A Short Guide To Visiting Wonderful Eagles Flying In Sligo, Ireland

Ireland, Sligo, , 88 Comments

Last Updated on the 13th of May, 2024

Some might consider birds of prey the bad boys (and girls) of the bird world, but I think it’s unfortunate that they’ve acquired that reputation.

Sure, they are known for their prowess as predators, and their antics for snatching up small animals may seem gruesome, but gifted with sharp talons, keen eyesight and hooked bills, they are among nature’s fascinating creatures.

Throw into a mix a brilliantly graceful flying skills, powerful wings and the ability to use thermals, the wind, and the lay of the land to survive and you’ve got truly remarkable birds.

There are over 560 different species of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons, which can be found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica.

Read More: 11 Amazing Things To Do In Sligo That Will Make You Stay For More

A few of the domestic birds on the site.

Birds of prey are apex predators who spend their lives at the top of the food chain because they have evolved exceptional senses and features that allow them to dominate their prey and conquer any rivals.

They also play an important ecological role in maintaining the environmental health of their natural habitats as they remove old, sick, and weak animals from populations and help keep their numbers under control.

I am sure you have seen a bird of prey in a photo, at a zoo, or if you are lucky –  been mesmerized by these amazing creatures flying across the sky.

If you are keen to experience an up-close encounter with all shapes and sizes of fascinating free-flying falcons, eagles and owls, as well as learn about what specialized features they possess, you could stop by the Eagles Flying, which is a fantastic attraction to add to your Ireland travel itinerary.

Read More: A Local’s Guide To Exploring Wonderful Caves Of Keash In Sligo, Ireland

Seeing owls up close and personal was one of the highlights of the bird show.

What is Eagles Flying

Nestled in the green hills of south Sligo, Eagles Flying is the country’s largest centre for birds of prey and a voluntary-run sanctuary for wildlife and other animals in need.

It was originally established in 1999 as an institution for private research projects on birds of prey by German-born zoologist Lothar F. Muschketat and his wife Regina who arrived in Ireland with the idea to retire.

They brought along a few birds of prey and quietly settled on the farm, but as the world spread and as more and more curious visitors arrived to take a peak at the fascinating birds, they decided to lay a foundation on what later became known as ‘Eagles Flying-the Irish Raptor Research Centre’.

Parts of it were opened to the public in 2003, and a few years later it became one of the major tourist attractions in North West Ireland.

*Fun Fact – For seven years in a row, Eagles Flying was awarded the Travelers Choice Award by Tripadvisor.

Read More: A Local’s Guide To Exploring Beautiful Gleniff Horseshoe Valley In Sligo

Ericeira gently cuddling up with a ferret.

Reasons to Visit Eagles Flying

I have been to four Eagles Flying shows, and I still get a wave of childlike giddiness every time I get the chance to see another one. 

There’s something special about the extraordinary opportunity to be so close to eagles and owls. And not to mention personal interaction with raptors.

While the excitement and plenty of photographic opportunities are guaranteed here, the main reason to visit Eagles Flying is because they are highly educational for the whole family!

The staff do amazing work educating the public on the importance of conservation and the value of all animals to the ecosystem.

As David Attenborough once said: ”No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced”.

Read More: 7 Stunning Sligo Beaches to Visit When You’re In Need Of A Breather

Grey Heron enjoying the show.

Watch the Eagles Flying Show

Did you ever dream about having a bird of prey landing on your bare hand?

Then Eagles Flying, with many eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons can make that dream come true.

The main events are two free-flying shows taking place every day in a specially designed arena where the birds fly around and land on the handler’s glove.

During the highly entertaining and interactive Bird Shows you can experience Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, and Owls swooping right over your head or landing next to you.

On our last visit, Ericeira was thrilled to hold out a gloved hand and have an incredible feathered creature land on it, just a few inches from her face.

However, the highly popular ‘raptor show’ is just one of the things of the project. There is also research carried out at the Birds of Prey Centre as well as time invested into looking after the sick and injured animals.

*Good To Know – The Flying Bird Shows last for about 1 hour

Read More: 20+ Memorable Things To Do In Sligo, For Every Type Of Traveller

Taking part in the show.

Cuddle Up With Guinea Pigs at the Petting Zoo

Once the Bird Show is over, you can linger for a while at the supervised petting zoo.

They are fantastic places to visit as they tend to generate excitement about nature and encourage a love for animals, offering first-hand interaction with the wonderful creatures creatures. 

You can cuddle up with various animals such as mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, lambs, goats, donkeys, gerbils and more.

One of the goats is not shy to pose for a photo.

Behind The Scenes

The last time I watched a birds of prey show at a sanctuary, I couldn’t take my eyes off an eagle casually resting on the handler’s arm.

