The Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying, located in the verdant hills of south Sligo, is Ireland’s largest sanctuary for raptors and owls. Eagles Flying is set on more than 27 hectares of mature parklands near Ballymote. Many various species of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures now call it home. There are also a variety of other birds and animals, including raccoons and foxes.
The Irish Raptor Study Centre was founded in 1999 as a research facility for birds of prey, and sections of the facility were opened to the public in 2003. Eagles Flying is now one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, bringing tens of thousands of people each year to watch the magnificent interactive bird displays with eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls. Visitors may see several species of raptors flying directly over their heads or landing right near to them during these fascinating interactive bird displays. Some of them have a 3-metre wingspan. Some of them can be touched, and some members of the crowd may even have one fly right into their hands. The crew at Eagles Flying has created a unique, pleasant approach to dealing with raptors and other animals, and there is no risk to any audience members. These displays are one-of-a-kind; you’ve never been so close to raptors before! Even rain will not detract from your enjoyment because the shows are held indoors.
There is also a big supervised Petting-Zoo where visitors can get up close and personal with guinea pigs, pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats, donkeys, ferrets, and many more animals. Tui and Allan, the tame foxes, produce beautiful live fur collars for fashion-savvy females, while Monty, the 4 metre Python, even makes a great scarf for at least 6 people at a time.
The birds are exhibited in their natural surroundings during the performances, which start at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day and run for about an hour. Visitors can enjoy the birds displayed in aviaries or on perches beside the walking path before and after the performances by wandering around the park grounds. Staff will answer questions and provide information about the birds.
