and they have a small pet farm too.

Sligo/Roscommon border? It's in Co. Sligo - Ballymote!

OpenYourEyes

friedcircuits wrote: »

Sligo/Roscommon border? It's in Co. Sligo - Ballymote!

You're right, sorry, I just remember it being a short hop from Boyle is all!

friedcircuits

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

You're right, sorry, I just remember it being a short hop from Boyle is all!

LOL not giving out! I live 15mins from it - Love the place!