She managed to engage the audience with every word she said, all while balancing a full-grown eagle in one hand, making me believe that the entire show was effortless.

As my eyes followed the bird, I couldn’t stop thinking about the amount of time and work that goes on behind the scenes.

I mean the birds are living creatures who breathe, eat and sleep.

There are equipment inspections, health checks, and food preparation. There’s cleaning up poop and feeding the birds those scrumptiously bloody chunks of rat, rabbit, mouse, or chick.

Then there’s building a trusting relationship with the bird and devoting time and patience to training it. Memorizing facts and perfecting the cues.

And all that just to see the birds fly for a few minutes.

Read More:  A Fantastic Walk For A Weekend: Benbulben Forest Walk In Beautiful Sligo

Lothar with one of the mighty birds.

Eagles Flying Opening Times

The sanctuary opens its doors from 1st April – 7th November and the visits are divided into time slots – 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for the day.

Live shows start at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day, so make sure you arrive on time.

Before the show starts, you get to walk around the grounds, see the various birds, and talk to the staff who are all enthusiastic and very knowledgeable.

Eagles Flying Admission Prices

  • Adults – €19.90
  • Student(over 16 with ID) – €16.90
  • Children under 3 – Free

How to Get To Eagles Flying

The Irish Raptor Research Centre is located at Templehouse near Ballymote in County Sligo. It’s around 5km west of Ballymote and 24km south of Sligo town.

  • As you leave Ballymote heading for Sligo you will see a sign on your left for Templehouse. Follow the sign. After about 4 miles you will see a sign on your left for Eagles Flying.
  • Coming on the N4 from Dublin or Sligo, turn for Galway (N17) at Toberbridge roundabout. Go through Ballinacarrow and take the second left, there is a sign for EF.
  • Address: Portinch, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Read More: A Fantastic Walk For A Weekend: Hiking Queen Maeve’s Trail In Sligo

Watching an eagle take off during the highly entertaining show.

Interesting Facts About Raptor Birds

Birds of prey are in no way a danger to man. The idea of them attacking children is a complete myth.

Eagles don’t attack live farm animals. They will feed on ones that are already dead, but they won’t attack them.

All raptors essentially eat flesh, but there are some exclusions such as the osprey with its taste for fish, and the honey buzzard, which feasts on bees and wasps.

Females are always bigger than their mates. The male will feed her and the chicks until she starts hunting when her larger size enables her to catch bigger prey.

 A golden eagle can lift 12–15 pounds, almost their full body weight. 

Read More: 10 Essential Items to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip to the Emerald Isle

A beautiful falcon casually resting on the handler’s arm.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to a bird show? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Sligo and have travel-related questions!

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88 thoughts on “A Short Guide To Visiting Wonderful Eagles Flying In Sligo, Ireland”

  1. It’s true that bird shows are becoming more frequent at tourist sites, and it’s a good opportunity for city folk to familiarise themselves with the animals. I hadn’t noticed there was such a bird sanctuary near Sligo.

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    1. Yes, there is and it is a truly wonderful place to stop by if you are visiting Sligo as it makes for a great day out for the whole family. I’ve always been fascinated by birds of prey and their impressive hunting skills of how they circle high in the air over open fields or perch themselves atop tall trees – it takes some amazing eyesight to spot tiny prey animals like mice and snakes from way up there! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Eagles Flying in Sligo is the only place where I’ve been to a bird show several times. We try to go once a year or whenever we have visitors from afar as it makes for a great day out, especially for the kids as they get to interact and learn about the birds of prey. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  3. Such a neat experience! It’s great to see the birds and other animals being so well taken care of. So brave of Ericeira to participate in the show, t hat’s awesome! I think the owls would be my favorite, they’re so cute.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lyssy! The owl was my favourite, too. It flew right over our heads, gently touching my hair with the wings! Ireland is home to around 11 species of raptor, but I have never seen them up close in nature or even flying high up in the sky. Visiting such places as Eagles Flying lets me do it in a fun and educational way, and that’s why I love this place so much. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I love birds, particularly owls, so I was in my element. One of the reasons why we always bring visiting friends and family to the Eagles Flying is for them to see how beautiful and intelligent these birds of prey are. This way, they get to learn and hopefully, respect and care about the birds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It was an amazing experience to visit Eagles Flying, Diana. The staff are very friendly and enthusiastic and easily deliver a lot of valuable information while taking part in the live show, and manage to do so keeping all ages present entertained and involved. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. As a bird lover who gets mesmerized by these wonderful creatures flying across the sky, nothing comes close to seeing one of them land on my arm. By now, I’ve been to Eagles Flying many times and always learn at least one or two new things about the birds of prey. We all enjoyed our last visit and would recommend it as a great place to stop by if you are in Sligo. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  7. It looks like a great centre Aiva. It brings me back to our birds of prey show in Kazakhstan, although it was less of a refuge and more of a training centre. To be so close to those majestic, powerful birds is an amazing experience. Maggie

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    1. It really is an amazing experience to be so close to such incredible birds, especially as we don’t often see them here in Ireland. In addition to looking after birds, they also care for injured wild animals people often bring in. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. That’s a beautiful nickname! We have many places in Ireland where you can experience Hawks, Falcons and Owls in purpose-built Birds of Prey education centres, but we’ve only been to the one in Sligo. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aivaxx

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    1. An opportunity to meet, handle and fly a variety of birds of prey is a fantastic experience, especially for the kids. One of the reasons why we bring our girls to such places is for them to learn everything there is about the birds so they can respect and protect them when they are grown up. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda. Ericeira is always eager to take part in the show and for the past few years it’s always the Barn Owl she has a chance to handle. I find that it is very important to teach young kids about wildlife. We always talk about how we can all help wild animals by making sure they have access to the habitat they need.? It isn’t necessary to know many specific facts about individual species of animals to create an appreciation of wildlife and an understanding of some of the basic workings of the natural world. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. I hope all is well with you and your little family. Aiva 🙂 xx

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  11. Such an interesting venue Aiva. I too think raptors get a bad rap. I love watching the bald eagles in Vancouver, the hawks in the nearby countryside and when I hear our local Merlin Falcon call as he chases the crows, I cheer for the falcon (Oops, did I say that out loud?). Looks like a fun place and I am sure Ericeira enjoyed the visit. Thanks for sharing. Allan

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    1. I love birds and even more so raptors and only wish we could see them in Ireland like people do in Vancouver. Luckily, we have plenty of various venues throughout Ireland where you can get close to them. It’s an experience unlike any other. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  12. Absolutely beautiful!! I love these birds, Aiva. I was at a Falconry show at Adare Manor. I was able to have an Eagle fly on my arm. It was amazing to see all the birds. The owls are beautiful too. Falcons, Eagles… all of them. 💕

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    1. I love these birds, too! It was a truly memorable experience to attend the show and learn all about owls and other birds of prey whilst watching the resident owl fly around, and run on the ground before having a chance to stroke his soft wings. I have to look up the one in Ardare Manor. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. The birds of prey are beautiful and majestic creatures. Watching hawks, eagles, falcons and owl demonstrations and learning lots of interesting facts about the birds is an amazing way to spend a few hours. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  14. Birds of prey are absolutely amazing and mesmerizing. In the PNW where I’m from, there is an abundance of eagles, owls, hawks and other birds of prey. We would see them daily, which was always a thrill. There are many organizations and sanctuaries for injured ones as well, that provide educational resources and interactive activities with the birds. Thanks for sharing this important information. Great post and photos Aiva!

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    1. I can only imagine how exciting it must be to live in a place where you can see the majestic birds of prey daily. But as only 10 % of Ireland is covered in forests and woodlands, they are a rare siting. I know that a Hen Harrier has been spotted in the boglands and that golden eagles have been reintroduced to Donegal, but I’ve never seen them.

      That’s why we try to attend bird shows once a year. This way we get to be close to the Owls and Eagles all while learning fascinating facts, getting involved with answering questions about the birds along watching them swoop over our heads! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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      1. It is pretty amazing to see them daily when we lived in the PNW; unfortunately we don’t see the often in Normandie. The bird shows are so educational and informative; it’s great that you can attend them. Thanks Aiva!

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  16. What a great experience, and so close to home! We often see birds of prey in and around our yard, and it’s such a treat. One time we were sitting out back and saw a bird of prey grab a squirrel or chipmunk from our tree. That was less fun, but still interesting to watch nature unfold. I’ve heard they were considering the turkey as America’s national symbol. Glad they chose the majestic bald eagle instead. Thanks for sharing, Aiva. I hope I get over there one day to check it out.

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    1. I would love to observe birds of prey in their natural habitat chasing after food or just casually resting on a branch from my backyard, but as we live in town, the only birds we see daily are pigeons and shrieking seagulls. I am aware that spotting birds of prey and knowing whether a bird I am squinting at from a distance is a falcon or a wood pigeon, is an acquired skill – I just have to learn it, because at the moment I am quite slow at making those split-second assessments of the birds features, size, colour and behaviour. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I would love to visit a sanctuary of griffon vultures, especially as they are the world’s highest-flying birds and critically endangered species. I have to look up Island Cres as I’ve never heard of it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. I hope all is well. Next week is school midterm, so we are eagerly looking forward to a few days off 🙂 Aiva xx

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  18. Aiva, I have never gone to a bird show like this before, but it looks amazing, and very cool to be able to see them up close like that. You can tell that they really like the people that they are working with too, which is awesome! I also love your goat photo, adorable!

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    1. Thanks so much. I was beyond excited to attend the bird of prey flying demonstration and discover some of the world’s most impressive birds. I also loved the opportunity to meet the team and learn all about the majestic birds of prey. I just have to learn how to spot them out in the wild. The goats were my favourite animals to cuddle up at the petting zoo – they were so friendly and photogenic. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much. It was a fantastic way to spend a day as it was amazing to see birds fly in from overhead and demonstrate natural behaviours such as food foraging, Thanks for stopping by. I hope you had a wonderful Birthday 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly, Luisa. Getting a close-up look and experience with these magnificent birds as they show off their aerial skills is quite unforgettable. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  21. I would love to see an Eagles Flying bird show (the photo of your daughter taking part is priceless). We have many owls and vultures here, but sadly, no eagles. Nice post!

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    1. Thanks so much. It is a wonderful place to visit for the whole family even if it’s raining as they have a specially designed indoor area where to watch the bird show without getting wet. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  22. This sounds like a fabulous place, and your photos are wonderful. Here in Canada we see eagles frequently, and it’s always an exciting moment to watch them soaring and circling looking for dinner. There’s also a place about 1.5 hours drive from Vancouver where dozens of them congregate during the winter so you’re sure to see some. Gorgeous creatures.
    Alison

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    1. I prefer to observe the raptors out in the wild because nothing comes close to seeing birds of prey, especially the majestic eagles, in their natural habitat hunting or cycling high up in the sky. But as in Ireland we don’t have that option, we take the girls to see the bird shows once a year so they can learn about these fascinating birds. Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. We were thrilled to attend the bird show for a rare opportunity to witness and interact with some of the most extraordinary raptors. While we were keen on seeing birds, meeting knowledgeable and passionate keepers, who offer great information and interesting facts about each species, was another highlight. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  26. I live on Vancouver Island, the west coast of Canada, and this post makes me realize how blessed I am to see bald eagles as often as I do. My aunt and I were driving to the ferry once on the Vancouver side, and we counted 18 bald eagles in a tree. It was incredible, and we couldn’t believe what our eyes were seeing! I love that there are places like this that offer an experience for people who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance. And it’s beautiful that they take such great care of the birds and animals – I wish everyone had a heart like theirs. 🥹

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    1. Thank you kindly. It’s one of our favourite places to visit in Sligo as we get to see some truly beautiful birds. I love how during the show the staff encouraged the kids to interact with these majestic creatures. It was a day to remember. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx

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  31. That was such an interesting and informative article! I realised that I knew very little about birds of prey ahah! This seems like an amazing place for wildlife, but also a fantastic experience! I keep thinking that I definitely have to go to this part of Ireland one day to do all of this!

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    1. Thanks so much, Juliette. I always loved birds and have been fascinated by their appearance: their behaviours, their intelligence, and their songs, and therefore I was over the moon about the possibility of visiting the sanctuary. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It is, Marie. As diverse and well-adapted as birds are, they are also fragile, and many species depend on multiple habitats being in suitable conditions at the right point in their life cycles. I believe that humans should be good stewards of nature regardless of the benefits we might directly accrue, and that’s why we always bring the girls to such places so they can learn and know as much as there is about the birds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  35. What a beautiful experience to see these majestic birds up close. I’ve been to something similar in the outback of Australia where eagles fly over the heads of everyone in the audience. They are incredible birds.
    A beautiful memory for your daughter too that will stay with her forever.

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    1. It really was a fantastic experience, Glenys. We usually only see raptors at a distance, so this is a great opportunity for people to see them up close. I have a week spot for owls, but as they normally are night time creatures, to see them, I really have to go to a sanctuary. Ericeira was excited to hold out her hand, she loves owls too, even more so now after such a close encounter. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks so much. I love birds of prey but rarely see them in their natural habitat. We were thrilled to attend the show and learn all about these spectacular birds and marvel at their agility as they brushed right past us. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  37. What a fascinating place – I didn’t know about it. I especially like the owl photos. I find myself looking up after reading, but my skies have crows and an occasional blue jay. Sometimes I can spot an eagle by the lake if I go early in the morning.

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    1. Thanks so much. How amazing that you can see eagles! Owls were and still are my favourite from the bird show – I find they are some of the coolest birds on the planet, but I have yet to see them in the wild. They say that the easiest way to find owls is by following alarm calls made by songbirds around dawn or dusk. I probably just have to learn a few basics about owls & how songbirds react to owls, combined with searching in the right location, at the right time of day. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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